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WHAT IS PATAGONIA? Patagonia is an extensive territory in the south of the southern cone of America, where the Tehuelche or Aonikenk people lived.
The first encounter between the white man and the native peoples took place in 1520, when Fernando de Magallanes, discoverer of the strait that bears his name, spotted some strong and tall indigenous people he baptized as Patagones, for their great footsteps, giving rise to so to the name Patagonia.
This people were the Aonikenk, whose average height was 1.80 m. known for their great stature, these inhabitants were nomadic hunters, who entered when the ice of the last glaciation was retreating. They occupied the steppes from the Santa Cruz River in Argentina, to the North, to the Strait of Magellan, to the South.
HOW IS THE WEATHER? In variable end, this is its main characteristic. The days fluctuate between wind and total calm, warm and cold air, a little rain, another little sun, all in a single day. Summer runs from December to March, winds are frequent and sometimes very intense, days are long, reaching 18 hours of light in December. Temperatures vary widely depending on the area but there are no extremes, which gives average annual temperatures between 3 ºC and 7 ºC.
During the summer months, December to March, the average temperatures are between 6 ºC and 12 ºC. Our mid-season, spring and autumn, correspond to the months of September to December and March to June, respectively. The weather is a bit colder than summer, but without temperatures below 0 ° C. Winter extends from June to August and is characterized by its dark days, with little sun and little wind. Temperatures are around 0 ° C. The average of the coldest month varies between -1 ºC to 1 ºC, with around 7 hours of light in June.
IS THERE A LOT OF WIND IN PATAGONIA? Patagonia is an area of constant wind, especially during spring and summer, but for short periods of time. It does not represent any risk.
ARE PAYMENTS ACCEPTED WITH CREDIT CARD? Most commercial and tourist establishments receive international credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express; Visa Electron and Maestro debit cards. In some rural areas, where there are communication difficulties, they do not receive credit or debit cards.
CAN I PAY DIRECTLY IN USD OR EUR? Many establishments receive dollars, the use of Euros is not yet well established. There are exchange houses that receive USD and EUR, also local banks where it is possible to exchange money.
WHAT IS THE BANKING AND COMMERCE SCHEDULE? Banks:
Monday to Friday from 09:00 hrs. at 2:00 p.m.
Commerce:
Monday to Friday
Tomorrow: 10:00 a.m. at 1:00 p.m.
Afternoon: 3:00 p.m. at 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. at 1:00 p.m.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL CURRENCY? The national currency is the Chilean Peso. Its currencies are: 10, 50, 100, 500 pesos. Tickets: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 pesos.
DO TOURISTS PAY ANY KIND OF TAX? When paying in dollars, tourists are exempt from paying tax for accommodation services. For the rest of the products or services they must pay 19% VAT (Value Added Tax).
HOW IS THE ELECTRICITY SYSTEM IN CHILE? Electricity: 220 V 10 Amp.
WHAT ARE THE TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES? Calls can be made to all parts of the world from Call Centers of different telephone carriers. Most hotels and lodgings have national and international direct dialing systems.
ARE VACCINES REQUIRED TO ENTER PATAGONIA-CHILE? Although today it is not necessary to get vaccinated to enter Patagonia or any other destination in Chile, it is always advisable to get information in the country of origin.
Should I book before doing any of the circuits in Torres del Paine? If you want to do trekking in the W circuit, Base Torres or Paine Massif, you must enter the official website of this park and see availability according to your itinerary:
http://www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl/es/sistema-de-reserva-de-campamentos-1
ACCESS
SCHEDULE 
TRANSPORT
BY AIRYou can access Punta Arenas by air from Santiago, Puerto Montt and Balmaceda, landing at the Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport, located 20 kms. North of the Patagonian capital.
From the airport to the city center you can reach the north highway, Route 9, in an estimated time of 25 to 30 minutes.
BY LANDMost vehicles from other regions of Chile and Argentina enter using Route 255, Monte Aymond – Punta Arenas, after transit through Argentine territory.
BY SEAThrough a ferry, specially conditioned for the transport of passengers, vehicles and cargo, it is possible to access Puerto Natales from Puerto Montt. The journey lasts four days and three nights.
BY AIRTo reach the capital of Tierra del Fuego Province there are daily flights (except Sundays), which last approximately 15 minutes, from Punta Arenas to Porvenir.
BY LANDTo get to Porvenir it is necessary to cross the mighty Estrecho de Magallanes to Tierra del Fuego, it is necessary to embark on ferries that depart from Tres Puentes, in the city of Punta Arenas, or in Angostura, distant 170 kms from Punta Arenas, boats have accommodations for both passengers and vehicles.
