Maps:
You can download the maps pack for the future Patagonia National Park here.
Weather at the park:
At a latitude of 47º South, the future Patagonia National Park experiences warm summers and cold winters, long hours of daylight in the summer, and variable weather.
Average Temperatures: During the long days of summer (January—March), highs are in the 70s ºF (21/27 ºC) during the day, dropping to about 50ºF (10ºC) at night. Higher elevations will be experience a slightly cooler climate, and frosts have been known to occur rarely at night, even during the summer. During spring (November—December) and fall (April—May), daytime temperatures tend to be in the 50s and 60s ºF, dropping to the 30s and 40s ºF at night. Be prepared for rapid changes in temperature.
Rain: Summer is the dry season. Most precipitation falls during the winter months (June—September); January and February are the least rainy months. Snowfall is moderate in the winter at lower elevations, but continues throughout the year at higher elevations; many mountains remain snow-covered year-round. In the Chacabuco Valley, the westernmost areas close to the Carretera Austral receive more rain than those close to the Argentine border.
Notes on traveling in Chile:
Travel documents:
You’ll need your passport to enter Chile. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries do not need to secure a visa before they arrive.
The Chilean government now charges a ‘reciprocity fee’ from US, Canadian, and Australian citizens, in response to fees these countries impose on Chileans. As of August 2011, this fee is US$130 for U.S, citizens and is valid for the life of the passport.
Currency and ATMs:
Chilean Peso. Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 470 Chilean pesos (August 2011).
You’ll find ATMs in the Santiago and Balmaceda airports, as well as in the town of Coyhaique. There is a bank in Cochrane, 30 minutes drive from the Estancia, but the ATM there often doesn’t function.
Health:
You should not need any special vaccinations to visit Patagonia. Although certain seasons can be fairly buggy, malaria is not a risk. Tap water at the park, and in most places in Patagonia, is safe to drink.
Sunscreen, and proper sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts) are crucial, as the sun is very strong in this area.
The nearest clinic to the park is located in Cochrane, 40 minutes from the park. Cochrane has a pharmacy as well, but with somewhat limited options.
Miscellaneous odds and ends:
Chile’s Country Telephone Code: +56
Each city region has a code; Aysen’s is 67
To connect with a mobile phone from overseas, dial 56 + 9 + 8 digit number
Electric Current: 220 volts
Electrical Plugs: Two rounded plug jacks
Time Zone:
One time zone throughout the country: GMT -5, with Daylight Savings Time in the opposite season from the Northern Hemisphere. So from October—April, Chile is one hour later than Eastern Standard Time, and four hours later than Pacific Standard Time. |
