Collection · 6 stories

Patagonia Essentials

Everything you need before the W Trek and El Chaltén: routes, refugios, ice and the right kit.

Publisher Andes Trails
Updated 11 Oct

Patagonia Essentials

In this collection

In the publisher's order
1
The three granite towers of Paine above their glacial lake
GuideTorres del Paine
13 minBe the first to review

The W Trek in Torres del Paine

Our complete guide to Patagonia's most famous trek: direction, refugios and campsites, the Base Torres climb and how to deal with the weather.
Publisher Andes Trails
2
The wooden refugio at Camp Chileno in Torres del Paine
Stay
Be the first to review

Refugios and Campsites on the W Trek

Who runs which site, what a full-board refugio night includes and why Chileno and Francés sell out first. Our guide to sleeping on the W.
Publisher Andes Trails
3
Fitz Roy rising above the blue Laguna de los Tres
GuideEl Chaltén
9 min
4.0 out of 5

El Chaltén and the Fitz Roy Day Hikes

Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre and Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: the best day hikes from El Chaltén, with no permits, no fees and no bookings.
Publisher Andes Trails
4
Roped trekkers in crampons on the Perito Moreno glacier
ActivityEl Calafate
3.0 out of 5

Walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier

The boardwalks are spectacular, but nothing compares to strapping on crampons and walking across the ice of the Perito Moreno itself.
Publisher Andes Trails
5
The dark-capped Cuernos del Paine over Lake Pehoé
Article
7 minBe the first to review

Packing for Patagonia: The List We Give Our Groups

Patagonian weather changes by the hour. Here is the exact kit list we send to everyone joining a W Trek or Fitz Roy departure, and why each item is on it.
Publisher Andes Trails
6
Two pairs of hiking boots, one worn and taped, one new
Article
8 min
5.0 out of 5

Gear Review: Five Trekking Boots on the W and the Inca Trail

We gave five pairs of mid-weight boots to guides in Cusco and Puerto Natales and asked them to walk until something broke. Here is what survived.
Publisher Andes Trails

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