What clothes should I take to Tierra del Fuego?

Due to the low temperatures and the strong Patagonian winds, it is essential to take warm clothes. That's why you must pack waterproof coats and trousers, warm socks and vests, as well as hats, earmuffs, gloves, sou'westers or other raingear, sunglasses with UV protection and rubber soled shoes.

You should also take some light clothes, such as shorts, sandals and T-shirts to wear inside the hotels (they are heated), aside from sunscreen for your face (with a minimal sun protection factor of 30) and a mosquito repellent.

What can I do to protect myself from cold weather when I go out in Tierra del Fuego?

A secret to make the most of your tours round Tierra del Fuego is to dress onion-style.

The first layer should be synthetic underwear, which absorbs perspiration and keeps the body dry. Cotton clothes should be avoided since they get wet very easily.

The second layer should be light, allowing body moisture to escape; and, finally, the third layer should insulate the tourist from weather and wind, while being properly ventilated.

Is there an important town in Tierra del Fuego?

Porvenir is the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego. Even though it is not a big city - its population is no more than 7 thousand- it has all the basic facilities (medicine and communication), plus hotels, restaurants, ATMs and banks, the latter opening Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Will I have problems when using credit cards?

No way. Credit cards are accepted in all shops and tourist centers. The commonest ones are Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, American Express and Maestro. Besides, dollars and euros can be used in all transactions.

However, it is advisable to take local currency (Chilean pesos) with you, because this is the only way you can pay in smaller shops and rural areas.

Where can I change dollars or euros?

It is advisable to do this in banks and currency exchange shops. It is also possible in hotels. This way some problems can be avoided. You should bear in mind that the exchange rate fluctuates, though changes are not usually sudden.

Is the water drinkable? Will I have problems with the food?

Even though there is running water in Porvenir, it is advisable to drink bottled water. As regards the food in Tierra del Fuego, it is relatively light, neither rich nor spicy, so you should not have any trouble. However, it is never wrong to be careful.

Is Porvenir a dangerous city?

One of the main features of the capital of Tierra del Fuego is its calmness and safety. But in case you have a problem, go straight to the Third Police Station Porvenir, on 880 Daniel Briceño Street or call 133 or 580-042.
If you have a question or a doubt, visit the Tourist Information Office in Porvenir or the Provincial Historic Museum, on 424 Padre Mario Zavattaro Street, Porvenir. Telephone Number (61) 580-094 / 580- 098. Email: muniporvenir@terra.cl