What’s the best time of year to visit Patagonia?

Our neck of the woods has a particularly mild microclimate and is completely distinct from the wet Chilean side of the Andes Mountains. November through April (mid spring thru early autumn) offers the best weather: warm dry days, cool evenings. Nov & Dec are best for river sports. Dec – Mar are best for mountain biking (rarely any rain). Trekking is good the entire season…Fall color is quite spectacular which makes April a good bet even if it’s more likely to rain some. Dec & Jan is horsefly season…otherwise there are no insects to speak of (no biting gnats, no mosquitos at any time of year…nor are there any snakes, spiders, scorpions, etc).

What’s included and what’s not included in the price of your stay?

Included are:

  • breakfast or all 3 meals & afternoon tea/coffee/snack (depending on what plan you arrange for with your stay)
  • wifi
  • sauna & hot tubs

Not included are:

  • rental equipment depending on which activities you choose to participate in
  • workshop fees
  • private sports instruction
  • airport transfers (in/out)

What kind of clothing/essentials do I need to pack?

To be comfortable in this environment, a wide variety of clothing is needed so that you can “layer” for cold weather (i.e., on glaciers and in the mountains), or take off “layers” if it is warm (i.e. in Buenos Aires).

  • Rain gear. It is important to bring a good rain suit in the spring or fall (including jacket and pants). Your rain parka can also act as a lightweight wind jacket
  • Medium-weight hiking boots. It is best not to wear shoes on your hikes, even if they are walking shoes, because ankle support is absolutely essential in mountainous terrain
  • One fleece jacket, one wool or fleece cap, and gloves. You can layer the fleece jacket under your rain parka to act as a warmer jacket
  • Extra comfortable shoes such as tennis shoes or Tevas to wear in the evenings…ahhh!
  • A lightweight day pack for carrying camera gear, hat, sunscreen, etc. (you can also use your day pack as your carry-on bag)
  • Water bottle. We recommend the 22 oz. Nalgene Everyday OTG Tritan Bottle
  • Long pants and hiking shorts, two pairs each
  • Long-sleeved shirts and T-shirts
  • Bathing suit
  • Underwear / sleepwear
  • Socks. It is best to wear 2 pairs of socks inside your hiking boots, a pair of wool socks, and a thin pair of liner socks underneath the wool socks
  • Sun hat and sunglasses with neck strap
  • A spare pair of glasses (if you wear glasses)
  • Bandana
  • Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, insect repellent, lotion
  • Personal toiletries
  • Ziplock bags in various sizes. For wet, dirty clothes and shoes, or to pack anything that might leak
  • Lightweight flashlight
  • Small travel alarm clock
  • Earplugs (for snoring roommates?)
  • Extra clothes for evenings around the lodge or a trip to town
  • Regarding foot care: To prevent blisters many hikers use moleskin. However, we recommend bringing a small roll of ordinary duct tape as an alternative. Applied when you feel a “hot spot,” before a blister forms, it reduces friction much better than moleskin

Do I need any other outdoor / sport gear?

Many visitors actually bring their mountain bikes and kayaks with them, but it depends on your preferences. We can provide high quality rental mountain bikes, whitewater kayaks & paddles, wet suits, helmets and, of course, rafting gear.

What voltage do you have?

220V…but most all electronics are able to adapt to both 110V and 220V…we can provide you with plug adapters.

Do I need a VISA to enter Argentina?

No visa is required, but Argentina charges what are called “reciprocity fees” when you enter the country ($160)

What’s the time zone there?

UTC -3

Is there television and Wifi?

We have free wifi and movies/videos, but no network TV

Are there hair dryers?

Yes

What is customary for gratuities?

This depends totally on the country that the visitor is from, but 5 – 10% is considered fine.