- What if I travel by myself?
 No problem if travelling solo. We have set group departure dates that you can join (maximum 8 guests), or set up a departure date according to your schedule and share the group. We publish your date on our web and work with you to fill the group. Our price policy is based on double rooms. So, you have to be ready to share a room or tent (with someone of the same gender) or if you would like a single room, a supplement will have to be paid and this will vary according to the excursion. |
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- What is the maximum number of guests in each group?
We travel with 8 people maximum, in our set departure trips, aiming to guarantee a personalized service. However, if you are planning to travel with family or friends, we can work with you to arrange a private tour for any size group. |
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- What kind of accomodations do you offer on your trips
Depending on the tour you select, you will sleep in a tent, mountain lodge, estancia or hostería or hotel:
Camp: Our campsites all have first class equipment, of internationally known brands, suitable for extreme weather conditions. We use three man tents for 2 people so there is a comfortable space to share.
Mountain Lodges (refugios): Strategically located along the most popular hikes, they are cozy accommodations, having rooms for 6 (bunk bed style) with shared bathroom and hot water. Meals are hearty and taken communal style. Generally when camping near refugios, our meals are taken here. Estancia/Hosteria & Lodge/Hotel: Estancia's are converted ranch houses that offer rustic and cozy accommodations. Hosterias & Lodges are small hotels, some might be converted estancia structures, all with private bath and located in privileged locations in and around the park. Hotels are full service accommodations with a greater availability of rooms. For a more detail see your specific trip itinerary or ask for more information. |
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- Can I travel with my children?
Traveling with your children can be an exciting, educational and beautiful experience. We recommend you contact us so we can arrange a suitable tour for your family. For our set departure trips, Chile Nativo requires children to be over the age of 12. |
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- What kind of meals are included in the excursions?
Meals prepared by Chile Nativo are based on fresh and natural products, as well as a balanced diet in accordance with the physical effort day by day. Our famous box lunches include smoke salmon, home made bread, different kind of cheeses, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, trail mix, fruits, coffee, tea, milk, honey and even Baileys!
On camping trips, when camping near a Refugio, breakfast and dinner are usually taken there, while box lunches are prepared by Chile Nativo. Some of our excursions allow us to enjoy an authentic lamb barbecue, Patagonian style (see the icon in the summary of the trip).
If you have any special dietary requirements, are a vegetarian or have food allergies, please let us know in advance. |
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- What shall I take with me?
When signing up for one of our trips we will send you a detailed pack list according to the type of trip you will be taking and what part of Chile you are visiting.
Also see what is included and not in each itinerary (see "Trip Detail"). We recommend the following links for purchasing gear before your trip:
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- Who are my guides?
For trips in Chilean Patagonia, Chile Nativo uses our own set of guides who live in Patagonia all year round and are periodically trained on subjects related to: flora, fauna, geology, glaciology and history. Each of them has been trained to a professional standard in first aid (WFR).
For more information about them, go to staff.
When we organize a trip for you in other destinations we work with first class professional tour operators and their guides to offer you a Chile Nativo level of service. |
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- How difficult are the trips?
Our hiking trips are suitable for people in a good physical condition, who are used to walking. The horse rides are for those with experience, and not for those wanting to learn how to ride a horse. Riders should feel comfortable in the saddle and bit fit enough to ride for 4-6 hours per day. Additional information is available by checking each individual trip and it's trip level rating or by asking us about our softer tour options. |
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- What is the reservation policy?
An initial deposit of 25% of the trip cost per person is required to make a booking effective. Upon receipt of the deposit, a pro-forma invoice (receipt of payment) will be issued, and sent to the client. The final payment is due on or before 75 days before the trip start. Terms and Conditions |
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- Do I need travel insurance?
Yes we highly recommend taking out additional travel and health insurance while traveling in Chile and require it for trips located in remote and isolated areas, and one with extreme weather conditions such as Patagonia. When you fill the contact form we ask you for the Travel insurance info, so we have the phone numbers with us.
