The most dangerous element in Patagonia is the weather. Due to its austral location, the sun is extremely strong. Sunburn is a constant threat and participants need to apply sunscreen on a regular basis throughout each day. Wind, rain and even snow are all possible during our time in the region. It is imperative for participants to have the proper clothing for protection from the elements. Temperatures can range from 0 – 20 degrees Celsius, making both hypothermia and heat exhaustion a possibility. Proper hydration and nutrition is very important in keeping yourself fit during our activities.
As was mentioned above, the terrain is often rocky and unstable. Participants must have sturdy footwear and take care while walking. Falling rock is possible in some locations on our trek. We will manage the group appropriately to minimize any exposure to this hazard.
Ground transportation will be provided by a local reputable outfitter. We will travel in Mercedes Benz Sprinter mini-buses or similar vehicles. We use professional drivers intimately familiar with local roads and conditions.
Local dangerous fauna include the puma (felis concolor), which is the same species of large cat (mountain lion) indigenous to North America. Shy and reclusive, they have been known to attack humans traveling alone on secluded mountain trails. We, therefore, will maintain a partner system to avoid any conflict. There are no snakes, dangerous insects, or other potential wild animal threats. There are no dangerous plants. On the Estancia Rio Verde participants will be instructed to stay out of corrals where cattle or horses might be contained in close quarters. They will also be instructed to avoid petting any dogs, which sometimes carry a parasite that can be passed to humans (echinococcus granulosus which causes hidatidosis). Frequent hand washing mitigates this and many other potential viral and bacterial threats, all of which have to do with personal hygiene.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) states the following on their website (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/temsam.htm#diseases). Notes in italics are by Santelices. Notices about tropical diseases were deleted from this list:
Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Temperate South America. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.
• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities. NOTE – Chile had its first case of human contracted rabies just a few years ago, due to a bite by a bat. The most dangerous place for getting rabies in Patagonia is in the town of Punta Arenas roaming around at night where packs of stray dogs patrol the streets. Contact with bats is very unlikely.
• Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors. NOTE – water that we drink will be either bottled or treated on the trail. Food in restaurants, the huts we stay in, or on the ranch is served in a professional, hygienic manner.
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.
There are no travel warnings posted by the U.S. State Department for travel in Chile. You can read South American travel recommendations at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1172.html
