Useful Information for visiting Chile

Leaving Luggage

For travelling in the Andean Araucania area, visitors should bring both light weight and warm clothing since temperatures generally vary from warm sunny days to cold nights. Shoes should be comfortable for walking, high heels and light-weight sandals are not recommended. Shorts can be worn but we recommend longer, looser fitting trousers. Lockable durable luggage or duffel bags are recommended. One large bag is preferable to several small bags. We have found that most travellers greatly underestimate the amount of film necessary and end up purchasing more expensive film once in the country.

Medical Information

Travellers should consult their physicians regarding medication for high altitude problems or intestinal disorders.

Equipment Recommended

• Warm jacket / sweater / fleece - nights can be cold
• Pair of good quality trekking boots.
• Pair of tennis shoes.
• 2-3 Pairs of thick wool or polypropylene socks.
• 3-4 Pairs of quick dry socks.
• 1-2 Pairs hiking shorts. Warm weather during the day.
• 1-2 Pairs loose fitting pants
• 4-5 T-shirts for hiking.
• 1-2 Pairs long sleeves polypropylene shirts.
• Rain jacket and pants of good quality. Gore-Tex is best.
• Warm gloves and hat.
• Baseball cap for sun protection.
• Bandanna.
• Sun glasses with safety strings attached.
• Sun screen lotion and lip balm.
• Insect repellent.
• Small towel.
• Bathing-suit
• Undergarments
• Bathroom needs.
• Dr. Scholls Molefoam.
• Knife (Swiss Army)
• 2 Water bottles (1 Qt. Size)
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Photo camera and plenty of film. Extra batteries.
• Binoculars
• Good day pack for the trail.

IMPORTANT: each visitor must try to limit luggage to 15 kilos. If there is need to bring extra luggage please consult in advance.

Security

There is little casual crime in Chile but you should take sensible precautions, especially in cities. Avoid looking like a wealthy tourist. If you carry a bag in addition to your pack, never put it down. Keep it under your arm or over your shoulder.

For cash, travellers cheques, passport and air tickets use a money belt.

General Health

Chile has modern medical facilities and excellent doctors. Very few vaccinations are necessary, but it's worth making sure you are up to date with your typhoid, tetanus and polio injections.

Further Reading

Apart from the traditional guidebooks, which are without any doubt very useful, some other reading could be a knowledgeable in some other aspects.

Books on Natural History such as:

• THE FLIGT OF THE CONDOR - Michael Andrews ( Collins/BBC 1982 )
• CHILE¨S NATIVE FORESTS - Ken Wilcox (NW Wild Books, Michigan, 1985 )

There are some not translated, which contains important research knowledge. Field guides such as:

• ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO BIRDING IN CHILE - Mark Pearman

On adventure, exploration and history, such as:

• THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE - Charles Darwin
• THE OLD PATAGONIAN EXPRESS - Paul Theroux
• TRAVELS IN A THIN COUNTRY - Sara Wheeler
• CUCUMBER SANDWICHES IN THE ANDES -John Ure

There is plenty of other useful reading. Write to us for more advice.

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