Where we are Patagonia: South Patagonia and the Chilean territory form the Magellan and Chilean Antarctica. Punta Arenas is its Capital. Area: 132.033,5 square kilometers in the South American part, plus 1.250.000 square kilometers in the Chilean Antarctic territory. Population: Approximately 150.000 inhabitants. Puerto Natales Puerto Natales, the capital of the Province of Ultima Esperanza “Last Hope”, is located on the banks of Canal Señoret. Founded in 1911 and with a population of 21,000, Puerto Natales is known for the tourism industry, livestock and fishing.
Useful information Weather In summer there are mainly windy sunny days. Higher temperatures range between 13º and 20º C, while the lowest ones between 1º and 2º C. Temperatures rise from west to east and diminish from north to south. Summertime days may last as long as 18 hours and the opposite is found is winter. The Andes works as a climatic curtain, therefore it causes a strong variation in precipitation from one area to another. The Western islands get 7.000 mm per year, while the pampas to the east, only get at about 400 mm per year. Same situation is found in Tierra del Fuego where it seems that the driest part is the northern one and the humid one the south, thou. The Antarctica only gets around 50 mm per year. What to pack Patagonia means outdoors: take Trekking shoes with you, a small backpack with an impermeable cover to protect it against rain, paddling jackets, lip balms with SPF protection, sun glasses, picture camera or video camera, binoculars, cap. Visas Visas are required to enter Chile is normally an exception rather than general rule (check at the local Chilean consulate closet to your location): Australia and New Zealand are some exceptions. All visitors – excluded Mercosur citizens, who are allowed to travel only with their ID card-need a valid passport to enter the country. US citizens, due to reciprocity principles, have to pay 90 days. Do not lose it because you will need it when you leave the country. In case it is lost, reporte it at Policía Internacional International Police (in Punta Arenas, Errazuriz St. 977, phone 200.008). Getting There
Local Transportation Urban Buses (“Micros”): Taxis or collective cars, Colectivo. Few bus services between the cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales, regular departures in each direction. International services: Daily departure to nearby Argentinean cities. Taxis RadioTaxis: Orange license plate with white writing. Phone reservations to set hour and destination, Similar rate to normal taxis. Colectivo (shared taxis): they have a rectangular sign on their roof yellow license plates with black writing. They have a set journey for a standard price, lower than normal taxis. They are black cars. Tourist taxis: They are blue with orange license plates and white writing; they are normally used for special services. Car Rental Requirements: 21 years old end over, valid passport, credit card and driving license. Advice: Verify that rates include car insurance and free kilometers. Never leave valuable objects inside the vehicle. Tale all vehicle documents with you as well as your driving license. Never try to bribe a policeman, he will be offended and you suffer consequences. Speed limit: 60 kilometers per hour within urban area, 100 kilometers per hour along motorways. Services and facilities Well – kept surface of road networks and good state of pebbled roads towards places of interest. The offer or tourist services is broad and it includes good restaurants, hotels, hostels and camp sites. Tour operators are in general of a very good level and have vast experience. Telecommunications, transportation services and public service of first class. Health Do you not need to have any special inoculation.You can not find poisoning plants or animals either. There is good access to all kind of medications and medical centers. Personal Safety The region is remarkably safe for travelers. Obviously, common sense cautions are needed: do not carry large amounts of money, do leave neither your baggage or your cameras unattended, and do not wear expensive jewelry. |
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