BY SEAFrom Punta Arenas the Estrecho de Magallanes is crossed in a ferry specially equipped for the transport of passengers and vehicles. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and a half, every day (except Mondays).
In Cerro Sombrero, the crossing of the barge of Bahía Azul is located here, it is carried out every day and lasts approximately 20 minutes. This crossing connects the continent with Tierra del Fuego and is a second option to cross to Porvenir and Tierra del Fuego to reach Pampa Guanaco (South of Tierra del Fuego), where it is the beginning of one of the major parts Tourist interest of the Island.
BY AIRIt is possible to get to Puerto Natales by air, from Santiago or Puerto Montt. the frequencies, depending on the airline, operate from September to April each year. The flight, depending on the plane and if the flight has a stopover, has an average duration (in direct flight) of 3 hours and 20 minutes. Arrival is at Teniente Julio Gallardo airport, located 7 km from the city of Puerto Natales, and there are transfers and taxis for the transfer to the city at the airport itself.
BY LANDThe main access by land is done using Route 9 north, Punta Arenas -Puerto Natales. The other land entry alternatives are through the border crossings (with Argentina) of Casas Viejas, Dorotea and Río Don Guillermo.
BY SEAThrough a ferry, specially conditioned for the transport of passengers, vehicles and cargo, it is possible to access Puerto Natales from Puerto Montt. The journey lasts four days and three nights.
BY AIRTo get to Puerto Williams, capital of the Chilean Antarctic province, there are daily flights (except Sundays). It takes 1 hour and 45 mins.
BY SEAFrom Punta Arenas a boat leaves for Puerto Williams on Thursdays and back on Saturdays. The ship has the capacity to transport cargo and passengers. The trip lasts approximately 30 hours.
CURRENCY / CHANGE The national currency is the Chilean Peso ($) .
10, 50, 100, 500 pesos.
1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000 y 20.000 pesos.
Approximate value in Currency Exchange | Venta 32
HOLIDAYS | Day | Holiday | TYPE | Legal support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every Sunday | Sundays | Civil | Legislation 2.977 |
| Wednesday January 01 | New Year Day | Civil | Legislation 2.977, 19.973 |
| Friday April 10 | Holy Friday | Religious | Legislation 2.977 |
| Saturday April 11 | Holy Saturday | Religious | Legislation 2.977 |
| Sunday April 26 | Constitutional Plebiscite | Civil | Legislation 21.200, 18.700 |
| Friday May 01 | National Labor Day | Civil | Labor Legislation 19.973 |
| Thrusday May 21 | Glorias Navales Day | Civil | Legislation 2.977 |
| Sunday June 07 | Mayor's Primary Elections | Civil | Legislation 20.640, 18.700 |
| Monday June 29 | Saint Peter and Saint Paul | Religious | Legislation 2.977, 18.432, 19.668 |
| Thrusday July 16 | Virgin del Carmen Day | Religious | Legislation 20.148 |
| Saturday August 15 | Assumption of the Virgin | Religious | Legislation 2.977 |
| Friday September 18 | National Independence Day | Civil | Legislation 2.977, 19.973 |
| Saturday September 19 | Day of the Glories of the Army | Civil | Legislation 2.977, Ley 19.973 |
| Monday October 12 | Columbus Day | Civil | Legislation 3.810, Ley 19.668 |
| Sunday October 25 | Municipal elections | Civil | Legislation 18.695, Ley 18.700 |
| Saturday October 31 | Evangelical and Protestant Churches Day | Religious | Legislation 20.299 |
| Sunday November 01 | All Saints Day | Religious | Legislation 2.977 |
| Tuesday December 08 | Holy Concepción | Religious | Legislation 2.977 |
| Friday December 25 | Christmas | Religious | Legislation 2.977, 19.973 |
CLIMATE / CLOTHING This type of climate occurs on the western coast of the region. The average temperatures are low, while the humidity levels are very high. In the same way, the presence of strong winds of the western component and a great cloudiness is characteristic.
As for the rain, the rainfall rate is very high, reaching 4794 mm per year in some areas.
Windbreaker
Sunscreen
Hiking or Trekking Shoes
PRESERVATION 
No smoking
Do not litter
Do not make fire
In Chile, the main objective of national parks is to protect natural environments and the evolutionary processes that occur inside, in addition to preserving their cultural and scenic heritage. Therefore, only to the extent that it is compatible with our conservation objective, we authorize the carrying out of education, research or recreation activities.
Ley 18.362
The regulations detailed below are inspired by the protection of the resources of this park and the precautions you should consider to make your visit safe. The climatic conditions of Patagonia are changing and unpredictable.
EMERGENCY 
Región de Magallanes y Antártica Chilena Official Site | FAQ
