Welcome to the start of your Winter W Trek
“On South America’s southern frontier, nature grows wild, barren and beautiful. Spaces are large, as are the silences that fill them.” – Lonely Planet
Think Patagonia, and a few iconic images spring to mind.
Fitz Roy, 3,400 metres high and straddling the Chile-Argentina border.
The beautiful blues of the Perito Merino glacier…
Yet most famous, is South Americas most visited National Park, the simply breathtaking Torres del Paine, “The Blue Towers”.
The name itself is a derivation of the indigenous Tehuelche word for Blue (pronounced Pie – Nay) and the Spanish word Torres meaning Towers, and grandiose natural monoliths they are!
It’s here, in this land where expletives never seem to do it justice, that you get to see those same incredible ‘Blue Towers’, clad in Winter white!
Torres del Paine was formally established as a National Park in 1959
Your Journey
Guest Portal
You can update all your personal information directly in our Guest’s Portal. There, you can add your Insurance, Flight Details, and anything else we need for the trip. When you first click on the link you will be asked to reset your password. Please use the same email address you used for your booking.
Training
The three peaks that give Torres del Paine its name are individually named (from left to right), Torres d'Agostini, Torres Central and Torres Monzino.
Fitness is perhaps the key factor in any the trek.
Most people of average fitness for their age could complete most of our treks. Take your time, set your own pace, and enjoy the incredible surroundings.
Most first-time trekkers are concerned that they won’t keep up. They soon discover that a steady and moderate pace will have them in their destination much faster than originally expected.
These treks are not training runs for the fit, but walking holidays for people of all ages, however, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it, and you will have enough energy for extra activities.
The best physical preparation for a trekking and climbing trip is to walk.
Start today. Walk on paths that go up and down, or on hills and steps for 30 or 40 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week.
Carry your day pack and wear the boots you plan to wear on the trek around 3 – 4 weeks before your arrival to Chile.
Jogging, swimming, gym work you do additional, are all very helpful.
Regularly within Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland (we’re constantly working to try and get guides in other states on board as well), we’ll have a variety of guides and trekkers get to know one another whilst working on their fitness and sharing advice on monthly weekend walks.
For information on any upcoming walks, please keep an eye out on our Upcoming Events
NOTE: Every participant should consult a physician well before the expedition date and make sure that they do not suffer from any chronic heart, lungs, cerebral, physical or any other serious illness.
As your service provider and hosts, we will take all necessary steps needed to evacuate injured or ill clients on the understanding that all costs involved will be paid to us before leaving the country (See We’ve got you covered below).
If you already have a frequent training regime, have a higher-than-average fitness level, and already have a few hikes under your belt, check out our Self-Guided Training Program.
Being part of the No Roads Family also gives you access to our On-Demand Trekking Preparation Program, exclusively curated by one of our Guides and Personal Trainers to get you in perfect shape for your trip, at a special discounted rate.
Looking for more training options and ideas for your upcoming trek? Click on the link to visit our exclusive training page for recommendations and suggestions.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine, was actually settled by Europeans in 19th century, including Germans, Welsh and Scots, Croats, Greeks, Italians and Spaniards.
GETTING TO SANTIAGO
Santiago (SCL) will likely be your gateway into not only Chile, but potentially South America as a whole.
Flights connect it directly to Australia’s east coast, with LATAM & QANTAS providing options directly from Melbourne or Sydney, or with a transit in Auckland.
From there, you’ll need to arrange a connection on to either Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales.
NOTE: During the winter months, services to and from Puerto Natales are much less frequent, often only 1 service per week. As such, Punta Arenas is for many, an easier option.
Please make sure your flight to Punta Arenas arrives prior to midday on Day 1.
ARRIVAL IN PUNTA ARENAS/PUERTO NATALES
Upon your arrival, please go through to collect checked luggage and security, then proceed out the EXIT door. A guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the waiting vehicle for the transfer to Puerto Natales (an almost 3 hour journey) and our hotel for the night.
Please do let us know if there are any last-minute changes to your arrival time!
If there’s anything specific you feel we need to know before departure, don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
The Southern Patagonian Ice Field is the world’s second largest contiguous ice field outside of the North or South poles
Visa Information
CHILE TOURIST VISA (As of 30th January 2023)
Australian visitors to Chile are required to obtain a tourist visa for entry (a reciprocity arrangement as a result of Australia charging Chilean nationals for entry into Australia) with a couple of options available depending on the details of your particular trip.
- Single Entry Visa
- Multi Entry Visa
For exact information, application submissions and all requirements, please consult the Chilean Consular website and Smart Traveller.
- To enter Chile, you must have either a valid international COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of your flight departure.
