Chile

Everyone says January and February is the busiest time for travel in Chile... What are some of the ways to avoid crowds ? I'll be traveling backpacker style and plan to hike a fair amount....I'll be self sufficient with a tent and sleeping bag...

I love going wine tasting and have had a great time in places like New Zealand and Hungary among others. I would love to do some on an upcoming trip to Chile. Has anyone gone before or have any reccomendations for wineries or good tours with tastings? How much can we expect to spend for tastings? Thanks!

I am interested in spending some time in Bernardo O'Higgins park. Does anyone have recommendations regarding boat or sea kayak tours to explore the park? Also I am looking for a functional link to reserve lodging at the Hosteria Monte Balmaceda?

Does it make sense to book lodging and boat trips together or can you do it separately?
Is it feasible to spend a couple of nights at the hosteria and do day trips from there?

Thanks!
- Adam

Hi, I'm planning on trekking in Torres Del Paine and possibly in the Fitroy Region. I'll be down there between Dec 24-Jan 14.

Is anyone else looking for a trekking partner during this time or does anyone know a way to find like minded people that are not interested in going with a tour group? I've looked into some tour companies and it all seems so overwhelming and expensive. I have trekking/backpacking experience so I feel pretty comfortable going without a guide. Thank you.

I'm looking at traveling in Chile as well as Argentina during January and February... I'd be camping some, using hostels, and staying at the occasional hotel... I'd also like to go to Easter Island for a few days.... Any rough estimates on what I can expect to spend during that time of year ???

I heard from Vertice Patagonia that Refugio Grey is back up and running. Has anyone been there yet/had a chance to check out what condition it's in? We'll be carrying a tent for the circuit, but we are planning on staying in Refugios where possible to give us a chance to sleep in some real beds. . .

Thanks!

Hello All

First of all, god I hate this new layout for TT.

Anyway, my trekking buddy just called from Argentina and said he was told that you have to book a campsite in advance for TDP otherwise you get the worst spots with no access to hot water etc. Is this true, as we are planning on bringing our own tent and cooking equipment etc.

Secondly, would it be possible to store our luggage at the park whilst we go off trekking? I noticed a similar question by one other but it appears you can…

Hi

What is the best thing to do about carrying/getting drinking water whilst doing the W-trek?

What is the best water purification system use (we could do without the extra weight of a filter system if possible - are they heavy/cumbersome?)?

I know there have been a couple of posts on this in the last month but any extra comments would be helpful,

Thanks

Can anyone help with how to get hold of a LAN Chile air pass? I can't find any info on the LAN site. Is is possible to buy them at a travel agent? We have booked international flights with Iberia, but they will not help us as we booked via a discount site.

Another strange thing - when we enter the details of the flights we want on the LAN site, a price is quoted in dollars, but when this is changed into euros it DOUBLES - how can this be right??

Cheers!

Ann (Copenhagen)

Hey...just leaving tommorrow to San Pedro...i will have two full days and an afternoon before i return to Santiago...what are the best and cheapest ways at doing those tours..or is there smething even better...not as known??? Also...i will be alone..anybody want to hang out ...go for drinks...just a lonely canadian wanting to have fun..cheers Jess