What To Take On a Trip To Patagonia

Wondering what you should pack for your upcoming Patagonia trip? Hear from our Program Ambassador Jocelyn Glennie!

She's currently in El Chaltén for 12 weeks completing the Patagonia Adventure Guide Program; and after six weeks out there, having completed the four day Huemul Loop, and various rock climbing routes at Vescho Wall; here is what she would recommend you bring when you travel to Patagonia. 

As someone who has frequently called mountain towns “home”, arriving in El Chaltén gave me that same fuzzy feeling like I was meant to be here. It’s always a journey to get into such a remote and isolated place, but I promise it’s worth it. Colourful rooftops, rock faces on the edge of town, and one of the most iconic mountain views on the planet at the foot of your doorstep, it’s safe to say it was very easy to settle into the next place I’d be calling home for the next few months. 

After spending quite a bit out time out in the elements on the outskirts of town, I’ve started making a mental list of things I wish I had brought with me to Argentina. It goes without saying you’ll need everything on the programs packing list PDF, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to have these extra few things that have made all the difference (or lack there of) in my experience thus far. 

Your Tried and True Gear Kit:

El Chaltén isn’t really known for being a gear haven, and the prices certainly aren’t luring anyone in to buy their entire gear kit in town. I thought I had packed very strategically and practically but after having a few pieces of gear give out on me in the first couple of weeks, it was a bit daunting to have to replace some essential parts of my kit here in town. If you’re waiting to buy things you think you might want here for your time in Patagonia, my vote is to buy them before arriving here to prevent a bigger expense in the long run. There’s also a chance you may not be able to find what you’re looking for here and I’d say it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

I know it’s always a good idea to have some physical currency on hand, but living in a small town amongst many small businesses, it’s almost impossible to get around without it. For instance, a lot of locally owned businesses run out of their home and won’t be able to accept a payment through card or bank transfer. Even if you’re not looking to add souvenirs to your bags for back home, essential services like the laundry mat and cell repair shop will only accept cash. 

Bonus Tip: if you’re here for an extended period of time and want to get some time at the indoor bouldering gym in town, they also only accept cash for day/monthly passes.

It would be a bit rude if I failed to mention the food culture down here in Patagonia. Infinite empanadas, alfajores, and dulce de leche…. Everything. As someone who doesn’t eat meat, I’ve had to avoid the barbecue culture with every ounce of my being, but if your diet includes animal protein, Argentina is a big hot spot for this. If I’m being honest, I had set the bar pretty low when it came to pastries in such a small town. Bakeries seem to be located at every corner and they have yet to disappoint. (I’d even go as far as saying I’ve had one of the best croissants of my life here but who am I to say such a thing). 

One of the most frequent things you’ll hear about Patagonia is the intensity of the mountain weather through the valleys. I’ve spent a lot of time in the mountains, especially at altitude but I have never experienced wind quite like the forces here in El Chaltén. I’m so grateful I brought full Gore-tex layers along with waterproof boots and gloves. If you’re on the fence about water-resistant vs. waterproof, I’d say Patagonia is the one place you’re going to want to take these layers seriously to stay warm and dry.

I don’t think I was the only person who underestimated the limited amount of English spoken in El Chaltén. Getting around is doable if you’re just visiting, but when you’re spending months on end in such a small town it’s nice to be able to get friendly with the shops, locals, and tourists. I would even go as far as saying that knowing the basics is essential. We’ve all ignored our Duolingo reminder for another lesson but seriously… don’t skip it this time. A little goes a long way and the locals will appreciate the effort. 

All in all, I’ve managed to get by with the gear I packed and the expectations I came with, but it’s always great to have an open mind and an open heart if something doesn’t turn out the way you anticipated. 

Joce Glennie.