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While staying in Torres del Paine National Park we’ll spend one night camping and one night in a simple lodge (known locally as a “refugio”). Those with a single supplement will have their own tent while camping, but will not have their own room while at the refugio.
Camping: Sleeping bags, 2-person tents and insulated matts will be provided but you may wish to rent or purchase a sleeping bag liner. Bathrooms and showers are communal, towels are not provided.
Simple Lodge: A VERY basic lodge with simple bunk beds in shared dorms with 6 to a room, sleeping bags are included. You may wish to rent or purchase a sleeping bag liner. The space is heated with a slow-burning wood fire stove. Bathrooms and showers are communal, towels are not provided.
VISA: Canadians, Americans, and most Europeans don’t need a visa. Australians must pay a reciprocity fee, and South Americans need only an ID card. For all visitors, a 90-day Tourist Card will be issued. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility. For more info, click here.
CULTURE SHOCK: Chile is one of South America’s most highly developed nations, with a thriving GDP, but it also has a major chasm between rich and poor. Most economic and industrial development was in the last thirty years, so their newfound prosperity is beginning to have an impact.
LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: Queer rights are progressing in this once socially conservative but still Catholic country. Same-sex couples have had legal protection since 2015, but still cannot marry. They can also apply to adopt, but only one partner becomes a legal parent. There are no service bans for the military, and transgender people can change their sex and name. Community and nightlife thrive in the capital of Santiago, especially in Barrio Bellavista. To make the most of it, bear in mind things don’t get rolling until late in the night (the Latin way).
WEATHER: October is spring in Patagonia, making it the ideal time to visit the region. But even though it’s spring/early summer, the weather can feel cool, especially at night. Weather patterns throughout Patagonia can be very temperamental and heavy rain, snow flurries and wind are quite common so prepare appropriately.
VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements, there are no other immunizations needed for entry, except to Easter Island (a yellow fever vaccine is required when arriving from certain tropical countries). To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. OUT Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
ELECTRICITY: Chile uses C- and L-type sockets. Click here for more info.
CONNECTIVITY: All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. The lodges in Patagonia may have a basic connection in the common areas, slower than what you are used to at home.
We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travelers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
This trip includes visits to high altitude while in the Atacama desert. Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling to high altitudes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. It is important that you drink plenty of water and don’t attempt too much in a day.
Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
On this tour, domestic airfare is not included. We will provide the recommended flight details in the official Trip Guarantee email. If you are booking your trip less than 90 days to departure, there is a chance you will have to purchase a different flight than the rest of the group.
To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your own. Your guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.
Medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must include medical coverage of US$50,000 and emergency repatriation coverage of no less than US$200,000.
Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage.
All Out Adventures are led by an LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQ+-welcoming) Out Adventures guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.
Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.
Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.
We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:
If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.
The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.
Luciano K Hotel
Merced 84, 8320119 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Phone: +56 2 2620 0900
Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Phone:+56 61 271 2191
A group transfer will be provided from Hotel Lago Grey to the Puerto Natales Airport, or our Puerto Natales hotel. With that in mind, we ask that you contact our team before purchasing your flight out of Puerto Natales.
The local currency is the Chilean Peso. Use local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants and hotels.
NOTE: We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.
If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $100–$150 USD.
Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.
Please note: There is limited vehicle luggage space in these remote areas so we ask that you limit your luggage to one soft-sided bag weighing under 20kg. DO NOT bring a large hard-shell suitcase or more than 1 large bag.
The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Our Out Adventure Specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.
Travel Documents:
General Personal Items:
Clothing/Gear:
Bottoms:
Tops:
Jackets:
Other:
Health-related Items:
All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.
Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.
1 – Relaxing
2 – Light
3 – Average
4 – Demanding
5 – Challenging