The patagonia trekking Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about trekking in Patagonia with Root Adventures!
You’re about to partake in an incredible adventure! Trekking the Patagonia W-Trek is one of the most visually stunning, humbling, and eye-opening experiences you can partake in. Your exploration of the great outdoors will be enhanced with mindfulness practices to lead you on an exploration of the great indoors, aka “the self”.
To get the most out of your journey it’s best to be prepared! We’ve laid out everything you need to know about traveling to Patagonia with us. We can’t wait!
The Weather
How should I dress?
Spring has sprung in Torres Del Paine! November is part of the spring season and just like any other spring season you might get a bit of everything. You could experience sunny and warm one morning, rain or snow in the afternoon and clear skies in the evening. The key to packing for Patagonia: expect a bit of everything!
The average temperature in November for Torres Del Paine is 50F- 60F during the day and 40F and below during the night. November is typically the driest month of the year, however, weather can change very quickly in Patagonia, so being prepared with layers and appropriate gear is vital.
You’ll absolutely want to pack plenty of layers to keep cool during the day when you’re hiking and stay warm at night when you’re sleeping. Check out the packing list below.
Many regard November as one of the best month’s to visit Torres Del Paine. With temperatures that are warming, fewer tourists, and chances of Puma sighting at it’s highest you’re sure to have a memorable adventure!
The gear
What do I need to bring?
Keep in mind that this is a trekking trip, however it is not a backpacking trip so you will not be carrying a large pack. Porters transport your luggage to each new overnight accommodation. You will carry a day pack (recommended with hydration bladder) to hold your needed gear (sunscreen, water, camera, extra layers, etc.) for day hikes.
You will need to provide your own hiking clothing, rain gear, day packs, and sturdy hiking footwear.
You can find a detailed packing list here. We will also go over gear in much more detail on our two pre-trip calls.
Sustainability is one of our core-pillars, so we love to suggest sourcing gear from friends/family or second hand stores that sell lightly used gear! If you’re buying gear new, we recommend shopping locally or from small companies in whose mission you believe. Check the packing list for some of our favorites!
Preparing For Your Trek
How difficult is this really going to be?
Expect for this trek to be quite challenging! But with challenges comes great rewards like incredible views, the satisfaction of pushing yourself physically and mentally, and strong friendships formed.
We classify this trip a difficulty level of 5 out of 5. Which means prior hiking or backpacking experience is required. Expect elevation gain, variable terrain and other variable weather conditions.
This is the right trip for energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. We strongly recommend preparing yourself physically before showing up for this adventure. It is recommended that you do practice hikes, walks, or strength and cardio conditioning to prepare.
We provide a general fitness program and are happy to develop a custom strategy by our in-house personal trainer for anyone interested.
Click here for the detailed itinerary with daily mileage, approximate walking time, and elevation gain.
We know, you don’t want to be the last one or hold up the group…we hear this before every trip! However, please know that we consider our group to be a team, working together on each hike. This is an incredible opportunity to ask for help and support when perhaps in your daily life you’re always the one giving it.
Our local guides and Root Tour Leaders will be checking in with the group along the way and will be adjusting pacing as needed. Let’s do this thing together!
The Food
Can trekking meals be delicious and nutritious? I need fuel!
You will be very well taken care of when it comes to food during this adventure.
Food will vary depending on the location as camp food and refugio food are quite basic, while EcoCamp provides beautiful meals. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of foods to pack your own lunches for day treks and breakfasts and dinners are satisfying and nutritious.
Some snacks will be provided, but if there’s something yummy you absolutely can’t live without, feel free to bring it along!
All dietary restrictions are taken into consideration as well! If you haven’t already, please be sure to mark any dietary needs in the registration form at sign up.
Accomodations and Trek Daily details
Where am i sleeping?
Your time in Patagonia will be a balance of camping, hotel stays, and staying at EcoCamp….the world’s first geodesic dome hotel. Read on below for a daily breakdown of lodging:
Day 1: After a boat ride and a 4-5 hour trek you’ll settle in for the night at a campsite in Brush Lake.
Day 2: Day hike with transfer via van to Hotel Lago Gray in Torres Del Paine National Park.
Day 3:
No Trace Left Behind
Let’s Talk Poop
There’s no way around it. Yes, you’ll be going #1 (and #2) in the great outdoors!
While camping/staying at the refugios there will be no access to showers or toilets. Your guides will show you how to practice “leave no trace” practices for elimination on trails and outdoors.
During your time at EcoCamp you’ll have access to showers and toilets. Yay!
We recommend purchasing a Kula Cloth and bringing along biodegradable wipes for “camp” showers, aka a quick wipe down.
Mindfulness
What if I’ve never meditated?
Have no fear! No prior meditation or mindfulness experience needed.
Nature is the ultimate teacher. Just getting out into the great outdoors has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Your Root Tour Leaders will provide you with simple and practical ways to keep your connection with nature, yourself, and your fellow travelers at the forefront of your experience.
But don’t worry, this won’t be a serious or quiet trip. At Root we see mindfulness as a way to participate in the ALIVENESS of life.
There will be moments you’ll be encouraged to observe silence, listen to nature, reflect on your internal experience or even possibly journal and share. And there will be many moments of raucous laughter, joyous storytelling, and playing in the dirt. Our trips have a little bit of everything!
To help you get the most out of your experience you will receive a pre-trip guide that has mindfulness and meditation practices, potential journaling prompts, and thoughtful ways to connect with nature throughout your adventure.
Final Tips
Anything else I need to know?
We’d love to impart some final words of wisdom for you here. These are tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years exploring, trekking, and guiding groups.
Pack light! The lighter the better. We cannot stress this enough! When packing ask yourself this question: “Do I absolutely need this?” If the answer is no, leave it behind.
Don’t wait to get your hiking boots! Purchase them well in advance of your hike and go for practice walks to wear them in.
Bring an extra Nalgene to use as extra heat at night. Boil some water, secure the lid on your Nalgene and pop it in the bottom of your sleeping bag for a toasty warm night.
There are definitely handy-dandy camp pillows, but you can also stuff your sleeping bag sack with clothes, jackets, etc that you brought with you for a makeshift pillow.
Tell your guides if you have a “hot spot” forming on your feet while hiking. They can help! Hot spots are red tender areas that appear before blisters form. The keyword here is before! Telling your guide early can help prevent blisters from forming.
A word about luggage. If possible, pack so that you can bring everything in a carry-on. That way if your luggage gets lost (knock on wood) you won’t be trying to piece gear together or purchase lots of expensive items last minute. If you are checking luggage then we recommend wearing your hiking boots and packing hiking essentials in your carry-on just in case!