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FAQS

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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).

Moneda/Cambio HOW IS THE ELECTRICITY SYSTEM IN CHILE?

Electricity: 220 V 10 Amp.

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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.

Moneda/Cambio 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

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

Accesos a la región ACCESS

HorariosSCHEDULE

Medios de transporteTRANSPORT

Vía Aérea BY AIR

You 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.

Vía Terrestre BY LAND

Most vehicles from other regions of Chile and Argentina enter using Route 255, Monte Aymond – Punta Arenas, after transit through Argentine territory.

Vía Marítima BY SEA

Through 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.

Vía Aérea BY AIR

To reach the capital of Tierra del Fuego Province there are daily flights (except Sundays), which last approximately 15 minutes, from Punta Arenas to Porvenir.

Vía Terrestre BY LAND

To 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.

Vía Marítima BY SEA

From 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.

Vía Aérea BY AIR

It 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.

Vía Terrestre BY LAND

The 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.

Vía Marítima BY SEA

Through 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.

Vía Aérea BY AIR

To get to Puerto Williams, capital of the Chilean Antarctic province, there are daily flights (except Sundays). It takes 1 hour and 45 mins.

Vía Marítima BY SEA

From 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.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Moneda/Cambio CURRENCY / CHANGE

The national currency is the Chilean Peso ($) .

Monedas

Coins

10, 50, 100, 500 pesos.

Billetes

Bills

1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000 y 20.000 pesos.

Approximate value in Currency Exchange | Venta 32

Feriados 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

Clima/Vestimenta CLIMATE / CLOTHING

The great extension of this region, together with its geographical situation, causes several different types of climates to appear. Other factors that contribute to this variety are the relief, the winds and the sea.

-3°/18°C

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.

Protector Solar

Windbreaker

Protector Solar

Sunscreen

Protector Solar

Hiking or Trekking Shoes

Preservación 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.

Emergencia EMERGENCY

ambulancia

Ambulance 131

Bomberos

Firefighters 132

Carabineros

Police 133

Information