Travellers not travelling on an Australian passport, please consult your local governing body for up to date visa advice.
NOTE: As of January 2023, if you’ve been in China within the past 7 days, you’ll have additional requirements for entry, regardless of your age or nationality.
Chilean PDI (Policía de Investigaciones)
It is important you remember to retain the PDI (Policía de Investigaciones) form you receive upon your arrival in Chile.
This document is crucial for accessing tax exemptions, such as avoiding the 19% VAT on purchases and services, including hotels.
If travelers do not have this form, they are required to pay the VAT, which could cause unnecessary inconvenience and additional costs.
We've Got You Covered
GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE
All No Roads staff and teams consider guest safety and wellbeing an absolute priority and always follow the travel advice and guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Smartraveller. To further maintain the safety of our travelers, we promote good personal and hand hygiene along with adherence to safe food preparation practices.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
We are able to cater to all common special dietary requirements.
Please advise us prior to your departure if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.
The No Roads team will do everything it can to support any trekkers with allergies that might require a special diet, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made for all meals. We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests to assist us by providing this information while travelling in situations or instances where it may be required.
WATER
Visitors should drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Do not drink tap water, even in major hotels, and try to avoid drinks with ice. Many hotels and guest houses will have a large jug (think office water cooler) from which you are able to fill your own bottle.
Note: However, no matter how safe the water may be, we insist that all travellers use either water purification tablets such as Aquatab (iodine) or Steri Pen.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
On top of the normal health considerations, women are advised to bring a tube of Canesten and an applicator. The Canesten is used for the treatment of thrush (which can be very painful if left untreated) and can be applied to both internal and external thrush.
Prescriptions can be filled at farmacias and boticas; it’s best to know the generic name of your drug, however, to save time and possible confusion, it is recommended you bring most of your medicinal and sanitary needs with you.
MEDICINES AND FIRST AID
All travellers are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts and bruises, pain killers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition. Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you or for the area you are traveling in. No Roads does not supply any medicines and takes no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to our clients.
INSURANCE
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is a requirement for all guests travelling on our expeditions. Once you have booked on an expedition we suggest booking your travel insurance as soon as possible to protect your investment. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons. For our Australian guests, we are offering policies from NIB Travel for adequate cover, and you can contact our office direct, via phone or email, to obtain an insurance quote from us.
For guests travelling with us from outside Australia, please check Travel Insurance options within your Country.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the Insurance Company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Get a Quote
While we don’t anticipate any uninvited medical disruptions during your trek, No Roads wants to keep your mind at ease and help you get adequate assistance and cover for your well-earned time away. It is extremely important that we ensure you’re covered during your great alpine experience.
We are able to provide you with Travel Insurance for your trip, allowing you to tick this off your ‘To-Do List” as soon as possible. (We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance)!
Already have a trusted insurance provider?
That’s no problem at all, our primary concern is that you have adequate cover.
Got a Pre-Existing Condition?
Simply call our Insurance Team and quote the reference number we provide you with and they’ll complete an assessment on your behalf. In many cases, there is no additional premium that needs to be paid! Many common conditions are also automatically covered.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Again, if you’ve any questions, don’t hesitate to ask info@noroads.com.au.
Things to Remember with Insurance
A Credit Card/Travel Card that can be used internationally. Often, any medical centre or hospital will require payment sooner than some insurance companies will have approved payment (meaning you need to be able to pay them, then seek reimbursement from your insurer).
The international emergency contact number for your insurance company. We will initiate emergency procedures for you, however, it is a far easier process for you to coordinate matters with the insurance company directly (most things we are unable to finalise on your behalf).
Documents to keep on your person, or obtain in event of emergency:
A copy of your flight itinerary with information including – Ticket Number, Airline Reference Number (PNR), Agency Flight Reference Number (if purchased via a travel agency/3rd party as well as contact information for them)
A copy of a Medical report (if you required treatment) and keep copies of all receipts for anything that you have been required to pay.
Remember t
o travel with a copy of your policy or at least your policy number and provider
Torres del Paine National Park covers approximately 242,242 hectares (that's 2,422 square km, or 2598,593 acres). It is one of the largest and most visited parks not only in Chile, but in all of Latin America.
IMMUNIZATION
In order to enter Chile, all travellers must follow the Health Protocol Requirements.
These requirements are fluid and are changing according to international COVID 19 developments. Please click here for more information about arrival requirements in Santiago.
COVID 19 – As part of the Chilean entry requirements proof of a full COVID 19 vaccination status has to be provided when entering the country.
To enter Chile there are no other mandatory vaccinations. However, we suggest you do consult a doctor before you leave your country for vaccination against Hepatitis, Tetanus, and Typhoid.
