Frequently
Asked Questions
Where is Expediciones Chile located?
We have a year-round office in the United
States based out of Sun Valley, Idaho.
From December to April we have a seasonal
office based in Futaleufu, Chile.
How can I find out more about one of your trekking trips?
For more information about
trekking in Chile or Argentina, please contact our office using
our contact form or call us at 1.888.488.9082.
How do you pronounce Expediciones Chile? Torres del Paine and Futaleufu?
The correct pronunciation is: "Ex-ped-ish-she-oh-nays". "Expediciones" is the Spanish version of the English word "Expeditions". In North America we are inclined to pronounce "Chile" the the same way we pronounce "Chili" but the correct pronunciation is "She-lay". Torres del Paine is pronounced: "Tor-rays-del-pine-ay" Futaleufu is pronounced: "Foo-tah-lay-oh-foo". Futaleufu is a Mapuche word meaning Big Big River - the two "fu"s, one at the beginning and one at the end, connote this meaning.
Can I book custom (or private) trekking trips to your destinations that are different from the published itineraries? Yes, but keep in mind that these options will likely be more expensive than scheduled departures. Much of the excess cost will involve incurred transportation charges. A private round-trip shuttle between Punta Arenas and Torres Del Paine must travel over 500 miles (800 kilometers) and one between Chaiten and Futaleufu about 200 miles (325 kilometers). Fuel is expensive in our region and vehicles are a precious comodity. Traveling with a group can help defray these costs.
How difficult is the trekking in Chile? Do I need to be physically good shape?
We have a wide selection
of trips aimed from demanding to fairly
relaxed and easy.
Trekking in Torres del Paine and the
Ruta de los Arrieros in the Futaleufu
Valley are physically demanding. Trekking in FitzRoy, Perito Moreno and Los Glaciares is rated moderate. Treks
out of our Futaleufu Lodge can be varied
from demanding, to moderate to easy.
Is altitude a problem on your Patagonia trekking vacations?
Fortunately all of our treks
in Patagonia are within a few thousand feet of sea level.
However, there are a few treks that offer
the option of going high. But with good planning
and common sense AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
is easily avoided.
Should I begin an exercise program before trekking in Chile?
Yes, it will make your trekking vacation
experience much more enjoyable. Regular bicycling,
swimming, jogging, cross-country skiing, aerobic
exercise will be of great benefit. Give yourself
about three months to get in shape.
How many hours will I need to walk per day during the trek?
Depending on the Chile trekking tour you select you can expect to trek for a few hours a day to all day. When doing our circuit treks you may be expected to walk most of the day with a backpack, depending on the trekking itinerary.
What kind of qualifications do I need to go trekking in Chile?
Our trekking Chile trips
go from easy to demanding. For a number of
our trips we recommend that one be an experienced
trekker. These trips are remote, with no easy
access. Trails may be muddy with numerous
stream crossings, and participants should
come equipped with a spirit of adventure and
a willingness to assist the guides when they
are in need.
I don't want to trek with a backpack, what are my options?
In the Futaleufu
Valley we use horseback support which allows
trekkers to carry only a small day pack.
For Torres del Paine and FitzRoy trekking vacations we ask that you bring a waterproof duffel bag for most of your gear and trek with a small day pack.
What kind of food should we expect during the trekking in Patagonia?
Expediciones Chile takes the
handling and preparation of food very seriously.
We have an internationally trained gourmet
chef working out of our lodge in Futaleufu
and we serve fresh produce directly our of
our company greenhouse. However, when away
from Futaleufu the menu will vary depending
on the trek and location. Many of the lodges
and inns offer a menu consisting of a wide
range of food items especially popular trekking
areas. Guests should take the normal travel
precautions when in these areas.
When is the best time to visit Chile?
Our trekking season runs from October to April. For trekking Patagonia, January and February correspond to high Summer and are more popular than the shoulder months.
What is the weather like in Patagonia, Chile?
The weather in Patagonia
is notorious for high winds and extreme variability.
Days can range from sunny with temperatures
in the 70s to rain, hail, and occasionally
even snow in Torres del Paine and while trekking FitzRoy.
Trekkers should come prepared for all possibilities
and equipped with good quality rain gear.
Nighttime
temperatures in the FitzRoy and Torres often
drop down into the 30s. For more information
consult our Patagonia
Weather page.
How far in advance should I make a trekking reservation?
The further in advance you make reservations the better. Especially in cases
of the most popular trekking destinations like Torres del Paine or for holiday
weeks over Christmas and New Year. You will also save on the cost of airline
tickets by booking as early as possible.
What kind of accommodations should I expect on your trekking trips?
This will depend on your individual Patagonia trekking itinerary.
We have trips that stay in four star hotels to those that make use of local
hosterias and
family run ranches. Our camping options range from luxury Eco Camp to remote
wilderness camping.
Other Trekking in Chile options include: Trekking Patagonia in the Futaleufu Valley Lodge , Trekking Chile's Route of the Cowboys, Torres del Paine Trekking Tours , FitzRoy Trekking Vacations . We also offer two weeklong Futaleufu, Cerro FitzRoy and Torres del Paine combination trips: Trekking in Patagonia: Torres del Paine and Futaleufu Combo , Chile Trekking: Trekking FitzRoy & Futaleufu Combo , Patagonia Trekking: Trekking in Torres del Paine & FitzRoy. For further information see our Trekking in Chile FAQs
Downloadable
pdf: Chile Trekking
