Passport and visa information:
Many travelers do not require a visa for short visits.
-
Citizens of countries like:
-
Australia, New Zealand
-
USA, Canada
-
UK & EU countries
-
Most of South America
Please complete digital declaration before arriving in Chile. https://dj.sag.gob.cl/declaracion-jurada
​Accommodation Address in Puerto Natales
Noi Indigo Hotel
Ladnilleros 105, 5661000
Puerto Natales,
Chile
Airport
- Location: About 7 km (15 min drive) from Puerto Natales town
-
Airport code: Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT)
-
Type: Small regional airport (main gateway to Patagonia)
- Ancestral Patagonia will meet and greet trekkers and transfer to accommodation
Customs & Quarantine
You must declare ALL food, plant, and animal products—even small amounts.
Common confiscated items strictly controlled:
-
Fresh fruit & vegetables
-
Meat (fresh, dried, cured)
-
Dairy products (cheese, milk, butter)
-
Nuts, seeds, grains
-
Honey
-
Homemade or packaged food
Even things like:
-
An apple from the plane
-
Trail snacks for trekking
-
Sandwiches
If in doubt: DECLARE IT
Currency
The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
Paying in Chile
-
Cards widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard)
-
Cash still important, especially in:
-
Puerto Natales
-
Small towns & trekking areas
-
Local markets
- ATMs available in cities (limits can be low)
- Best to withdraw in small notes if possible
Climate in Torres del Paine National Park
The climate here is wild, unpredictable, and part of the adventure. You can genuinely experience four seasons in one day—especially if you’re trekking the W or O Circuit.
There is always strong influence from the Southern Andes and Southern Ocean. Famous for extreme winds.
- Winds regularly hit 60–100 km/h
-
Can feel much colder than the actual temperature
-
Strongest from October to April (trekking season)
Spring (Sept – Nov)
-
Temps: 5°C to 15°C
-
Snow still possible
-
Fewer crowds
-
Windy
Summer (Dec – Feb) – Peak trekking season
-
Temps: 8°C to 20°C
-
Long daylight (up to 17 hours)
-
Strong winds
-
Occasional rain
Autumn (Mar – Apr)
-
Temps: 5°C to 15°C
-
Stunning fall colours
-
Less wind than summer
-
Cooler nights
Best balance of weather and fewer crowds
Dress
Please refer to our Gear List. Most important that you have everything listed.
Tipping
Tipping is expected.
Restaurants: Standard tip: 10% of the bill. Often automatically suggested on the bill as “propina”
Transportation
Transportation is mostly by air across PNG. A good network of roads connects the Northern zone and the Highlands region. Hire and rental cars, local boats and ferries, taxis in larger towns, plus local buses. There is no road link between the northern zone and the capital, Port Moresby because of the rugged nature of the terrain.
Electrical Voltage
Standard voltage & frequency
-
Voltage: 220V
-
Frequency: 50 Hz
This is the same as most of Europe and Australia/New Zealand.
Plug type Chile mainly uses:
-
Type C (two round pins)
-
Type L (three round pins in a line)
Please take an adapter.
Health Regulations
Certification or vaccination against yellow fever or cholera is required for travelers over one year of age coming from or through infected areas. Malaria is the only serious health risk. Visitors are strongly advised to consult your local doctor or tropical disease clinic to commence anti-malarial preparations before arrival. Water quality is within World Health Organization standards in most towns. Advised to drink bottled water to be on the safe side. In rural areas it is advisable to boil water at all times or use purification tablets. Please go to your Dr and request recommended inoculations prior to visiting PNG.
Medical Services/Requirements
Dental, doctors and hospital services are available in all major centers. Medical clinics and aid posts are found in remote areas and several hospitals are privately owned. New Year's Day - 1st January, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Queens Birthday - 13th June, Remembrance Day - 21st July, Independence Day - 16th September, Christmas Day - 25th December, Boxing Day - 26th December.
Religion
Local traditional beliefs and ceremonies are maintained in remote areas; however, Christian influence is predominant.
Telecommunication
Papua New Guinea has modern satellite communications, which have brought the world closer at the touch of a few buttons. ISD and STD dialing are available in most parts of the country.
Time Zone
PNG is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Media
Papua New Guinea has two daily English Language newspapers - the Post Courier and the National Newspaper.
Travel/Medical Insurance
Do not come to Papua New Guinea without insurance, this is very important.
Trekkers:
Final Gear Check
Use our equipment list to check off everything that you need. Maybe get someone to check it for you as well. For Kokoda trekkers only we will check your gear when you get to Port Moresby.
You will need casual clothes and footwear for in Moresby. Make sure you bring another lockable bag, can be a soft bag so you can leave your "City/Travel Clothes" and valuables in it if this is required for any of our expeditions.
Make sure when you are booking in at the airport that your back pack is strapped up or is in a tote bag. Airlines tend to be tough on anything that is hanging lose. You do not want the straps of your back pack torn off.
Trekking poles need to be in your pack.
Declare all food coming into PNG.
Flight time to Port Moresby from Brisbane is 3 hours and from Cairns 1 1/2 hours.
If unfamiliar with Brisbane Airport please go onto: http://bne.com.au/terminal-guide/terminal-maps
Please wear your boots on the plane. If trekkers are unfortunate enough to have their luggage go missing which happens occasionally we can pretty much deck out a trekker in gear except for their boots. This is not an ideal situation for any trekker to be in.
Flight Home
After the trek has finished, the afternoon before you connect with your international flight home please:
Airport Transfer: Please book your airport transfer with the Hotel the day before you are flying out. Follow up before you go to bed that evening. Hotels are all within 10-15 minutes drive from the International/Domestic terminals.
PNG International Terminal: Like any other international terminal throughout the world your luggage will be scanned. The Boarding Lounge at Jacksons Airport has cafeteria's, bars, duty free shopping. There is also a Qantas Club Lounge if a member.
On arrival in Australia: It is a given that customs will most likely want to inspect your boots and poles for dirt. Please make sure you clean them the day before traveling. You will be charged a fee if Australian Customs have to clean any of your gear.
Any Artifacts that you may have purchased in PNG will have to be declared.
Try to avoid having any Kina to change back to Australian dollars. The exchange rate will certainly not be in your favour.