W Trek - JAN 2017 - CAMPSITE HELP

1) No. You need to have printed booking info for all campsites. You would not be the only ones just turning up, so new rules.
2) You must book all campsites in advance, paid and free.
3) See 1 and 2
4) At campsites attached to refugio you can purchase meals. Some refugios sell snacks but not enough real food to rely on.

Your chances on finding the bookings you want now are slim. December is sold out. January probably getting there if not already there. Depends when you want to go. Use the search option as there have been several posts on the TdP booking situation recently, some ongoing.

1) You need to book campsites and have them printed out now. New rules have come in.

2) The free campsites need to be booked in advanced too in high season. You can do so here. From my understanding most of January is booked out with the freem camps.

3) Its not a bad plan. But how are you going to get to Grey? There is one boat that leaves Hotel Lago Grey at about 1pm and drops some people off at 2pm. But there is no direct public transport to the hotel. Again, you'd need to pre book campsites in advance.

4) Each campsite near a refugio (eg Paine Grande/Glacier Grey) will offer full board or individual meals in the refugio. They also have a general store where you can purchase snacks, pasta, 2 minute noodles, and sometimes gas. If you are camping at free campsites, you will need to take your own provisions in with you (I usually take pasta and some form of sachet pasta sauce for dinner).

The park has become extremely busy in December and January. Hence why there is now a reservation system for free campsites and refugio campsites selling out in advanced. Looking at the free campsites, there is no 'availability' at those til late February.

I would be trying the refugio sites. Refugio Grey, Camping Frances (is a bit closer to the french valley) and Camping at Chileno. However, there have been a few posts on TT about finding spots in middle to late january with little availability available.

Thank you @trent84 and @femby for your replies!

1)We have booked as many of the campsites as we can. The sticking point is around Camp Italiano/Britanico. These are all fully booked, as are Camp Frances and Los Cuernos. We would be coming all the way from Camp Grey that day (8hrs) so really need to find somewhere in the Camp Italiano to pitch a tent. Any suggestions?

2) Can I ask if you have both done the trek? I know it's not allowed but what's the likelihood of being able to wild camp in the park? Is it safe? This would be a last resort...I heard there are pumas?!

3) Is the trek mostly flat in valleys or is there lots of undulating terrain too? (appreciate this is a mountainous region but not sure if we are circumnavigating them rather than going up)

4) Weather - seems like trouser and fleece weather, maybe down to a short sleeved tshirt if the sun is out? Would you agree? Sun cream needed? Gloves?

THANKS AGAIN

#2 - Please do not even think about doing this. You will, at the very least, be kicked out of the park The last two major destructive fires in the park were set by people not abiding by the rules. The rangers take a very dim view of anyone trying to wild camp.

1)There is only Paine Grande, Italiano, Frances and Cuernos that you can camp at. If they're booked up, then there isn't any other option. Theres been a few people who've been caught out with this. If caught, you'll be kicked out like femby said. There is a reason they don't want you to illegally camp for your safety and that of the other guests.

2) It is illegal to wild camp. Do not do that. The section from Paine grande to Italiono has a high concentration of Pumas. Though I never saw one along that stretch. The reality of seeing a Puma is very slim - especially on a trail thats being heavily used.

3) The trek is pretty flat (up and down but nothing strenous)for the most part. There are some areas that are harder than others like the stretch up to the French Valley and the section going up to Mirador Las Torres.

4) Prepare for all seasons. It can snow in winter. Most days, shorts and shirt are ideal for hiking in there. Night times are much cooler and you'll need layers. In summer its fairly warm but cold snaps can happen. Sunscreen is a must. The hole in the ozone layer is not too far from this place. You will get burnt to a crisp if you don't take any. 30+ is what I'd recommend - try to get one that is made for 'sports'.

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