We recommend:
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- What kind of transport is used?
We use van-type vehicles or small SUV's, (depending on the size of your group) to transport our guests and pick-up trucks for logistical support. All our vehicles have air condition and VHF radio communication with our main office. |
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- What kind of communication is used on the trips?
All our vehicles and guides are equipped with VHF band radio equipment, allowing us to be in permanent contact with our main offices and relevant authorities. There is currently no cell reception near or inside the Torres del Paine National Park boundaries. If the pace we are going to visit is remote we bring a satellite phone for emergencies. |
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- Would you recommend that we stay additional days in the area?
We recommend that you stay at least one day in Santiago or in Punta Arenas, to be able to rest before the trip. For extension options and more information contact us. |
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- How can I pay for a trip?
Payment method is by wire transfer from your bank to our bank in Chile. See Terms and Conditions |
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- Is the water safe to drink in Patagonia?
We use water from rivers and streams during our journeys, which are completely safe and clean, and we have never had any problems with our guests. The natural waters in the park are free from parasites. If by any chance you do not feel comfortable drinking this water, we suggest that you bring some purifying pills with you. |
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- What is the weather like in southern Patagonia?
The weather is famous in Patagonia; you might feel 4-seasons in one day, including variable winds, sun, rain or snow and erratic temperature changes. In summer months (Oct-April) temperatures vary in the highs from 18-20 degrees Celsius (67-74 F) to lows in the night of 8-12 degrees Celsius (45-55 F). The days are long alowing for maximum enjoyment of the outdoors, with light until 11 pm around the summer equinox, December 21st. In the winter the winds die down and while the temperatures become cooler and there is a high probability of snow, there is a great chance of stable weather. Average high temperatures range from 14-16 C (55-60F) to lows in the 3-4 C (35-40F) range. The daylight is shorter but there is ample time to explore the trails. |
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- Do you organize private tours?
Yes, we organize private tours. If there is a set group departure date that you would like to make private (additional fees may apply for groups under 8) or if you are looking for a tailor-made trip to suit your individual interests, we help with the arrangements. Contact us to reserve your private group or complete our tailor-made form.
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- Why should I travel with your company?
We are a small company made up of mountain guides and professional travel experts, with a great deal of experience in the area and in organizing travel itineraries. We have a passion for our country and specifically Patagonia. Our guides are inventive chefs, avid naturalists, companions in adventure and professionals in their job. We’ve created new tour alternatives allowing you to enjoy our country in a wise and safe way. We believe the best way to travel is in small groups (maximum 8 guests) to optimize our personalized service. up |
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- What kind of saddles are used for horse riding?
The saddles used are Chilean style, which are similar to the ones used in Texas without the horn in the front, and stirrups with a closed toe. They are usually covered in a soft layer of sheep skin for extra padding. These are very comfortable and are designed for long journeys. |
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- What kind of horses are used?
We use Criollo horses, descendants of the Barb and Andalusian horses imported by the spanish conquerers. They are strong and sure-footed and adapted to the harsh Patagonian terrain. |
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- Do I need a visa to enter into Chile?
We recommend checking with your local consulate or embassy for the most up to date information.
Visa: No visa is necessary when you travel to Chile, only a valid passport. When entering Chile (By cruise, vehicle or plane), at customs, you'll need to fill out a Tourist Card that allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days and will allow multiple entries. You'll need to show this Tourist Card to Customs when leaving the country as well, so be sure you don't lose it. ENTRY FEE: ONLY WHEN ENTERING AT THE SANTIAGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT There is a reciprocity fee to be paid in cash or credit card for citizens of the following countries: USA (US$131), Canada (US$132), Mexico (US$23), Australia (US$61), Albania (US$30). The one-time charge is good for the life of your passport. Make sure to pay this before passing through the passport check line. TAXES: Hotels waive Chile's 19% sales tax applied to rooms when the guest shows the tourist card and pays with U.S. dollars. |
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