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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2015 10:42:58 GMT -8
Hello BP Basecamp,
I am planning a backpacking trip of 4 weeks in Patagonia and I am finding so many spots I would like to visit that I am having a hard time making a choice. Four weeks are really not enough for all of them and sadly I don't have more time than that. So, by any chance has someone of you been to Patagonia already and can provide some personal experiences to make my planning a little easier? I would love to hear from you guys =)
Moritz
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Nov 14, 2015 14:54:41 GMT -8
Greetings!
I'm currently in northern Chile, but headed to the Aysen region late next week.
You're right - 4 weeks is a long trip but not nearly long enough. "Going to Patagonia" is like "going to Alaska" or "going to Mongolia" - they're huge, and you just can't do it all in one trip.
If you go to the classic places you'll be with a LOT of other people, but they'll be there for the same reason as you - it's spectacular. But the "lesser" locations are great as well, they just don't have Cerro Torre. They have less than 10% of the people at Torres del Paine, too. (Big grin)
Look at other parks, other places. I'll be spending about 3 weeks in and around the new Patagonia Park, and there are many other options. Baker river (I hope to get on it, maybe do some fishing). Pumalin Park, and more.
If you have "must see" locations, put them in your plan. Then decide what else - not necessarily where else - you want to see. Rivers, mountains, glaciers, guanacos, rheas, condors, etc.
Then go from there. Try to minimize travel time. Spending 30% of your time on a bus is a lot.
Be flexible. In 4 weeks something will go wrong. Have a backup plan or two. If an unexpected opportunity comes up, don't be afraid to take it.
I'll be pretty much out of touch the next few weeks, but feel free to ask more questions and I'll try to answer when/if I can.
And have a great time!
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Post by trekkerman on Nov 14, 2015 15:35:44 GMT -8
Whatever you do don't miss Mt Fitzroy in Los Glaciares NP (Argentina). Its breathtaking. You can take the bus to El Chalten from El Calafate. (Moreno Glacier.) Lots of great day hikes right from your hostel in El Chalten. If you go to Torres del Paine doing the "W" rather than the complete Paine Circuit will be plenty fulfilling. I took the long bus ride from El Chalten back through El Calafate and on to Puerto Natales (Chile) in one long day. I flew Atlanta to BA then on to El Calfate, bussed to El Chalten, then bussed to Puerto Natales. Did the Paine Circuit then flew from Puerto Arenas to Santiago and on back to the states. Buses were clean, on time, and fairly priced. The reasonably priced wonderful seafood in Puerto Natales is reason enough to go down there.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2015 5:43:58 GMT -8
Hey Guys,
Thank you so much for your answers, I will definitely try to visit the less crowded places while still getting Fitz Roy and the Paine Trek. Have Good day,
Moritz
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2016 9:31:54 GMT -8
Hey Patagonia experts,
I've got another quick question. I will be hiking the Torres del Paine full circuit in March this year and the guides I have read so far say that were will be places to cook at most camp sites. Does this mean that there will be cooking tools such as a gasoline stove there or do I need to bring my own one?
Looking forward to hearing from you =)
Moritz
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Post by trekkerman on Feb 24, 2016 8:45:06 GMT -8
Take a stove. You do NOT need a guide. Prepare for cold and rain/snow. TAKE A STOVE. If time is a factor just do the "W". The only major thing you will miss is the Great Grey Glacier. Wish I had spent more time at Valley Francis. I assume you are tenting. When we tented at hostels they allowed us to hang out inside and eat inside, but had to cook outside. Beer available at hostels. Enjoy! Trekkerman
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Post by damu21 on Oct 5, 2017 5:06:49 GMT -8
i am considering doing the torres del paine full circuit solo in april. obviously it looks like an incredible place to visit, but ive heard its becoming a bit commercialized.. is there any chacne i will be diappointed? i find it tough to believe i will. what are my chances for solitude in april? do i need advance reservations in april for tent camping? anything else i should know/consider?
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