rwfox wrote:The wife and I are planning to walk the Paine Circuit (10 days) in Patagonian Andes next March. It looks like it will be around the 20th of March which is getting late in the season.
But the Lonely Planet guide seems to think it will be alright at that time. Has anybody walked the circuit in march? Can you help with information:
Which is the best way to get to park with backpacks via Boat or Bus? Which one gets you to the start point?
Hi,
I did the full circuit in March this year. It was one of the most amazing walks I've ever done.
March is a good time, just outside the crazy peak season - so things aren't too crowded, the weather can get a bit windy though.
There is no boat to the park.. you'll need to catch a bus, all the accommodation in puerto natalles can arrange transport for you.
There is no need to book ahead, just the night before. The bus can drop you off in a number of locations, so you need to work out
where you want to start. There is no 'specific starting' point.
I made the decision based on the weather - it was a perfect blue bird data so we got dropped off at Armaga and then got a beat up shuttle bus
down to the Hotel Las Torres and walked up to the Central Towers of Paine. (And started the circuit from there)
Other options include starting down at Paine Grande or Refugio Grey - you need to catch a ferry. I didn't do that. But the ferry is pretty expensive from memory.
rwfox wrote:
We also need to book the Refugio's, Can this be done in advance? (NZ model) or when you arrive at the park entrance? Its a long way to go, so it would be nice to have the accommodation booked.
However, in Europe we used to just phone ahead for the next couple nights. (I won't have a phone on this trip).
We didn't stay in the refugio's. I had a tent and was quite happy to camp. So I think you can book ahead - I just don't know how.
Once you added up the cost of the refugio accommodation and food, it got really expensive per night. Maybe $80 per head.
Versus $14 to pitch a tent outside, and you had access to the showers as well.
Occasionally we'd go into the Refugio and have dinner and a goon box of wine.
At that time of year I didn't see a need to book ahead, the refugio's weren't full, and they were just starting construction of some new mega-super sized refugio's in the park.
If you want to do the full circuit - you may want to consider carrying a tent. Round the back of the park the refugio's are sparse.
You can rent tents at some campsites, but your putting yourself under significant pressure to get from one refugio to the next.
e.g. Chileno to Refugio Grey is a big day. Seron to Chileno as well.
I don't recommend doing it simply because your rushing through some spectacular scenery.
Also the section between Chileno and Refugio grey - gets very Tasmanian with knee deep mud and is certainly a shock to people who aren't used to it.
rwfox wrote:I have herd you can buy supplies (and wine) on the walk, but that may only be in peak season?
I will need fuel for my MSR is there a shop at the park? or will I have to buy in Puerto Natales (petrol)?
My wife is not keen on red meat is this going to be a problem at the Refugio's?
No problems getting 'supplies' at that time of year. El gato goon boxes are ~ $8 per litre. Beer is about $5 a bottle.
You can buy chocolate bars etc and all sorts of random stuff at campsites and refugios. Personally I wouldn't rely on it for major supplies.
Buy petrol in Puerto Natales.
I don't think we had any red meat in the refugio... mostly chicken from memory.
rwfox wrote:Tent: how windy is windy?
We shall be traveling from Ushuaia on the 17th to Punta Arenas is the Bus the best way?
Are there any other walks in the south we NEED to do?
Any other tips would be welcome
.
Cheers Roy
Windy - very..... but the camp sites are very sheltered so its not an issue. Just out walking you can get blown off your feet.
The best way to Ushuaia is to fly. Barring that the bus works. The usual route is to travel up to El Catafate in Argentina and fly down from there.
Which leads onto other must do walks... El Chalten -> Fitzroy and Cerro Torre are spectacular.
You can PM if you want any further info.
CHeers
Aaron