Q: Do you handle car rentals?
A: Yes

Q: Do you arrange hotel accommodation?
A: Yes

Treks and what is included
Q: What other types of incidental expenses will there be during the trek? or what is not included in your price? food, accommodations, permits, etc.?
A:Normally everything is included except meals in cities. The itinerary of each trip will make the details clear. It is normal to give a tip to the guide and perhaps the driver if you have appreciated their help.

Q: How long is a one day excursion?
A: We call all tours which take more than seven hours a full day excursion. The end of the tour depends mostly on group decisions (how long to stay at a lake, when to stay and when to go on) or the need to be back at a certain time of our passengers. This makes it difficult to tell in a general mode when an excursion ends. Anyway, we are always try to adapt us to your wishes.

Southern Chile - general questions about seasons
Q: I have some doubts about the climatic problem in this part of the globe (the weather, the length of the day, the operation of the tourist services during the winter, and more). Is it suitable to visit Southern Chile during June to August?

A: It is impossible to travel cheaply at this time as camping is not suitable. However, the hotels are still open and the weather can be as good as in spring and summer. Some areas will be impassable due to higher river levels. Please contact us for specific details.

Trekking in Southern Chile:
Q: What kind of clothes do we need?
A: Good walking boots, water and windproof parka and trousers, warm hat, warm clothes, several layers of clothes, shorts and sandals in case there is good weather. A detailed list is sent to you prior to the trip.

Q:How many changes of clothes can/should I bring? (I typically bring 2)
A:Just have a look at the equipment list that will be sent once you book your trip.

Q: What kind of physical condition must you be in?
A: The treks graduated as moderate can be done by anyone who is in healthy condition. For strenuous treks you should be used to do sports.

Q: What kind of food is served during the trip?
A: We will prepare you fresh food every day. So full day board is included for the whole trekking trip. In your reservation form you may also order special food (vegetarian etc.)

Weather
Q: What's the weather like in Southern Chile?
A: It can vary from hot and sunny to cold rain. The weather is impossible to predict in advance, so it is a good idea to bring waterproof gear. But, equally, it is possible to bathe in lakes and rivers and enjoy wonderful sunshine, so come prepared for all contingencies.

Q:How is the weather usually in late November and can the water level of the rivers any of the trails?
A:Weatther always changes every 5 minutes in Southern Chile, so you can never really tell.

Q: How cold does it get during the trip ( max and min for mid- late December)
A: max: 25ºC , min: -2ºC. Average is around 15ºC.

Q: What happens if a trip can't be done because of adverse weather conditions?
A: In case of a mountaineering trip you can choose between replacing the climb by a trekking trip and choosing another date for your climb, if availible. Once the trip has started, this is to say that once the driver has picked you up, you can't change the date of the trip. Bad weather conditions for mountaneering are bad sight (clouds or fog) and too strong winds). For trekking trips, horse rides, bike tours, kayaking and rafting trips we don't consider bad weather - except for storms. Heavy rains are normal in our region as our tours lead to template rainforests and make possible all life you may observe on our tours and paint our landscape flushing green. While planning your trip, remember that there is no bad weather but only bad clothing.

Meals
Q: Do I need to bring food to my several day trips and are there any additional costs for food?
A: All several day trips include three meals a day which should satisfy a normal hunger. Additional costs are to be paid for wine and liquor and additional orders at restaurants.

Local Currency and Payment Forms
Q: What's the exchange rate for the chilean peso?
A: A dollar is about 580 chilean Pesos worth and an Euro about 750 chilean Peso (information updated in may, 2005).

Q: What payment forms are best for travelling in Chile?
A: Today, the easiest way to pay in Chile are credit cards (Visa, Euro, Master) or get cash at a local ATM (cajero automático Redbanc) wearing the Cirrus, Visa, Euro or Master logo, which you can find in every town with a bank. For trips to the countryside you should bring cash in the local currency:

Before leaving your country you should ask at your bank institute if they are cooperating with a chilean institute to prefer their teller machines. Usually about 1% (depending on your institute) of the withdrawed amount is to be paid for using your card out of your country. Anyway, this is cheaper than the exchange rates for cash or traveller cheques at the local exchange bureaus.

Equipment
Q: I will be on a business trip, would it be possible to rent a sleeping bag and mat?
A: At Tolhuaca and Conguillio we provide sleeping bags and mats.

Mountaineering
Q: My mountain boots are too heavy to carry them around as luggage for just one climb, is it possible to rent them?
A: You don't need to rent boots - the personal mountaineering equipment is included in our mountaineering trips.

Q: I never used crampons before, is it possible to climb Osorno anyway?
A: Our guides are prepared to give you instructions before starting to climb the glacier as most people don't bring much climbing experience. Anyway you should be in good physical condition and should not suffer from vertigo as the climb is quiet strenuous.

Rafting and Kayaking:
Q: What do we need to bring for the rafting?
A: Sandals or trainers, t-shirt, swimming shorts, and a change of clothes because you will get wet. Also take something warm for the evening.

Q:And what kind of equipment is provided?
A: Wet suits, safety helmets, life jackets, and all the rafting equipment

Q: When is the best period to do rafting?
A: Rafting on the river Petrohué takes place all year round. The level is normally grade 3 to 3+. After heavy rainfalls it is sometimes graded 4.

Q: Do I need to state experience for kayaking the white water section of the Petrohué?
A: Yes, you are requested to send ahead a document that states that you are able to safely kayak on grade 3 river. Anyway, the guide can examine your kayaking skills.