Parque Nacional Torres del Paine: Refugio Chileno

Lonely Planet Review

Fantastico Sur owns Chileno refugio and campgrounds. The refugio has individual rooms with four to eight bunk beds, kitchen privileges (during specific hours and for lodgers only), meals and hot showers. If a refugio is overbooked the staff should be able to provide all necessary camping equipment. Most refugios close by the end of April.

They also have hot showers and small stores selling expensive pasta, soup packets and butane gas. Mice have become a problem at many campgrounds; hang food from trees to avoid packs and tents from being chewed through.

Some refugios may require photo ID (ie a passport) upon check-in - ask about this while booking to avoid having to pay twice for a reservation. Once checked in, staff can radio ahead to confirm your next reservation. Patience is also important. Campsite and refugio staff do their best to deal with the intense flow of trekkers, but can't meet everyone's expectations. Given the rates, however, you would think that they could hire some extra hands.