Patagonia itinerary suggestions

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mirkob
mirkob

Hello,

i'm trying to finalize my plan for a trip to Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) and I could really use some suggestions. This the plan departing from London:

DAY 1 Thursday 26.02: departure from London, landing in Punta Arenas @ 17.40 on 27.02 (DAY 2). From there take a bus to Puerto Natales (I have read there is one leaving at 19.00 or 21.00 and it takes about 3 hours)

DAY 3 Saturday 28.02: day in Puerto Natales, sorting out logistics including: food, transport and orientation talk @ Erratick Rock. Start W Trek the following day.

I'm travelling on my own and not really fancy taking part in an organized group, how easy is to meet other people, as I don't think it is a good idea trekking on my own?
I'm not particularly well experienced but, from what I have read, routes are well signposted and therefore it should be fairly easy to follow them...or would it be better to join an organized group?
Is it possible to use facilities of the refugios (mainly bathrooms/showers/food), even if i'm not staying there (I prefer to take my tent and camp outside)? Will I need to book meals in advance?
Campsites: do you need to pre-book in advance each spot, when staying in serviced ones?

DAY 4 Sunday 01.03: start W Trek, going East to West. Bus from Puerto Natales to Refugio Las Torres. Set up camp in Las Torres Camp site

DAY 5 Monday 02.03. From Las Torres Camp Site to Mirador Las Torres and back. Sleep at Las Torres Camp site

DAY 6 Tuesday 03.03: From Las Torres camp site to Campamento Frances

DAY 7 Wednesday 04.03: from Campamento Frances, trek to Valle del Frances and then stay in Campamento Italiano

DAY 8 Thursday 05.03: From Campamento Italiano to Refugio Grey

DAY 9: Friday 06.03: from Refugio Grey to Refugio Paine Grande and from there back to Puerto Natales.

In terms of transport to/from the trek, i'm assuming it will be easy to arrange when i'm in Puerto Natales; any idea of timetables and companies that provide the service? Do I need to prebook?

DAY 10: Saturday 07.03: Bus from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia. I have read that Bus Sur has services on Saturdays, do you know if this is correct and if there is any other company doing this?

DAY 11 / 12 (08-09.03): Ushuaia – which activities would you recommend?

DAY 13: Tuesday 10.03: leave Ushuaia late evening to Buenos Aires

DAY 14/15/16: Wednesday 11.03 – Friday 13.03 : Buenos Aires

DAY 17: Departure from BA to London

Any suggestion / recommendation is welcome!

Thanks

Mirko

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focus417
focus417

Hello!

I did not do the full W trek (just the first leg), but can answer some of your questions:

1.) We went in December - not peak season. The trails - at least at the beginning - were very well marked and crowded. There were lots of solo hikers, and people on the trail were friendly. You'll have no problem going it alone!

2.) I believe you need to book campsites at the refugios in advance (during peak season, well in advance). You can buy food at the refugios if you do not stay there. Sorry, not sure about the showers!

3.) There are busses that run from Puerto Natales to the park on a regular schedule. We drove, so I'm afraid I can't help you more. The Erratic Rock briefing will probably be a big help!

Have fun!!

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