We adhere to strict hygiene guidelines so all our food is hygienically prepared, cooked and served.
Typhoid: Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tetanus: Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for Chile. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Influenza & Rabies are also considered risks in Chile. Please consult your travel doctor for the best means of immunization or risk prevention.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations (seriously, vaccinations are one thing that should NEVER be left until the last minute when TIME can truly be your enemy). Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together.
You do not need to carry an extensive medical kit as your Trekking Group Leader carries a comprehensive first aid kit for the group and staff. However, we do advise you to carry your personal medicine.
Insect-borne diseases
Outbreaks of Zika virus and Dengue have occurred on Easter Island.
If you’re pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:
- discuss any travel plans with your doctor
- consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika virus affected areas
Altitude sickness
You’re at risk of altitude sickness if you travel above 2500m.
Altitude sickness can be life-threatening and can affect anyone, even if you’re fit and healthy.
You’re at greater risk of altitude sickness if you:
- ascend quickly or make rapid ascents at higher altitudes
- have had altitude sickness before
- exercise or drink alcohol before you get used to the altitude
- have lung problems that affect breathing
If you’ll be travelling above 2,500m:
- see your doctor for specific advice
- check your insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs
Accommodation
Within Torres del Paine National Park, you might encounter over 20 types of mammals, including the Patagonian Gray Fox, Chilean Huemul, Wild Horses, Puma and our favourite, the Guanaco!
ACCOMMODATION IN PATAGONIA
When trekking, we use a combination of hotels and Refugios.
Puerto Natales (Night 1)
Modern clean, and centrally located close to the waterfront and a short walk from the Plaza de Armas (main square)
Lago Grey Hotel (Night 2)
The Lago Grey Hotel is an impressive hotel establishment located in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park, just a few steps from the majestic Grey Lake. With a privileged location, guests can enjoy panoramic views and an incomparable natural environment.
Lodge at Paine Grande & Cuernos (Nights 3 & 4)
Accommodation in Paine Grande will be in bunk beds and mixed shared rooms, including a mattress cover, pillow, sheets and comforter.
Puerto Natales (Night 5)
Hotel Big Sur
Punta Arenas/Puerto Natales (optional pre or post trek)
ON REQUEST
Patagonia is also an amazing place for 'Twitchers' (bird watchers), with over 115 species recorded including the Andean Condor, Crested Cara Cara, Black Vulture and the Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle.
Getting Outfitted
PERSONAL GEAR
For this trip, you will have to carry your own backpack. Please make sure you can fit all necessary equipment in a medium size backpack (we recommend a bag that is at least 60 litres) so you can fit all your items and walk comfortably. You can leave the rest of your luggage at our office in Puerto Natales while on the trek.
During winter, light hours are few so we recommend bringing a headlamp fully charged and some extra batteries.
SLEEPING
This is obviously a personal decision (whatever you feel comfortable in), however, be mindful to remain respectful to the local people
DAY WEAR
Ultimately you want to be comfortable. Consult our recommended packing list, but above, try to ensure that what you wear during your trip, is not being worn for the first time!
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Camera film, Spare camera batteries, lens cleaner & paper. A small supply of favorite snacks – bigger supply for longer and remote area trips. Binoculars, notebook, etc
Note:
If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please contact us. We can provide you additional information at any time.
- Passport
- Insurance Papers (3 copies)
- Tourist Visa
- International Airtickets
- Comfortable clothes for travel
- Plastic Zip Lock bags for paperwork
- Smart clothes for nightlife
- Personal Toiletries (toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, etc)
- Hiking Shoes (or sturdy sandals)
- Day Pack
- Rain Jacket
- Water Bottle
- Trekking/Hiking clothes (non-Cotton)
- Sunblock/Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Insect Repellent
- Swimsuit/Swimshorts
- International Power Adaptor(s)
- Bike Shorts (optional)
- Personal first aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-septic cream, after-bite, anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
To download our handy Packing Check List
Staying Safe & Respectful
Lady Florence Dixie, in her 1880 book (which helped popularise the park), gave one of the first descriptions of the area and referred to the three towers as Cleopatra’s Needles.
It’s time for a confession.
We weren’t always this confident at what we do!
This was never through a lack of trying, but the reality is after 20 years sending people to remote parts of the world, we’ve picked up a thing or two…
TIPPING
Tipping in many countries can be a problem and can add a great deal of stress to your holiday. Remember Tipping is entirely voluntary and how much you give depends on how you feel about the service you have received, and also how much you can realistically afford.
For greater context for how much of a difference you may be making, Chile has a minimum salary just over US$400 a month. In many of the lower-paid jobs (eg waiters, porters etc) this is not always enforced.
