Passport and visa information:
Many travellers do not require a visa for short visits. e.g
- 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
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Airport code: Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT)
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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:
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Fresh fruit & vegetables
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Meat (fresh, dried, cured)
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Dairy products (cheese, milk, butter)
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Nuts, seeds, grains
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Honey
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Homemade or packaged food
Even things like:
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An apple from the plane
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Trail snacks for trekking
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Sandwiches
If in doubt: DECLARE IT
Currency
The official currency of Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
Cards widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard)
Cash is necessary for tipping drivers, hotel porters, Ancestral Staff etc.
ATMS in Puerto Natales
Tipping
Tipping is expected.
Restaurants: Standard tip: 10% of the bill. Often automatically suggested on the bill as “propina”
Ancestral staff we will advise US$.
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
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Can feel much colder than the actual temperature
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Strongest from October to April (trekking season)
Spring (Sept – Nov)
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Temps: 5°C to 15°C
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Snow still possible
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Fewer crowds
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Windy
Summer (Dec – Feb) – Peak trekking season
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Temps: 8°C to 20°C
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Long daylight (up to 17 hours)
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Strong winds
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Occasional rain
Autumn (Mar – Apr)
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Temps: 5°C to 15°C
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Stunning fall colours
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Less wind than summer
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Cooler nights
Best balance of weather and fewer crowds
Dress
Please refer to our Gear List. Most important that you have everything listed.
Electrical Voltage
Standard voltage & frequency
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Voltage: 220V
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Frequency: 50 Hz
This is the same as most of Europe and Australia/New Zealand.
Plug type Chile mainly uses
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Type C (two round pins)
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Type L (three round pins in a line)
Please take an adapter.
Health Regulations
Please go to your Dr and request recommended inoculations. For Patagonia if you are up to date with all vaccinations this should be sufficient. If travelling into other areas of South America more medications/vaccinations may be required.
Medical Services/Requirements
Dental, doctors and hospital services are available in all major centers. Private Hospitals are very good and would be our first choice if trekkers had an accident or became ill.
Religion
Predominately Christian.
Travel/Medical Insurance
Is compulsory prior to joining any Ancestral groups.