Does it matter what time I arrive or depart?

• If you arrive/depart at any time on the scheduled start/end dates of your trip, OneSeed will arrange for airport or bus station transfers. Pickup will be arranged to efficiently transfer clients with arrival times in close proximity (generally within one hour of each other). If you plan to arrive before the scheduled start date or stay past the end date of your trip, you will need to coordinate your own airport transfer or purchase a trip extension through OneSeed.
• You can either fly directly to Puerto Natales or fly to Punta Arenas and take a bus to Puerto Natales. Flights to Puerto Natales are infrequent and often expensive so your best bet is to fly to Punta Arenas and then bus to Puerto Natales. Two popular bus companies are PasajeBus and BusSur.

Do I need a visa? And what about passport requirements?

• Visas are not required for US citizens for tourist visits less than 90 days, but you will need a Tourist Card (free upon arrival). Please keep your passport and tourist card with you at all times during your expedition.
• Check the latest Chile entrance requirements on the US Embassy website.
• Your passport must be valid for six months after your country departure date. It should also have at least one blank page for any necessary stamps.

What happens if my trip is altered due to unforseen circumstances?

Per the Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver Agreement, if your expedition must be altered at any point, you are responsible for any additional costs.Canceled flights and transportation strikes happen. We do our best to ensure that your experience is unaltered by handling the situation efficiently and smoothly. For complete terms and conditions, see here. We recommend reviewing optional trip cancellation and interruption insurance to cover expenses in these instances. Some instances that have come up are:

• A twisted ankle one week before a trip
• Power outages in the Atlanta airport leaving travelers stranded
• Burst appendix!
• Earthquakes or floods cutting a trip short

DO I NEED ANY IMMUNIZATIONS OR MEDICINE?

Talk to your physician and follow recommended CDC guidelines found here.

WILL WE NEED TO FILTER WATER?

The water along the trail is safe to drink, whether that's straight from the tap or off a glacier.

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I EXPECT TO EAT ON THE TRAIL?

• Food on the trail is rich in carbohydrates and protein since you'll be burning calories like a champ. Breakfast at the refugios may include eggs, fruit, cereal, lunch meat, cheese, toast, coffee, tea, and juice. Lunch is usually a sandwich made by your guide, fruit, snack bars, and some chocolate. Dinner may include meals like chicken with mashed potatoes, pasta, beef and rice, salad, soup, etc.
• While extra snacks are not included, you will have plenty of food during the trek. Travelers also have the option of purchasing snacks at the refugios, so having extra cash on hand is helpful. We do recommend any vegan travelers bring extra protein bars.
• OneSeed is able to accommodate most allergies and dietary preferences. If you didn't include this information on your registration form, please email info@oneseedexpeditions.com.

WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE ON THE TRAIL?

On the trail, you will be sleeping in refugios which are basic mountain lodges with shared mixed gender dorm-style bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities. Refugios are simple but comfortable spots to rest your head and even have a glass of wine after a long day of trekking.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

• Please refer to our Terms & Conditions here: www.oneseedexpeditions.com/terms-of-service

DO I NEED TO TIP MY GUIDE?

Tips are always appreciated. We have developed the chart in the blogpost below to act as a guide. Averages below are based on per person recommendations.

• Head Guide: $6-8/day
• Assistant Guide: $2-5/day

www.oneseedexpeditions.com/blog/tipping

DOES SOMEONE CARRY MY PACK?

You are responsible for carrying your backpack during the entirety of your trip. Some days you will be able to leave your large pack at the refugio and only carry a daypack if you are returning to that refugio.

CAN I LEAVE SOME OF MY LUGGAGE IN THE HOTEL DURING THE TREK?

You will be staying at the same hotel before and after your trek in Puerto Natales. Leaving an extra bag at the hotel during your trek is free of charge.

HOW SHOULD I TRAIN FOR MY TREK?

While the elevation is not much of a factor on this trip, daily mileage can range from 7-13 miles and 5-10 trekking hours per day. This expedition requires above average physical fitness. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. We always recommend that travelers break in their hiking boots before the expedition. Taking training hikes that mimic the mileage and amount of time you will be trekking in Patagonia is recommended.

WHAT IS THE ELEVATION? IS ALTITUDE A CONCERN?

The highest elevation you will reach on your trek is 3,608 ft. Trekking at high elevation is generally not a concern below 10,000 ft.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

Weather in Patagonia is always unpredictable which is why we recommend a slightly more comprehensive packing list. A sunny warm day can turn on a dime and end in rain or snow. It never hurts to prep for both! Visit the terrain section above to see average temperatures and weather forecasts for Torres del Paine National Park.

ANY OTHER TIPS?

We always ask that you stay safe on the trail by drinking plenty of water, eating well, and communicating openly with your guide about any issues that arise. Be sure to take care of your belongings, be respectful of your travel companions, practice your Spanish with people you meet along the way, and respect the natural landscape that you're exploring.