POWER IN CHILE
For Chile, there are two associated plug types, types C and L. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and type L is the plug that has three round pins (type C is generally the most common, and 2 pin adaptors will often work in both socket types). Chile operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
MONEY
In Chile, the official currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP).
If carrying funds from home, this money can be exchanged at banks or exchange vendors (look for Casa de Cambio).
Alternatively, you can use your ATM card to withdraw money in most large towns (research if your card type will function abroad, and be sure to alert your bank before you travel so they don’t flag your account for suspicious activity).
Prices in Chile, tend to by slightly higher than neighbouring countries Bolivia or Peru, however is generally cheaper when compared to Australia, North America and most Western European nations.
Note: Prices on remote Easter Island are much higher than continental Chile (being one of the most remote, inhabited places on Earth will do that)
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards can be used to purchase goods at most major stores and hotels in Chile. Be aware, you may be charged a higher price than if you pay by cash.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Although attitudes are changing, Chile has traditionally been a conservative country, with the Roman Catholic church having a huge influence on daily life.
Non heterosexual travellers may find attitudes, less tolerant or accepting (there is an active gay population in Chile, especially in urban centres), so please be considerate of this.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Chile affords incredible opportunities for photography. Ensure that you are familiar with your camera well before your trek, and that your camera battery is strong (and bring a spare).
When taking photographs of local people, please ask their permission first and respect their wishes. This is normal courtesy. All you need to do is hold up your camera and wait for a response.
Physical Preparation
Over the course of 2023, our guides donated their time and expertise to conduct over a dozen training walks available to ANYONE (yes, open to the public) across such beautiful locations as the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, to the 1000 Steps in Melbourne's outer east!
FITNESS
Training like it is the real deal!
You know what they say (whoever ‘they’ are):
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”
The secret is to do exercises that simulate what the expedition will be like, so hiking with a pack up and down hills for a few hours is ideal. Don’t forget to wear in your clothing and walking shoes/boots/socks so you discover any issues with them before it is too late. Wearing in your footwear usually takes several months of walking, not two or three training walks.
Consider training with 15-20kg of weight so that the recommended 12kg on the trek will be lighter than what you’re used to. This will offset the breath-sapping impact of Nepals altitude. If you are planning to use trekking poles, train with them now (they are so common these days, that no one will think that you’re strange).
We all have busy lifestyles so if this is not possible, a hike into the hills every two or three weeks would be beneficial. We believe this will really help you enjoy your time on the expedition.
Never do on the trek what’s not been tested by you (for months) in training.
That is, if you haven’t tried it during months of advanced training, don’t succumb to last minute “bright ideas” (from yourself or others) on the journey unless it has proven okay for you many times in training, for example:
Don’t wrap your feet or toes in sports tape!
Don’t buy new boots or socks just before going on your trek!
Don’t wear new clothes!
Know The Lingo
5 official Indigenous languages remain in Chile: Mapuche, Aymara, Chilean Quechua, Rapa Nui and the endangered Kawésqar (now spoken by only a dozen people on the island village of Puerto Eden).
A little effort to speak like a local can be a great icebreaker (as you stumble over the few words you remember) and is always appreciated by those whose homeland you are visiting.
SOME BASIC SPANISH TO GET YOU STARTED
Hello ~ Hola ~ o.la
Goodbye ~ Adios ~ a.dyos
How are you? ~ Que tal? ~ ke tal
Fine thanks~ Bien gracias ~ byen gra.syas
Excuse me ~ Perdon ~ per.don
Sorry ~ Lo siento ~ lo syen.to
Please ~ Por favor ~ por fa.vor
You are welcome ~ De nada ~ de na.da
Yes ~ Si ~ see
No ~ No ~ no
PHRASES
My name is ~ Me llamo ~ me ya.mo
Do you speak English? ~ Habla ingles? ~ a.bla een.gles
PHRASES (continued…)
I don’t understand ~ No entiendo ~ no en.tiyen.do
Where is..? ~ Donde esta..? ~ don.de es.ta
The bill please ~ La cuenta por favor ~ la kwen.ta por fa.vor
Cheers! (To your health) ~ Salud! ~ sa.loo
How much is it? ~ Cuanto cuesta? ~ kwan.to kews.ta
That’s too expensive ~ Es muy caro ~ es mooy ka.ro
SIGNS
Open ~ Abierto
Closed ~ Cerrado
Entrada ~ Entrance
Exit ~ Salida
Toilet ~ Banos
Give Us A Shout
NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS
Office: (03) 95988581
24 hrs Access:
Irene Miller + 61 430 705 222
Peter Miller + 61 425 726 623
Email: info@noroads.com.au
IN COUNTRY
Office: (56) 264690156 or (56)229235950
