Booking Refugios in Torres Del Paine National Park

Hi,

I am looking to book the refugios in the TdP in December. How do I go about booking them?

Also - are they all open? I have heard that some are closed?

Is it recommended to carry a tent on the trek?

Thanks

Steve

Hi Steve,

I will be trekking the W from Dec 2 to 12...which is twice as long as needed, but I plan to take it easy and "absorb the atmosphere".

I made all my reservations back in August, thru the agency Fantastico Sur in Punta Arenas. They own and operate Refugios Torres, Chileno and Los Perros, but can do bookings for all refugios. They also reserved my bus into, and Zodiac-boat trip out of, the Park. I found them highly efficient, with good follow-up emails since, as questions have arisen. See : www.fantasticosur.com<BR><BR>Should you wish to book Mountain Lodge Paine Grande (new refugio, replacing Ref Pehoe) separately, see : www.verticepatagonia.cl<BR><BR>The latest news I have is that Refugio Grey will open, but no decision has yet been made re which company will be in charge. The former operator, Andescape, is no longer in business. Victor Hernandez of Fantastico Sur is monitoring the situation daily...I know many posters on TT are keen for news, and anything I hear I'll post, or send you a PM.

You won't need a tent but you may choose to bring your sleeping bag. Alternatively, each refugio hires sleeping bags...maybe just bring your inner sheet...and ear plugs!

I'd be interested to hear when you are planning to go...send me a PM, +with any other questions you need answers to. Cheers, Steve (in Newcastle, NSW.)

Hi,

We were in TdP in April 2007 and we didn't make any reservation before our trip - it wasn't necessary.
/ but it was almost the end of the season /.

We carried a tent with us and we found it quite useful, because it enabled us to use the free camping sites. But these camping sites are equipped just with a toilets - so not everyone would prefer them..

Have a nice trip! TdP is really great...

"Mah man" in Fantastico Sur reports : no decision yet on Refugio Grey, but likely next Tuesday (Oz time). If Refugio Grey aint about to open this season (which would be a major disruption!) he stands ready to grab an extra night at Paine Grande for me...told you he was good! Steve, I hope you are booking asap...even in August I struck some "booked out" nights for December...in which case a tent will be essential. You can always get meals at each refugio, if needed. Cheers, Steve.

Earlier this month I was able to make reservations for Refugio Grey by emailing to andescape@terra.cl

Hi
could someone tell me what is the price per night in the refugios (more or less)
I tried to find price information about trips and lodging in patagonia, but it seems
it is not customary for them to give prices on their internet sites.
(would it be because prices are different if you are resident ?)

thanks in advance
bruno

Hi
I just had a look at the new refugio near lake grey... and found the rates, so i guess this gives me a good idea of the prices.
brgds
bruno

From what I understand the Refugio is currently up in the air-- no concession yet-- so the prices may not be accurate.

Oh sorry I meant I found prices for Mountain Lodge Paine Grande (Lake Pehoe, not lake Grey)