Hiking Patagonia

Phil-X-

Phil-X-

Active member
So I was just talking to my dad and he said he wants our next expedition to be to Argentina, in order to backpack and hike the Patagonia Mountains and surrounding area. Generally he finds out the majority about our trips and I do minimal research. Thought I might try and actually take some responsibility on this time and help plan/organize.

So my question to you guys, anyone been in the area or have some experience out there?

Looking for recommendations on hikes and sights, any good hostels or lodging in the area, condition of the national park, etc. Of course we're going to plan this in much more detail later on, but Id like to hear some input from you guys.

I'll leave you all with this beauty, I'm so fucking excited.

Patagonia.jpg


 
As a climber, it is obviously a dream destination. I know that for climbers (not sure about backpackers/hikers), the town that everyone bases out of is El Charleton. My spelling could be a bit off.
 
Yea, man. I would love to make it out there to climb. Looks so fucking sick. Fuckin mad jealous phil..
 
I was gonna say 'You lucky fucker', but that works.

I'm jealous. Don't plan in advance. That's all the advice I can give you.
 
I'm very grateful that my family enjoys traveling and that they allow me to experience the world with them. My parents work hard and earn their vacations so I feel that they deserve this kinda stuff.
 
The national park is really nice. There has been some amazing volunteer work done there in the past few years. I am thinking about volunteering in the next year, and doing some trail building.
http://www.conservacionpatagonica.org

also, watch the film 180˚ south. some good climbing shots of Patagonia.

Enjoy the trip!

 
That picture's taken in parque nacional torres del paine. I went down there and did the full circuit trek (took us 6 days) on the tail end of a month-long trip through Santiago, Valparaiso, Pichilemu, Pucon, and the Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine area.

Torres del Paine is awesome, but you should know it's a massive tourist destination. To handle the crowds, everybody has to stay on the trail (except for climbers w/ permits), camp at designated campsites (most of which cost money and feel like small towns) and no fires are allowed. These rules are all in place for good reason, but it does detract from the experience. Expect to see at least 90% foreigners while in the park. Lots of Aussies, Kiwis, Europeans, and Americans. I speak Spanish but it wasn't necessary for that part of the trip. The trail is marked well enough that a compass and navigation skills aren't needed in the least. Come prepared for crazy winds, sideways rain, and wintery nights and you'll be fine. Most campsites have a refugio (cabin-like lodge) that you can stay in for a pretty penny. don't do that! bring all your camping gear and it's a way better experience. Also be sure to do the full circuit trek rather than the abbreviated "W" route. The circuit's backside is beautifully open and lacks the crowds of the frontside In hindsight, the scenery was other-worldly yet I'd do more research and find a trek with less crowds and more of a backcountry experience.

here's a few quick shots i got:

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Are you guys planning on heading down there for just the trek, or also exploring more of Chile/Argentina? There's such a variety that it'd be a shame to head down, hike for a week, and immediately fly back. The tourism system in Chile is so well set up that getting around the country is no problem, and hostels are reasonably priced and widely available. Buses are nicer than here, and way cheaper as well. Just don't to Chile for the food haha. Grab a travel guide and find regions you're interested in before diving deep in and finding exact towns. I'd recommend avoiding anything in big, bold letters of a Lonely Planet guide.

Anyway, there's so much to explain that I'm sure I missed a point or 50. Feel free to shoot me a PM or reply in this thread!

 
Thank you a ton for all of that, exactly what I was looking for. I may shoot you a PM in a while, but thanks again
 
haha right? and it makes me strive to be able to do the same when I have a family, sucks for you polarpeak.
 
Haha don't get me wrong, it is very cool that you are doing this, and I would be just as proud If I could afford it at this point.
 
Threads as I am in Chile skiing right now and might go down to Torres del Pain in a few weeks.
 
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