Trekking in Patagonia's Less-Visited Parks

Patagonia, the fabled land at the southern tip of South America, is synonymous with vast open spaces, towering mountain peaks, and a sense of utter remoteness. While many trekkers flock to the well-known Torres del Paine, the region offers a plethora of less-visited parks that promise equally stunning landscapes and a more solitary communion with nature.

Hidden Gems of Patagonia

Los Glaciares National Park's northern sector is often overshadowed by the famed Fitz Roy range in the south but offers incredible trekking opportunities amid ice-capped peaks and pristine lakes. Parque Patagonia, a lesser-known yet stunningly beautiful area, offers treks through valleys teeming with wildlife and views of the Patagonian steppe. Further south, Tierra del Fuego presents a raw and windswept landscape at the very end of the continent, where forests, mountains, and glaciers meet the sea.

Wildlife and Wilderness

Patagonia's less-visited parks are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you might spot guanacos grazing, Andean condors soaring overhead, or even the elusive puma. The parks are also home to a variety of unique flora, adapted to the harsh, windy climate. Trekking through these areas offers a chance to witness the interplay of life in one of the world's last great wildernesses.

Responsible Trekking

The remote and often fragile ecosystems of Patagonia require a committed approach to conservation. Trekkers are urged to follow leave-no-trace principles, sticking to trails to avoid damaging vegetation, and taking all trash out with them. Given the limited facilities in these less-visited areas, preparation and self-sufficiency are key, as is a respect for the natural environment and the small, often isolated local communities.

Trekking in Patagonia's less-visited parks offers a chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. Whether you're navigating the ice fields of Los Glaciares, exploring the new trails of Parque Patagonia, or venturing into the wilds of Tierra del Fuego, you'll find a deep sense of solitude and connection to nature. As you walk these lesser-known paths, remember that you are a steward of this land, responsible for preserving its beauty and wildness for future generations to discover and cherish.

Refugios in Patagonia: Everything You Need to Know About Accommodations on the Trail

If you’re planning to hike the ‘W’ or Full Circuit Trek in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park, you will be staying at refugios, either inside the bunkrooms or in the nearby tents. Pronounced reh-foo-hee-oh (meaning refuge or shelter), these mountain lodges offer hikers a place to rest and relax after a long day of trekking. Here’s what to expect when staying at these unique mountain lodges in Chilean Patagonia:

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS

On OneSeed trips, you will either sleep inside the refugios or in the nearby tents, depending on your departure. Please contact us for your exact sleeping arrangements.

If you have booked based on double occupancy, you and your travel companion will share a tent. If you have paid a solo supplement, solo tents are provided for tent camping. Tents have a thick foam mat provided, but you may want to bring a small inflatable mat if you prefer a bit more padding.

Nights spent in dorm rooms are always shared. Refugios all have dorm-style sleeping arrangements with 4-8 bunk beds in a single room as well as campgrounds with single or double occupancy tents. We utilize a combination of tents and indoor accommodations along the trail. Regardless of where you will be sleeping each night, travelers have access to indoor, heated common areas and basic restrooms with running water and showers (hot water TBD).

All beds in indoor accommodations are twin-sized and a pillow is provided. Our guides will always attempt to get everyone in the group in the same room but that can’t always be guaranteed. It’s important to note you may be sharing these rooms with other travelers on the trail not affiliated with OneSeed. 

Some refugios, especially in the early season, provide sheets and a comforter so a sleeping bag won’t always be necessary but bedding is never guaranteed. It’s hard to predict if a refugio or room will have bedding so always err on the side of caution and bring your sleeping bag. The rooms are not winterized which is why we suggest a sleeping bag with a 15 degree Fahrenheit rating regardless of whether you will be sleeping in unheated indoor accommodations or tents on a given night. Also be sure to pack comfortable clothes and slippers (or crocs, sandals or non-hiking boots of choice) for walking around the refugios at night. 

BATHROOMS

All refugios have a men’s and women’s bathroom with anywhere from 3-6 toilet stalls and 2-4 showers. There IS hot water but it takes some luck getting it. If you want a hot shower your best bet is going right when you arrive at the refugio or early in the morning before you start your hike. After dinner gets busy and your chances of a hot shower are slim.  

If you are tent camping, you will also have access to bathrooms and showers.

POWER OUTLETS AND WIFI

There are power outlets in the refugios but they’re only in the main common areas, usually not in the bedrooms. Refugio Grey will be the only lodge along your trek with power outlets in the dorm rooms, so you may want to bring a small portable battery charger. If you are tent camping only, we recommend a portable battery charger. Most refugios will have a power strip at the front-desk for you to charge your electronics. Your best bet at getting a power outlet is when you first arrive at the refugio. Be sure to keep your phone on “airplane mode” to save energy and prevent any data charges. You will likely need an adapter, and we recommend a universal adapter such as this one.

Speaking of data, there is wifi at the the refugios! Every lodge has wifi for around $10 for 8 hours of service. You won’t be able to stream Netflix (but who wants to when you’re surrounded by such beauty) but you will be able to check email, texts and post updates to social media. 

FOOD AND DRINKS  

There is no shortage of food along the ‘W’ route! Breakfast typically consists of scrambled eggs, toast, ham, cheese, granola, yogurt, fruit, coffee and tea. Lunch is always a sandwich with either turkey, salami or veggies. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated and gluten-free bread is available. In your lunch bags, you’ll also have fruits, nuts, and chocolate but if you’re a big snacker, be sure to pack extra protein bars. Dinner typically consists of a protein (either chicken, beef or fish), a vegetable (peas, sweet potatoes) and a carb (rice, mashed potatoes or bread). If you’re vegetarian we do suggest bringing extra protein bars as non-meat sources of protein are rare.  

Another great thing about the refugios is they all have a full bar and gift shops where you can buy snacks, postcards and other souvenir gifts and toiletries you may have forgotten like a toothbrush. A glass of wine or beer costs around $8 and they do take credit cards but be sure to bring Chilean cash as well just in case the machines are down. 

KEEPING YOUR THINGS SAFE

There isn’t secure storage in the refugios so do not bring anything of value. You will almost always have your backpack with you but there are a few nights where you’ll be sleeping in the same camp for two nights in a row and will only take your daypack with you and leave your backpack behind. Always keep your cash, credit cards and passport on you. Don’t leave your cell phone in the cafeterias and as tempting as it is to do laundry and let your clothes dry by the communal fireplaces, don’t do it. Theft is rare but it has happened, so keep your belongings close to you. On the nights you stay inside a refugio, a locker will be in each room, but you will need to provide your own small lock.

PACKING DOS AND DONT’S  

Leave your computers and hairdryers at home! The wifi isn’t strong enough to support anything where a laptop would be necessary and the bathrooms don’t have power outlets for hairdryers. There is also no need for water filters as the water in Patagonia is safe to drink. You’re carrying everything in your backpack and a light bag = a happy hiker. A few things you may want to throw in your bag:

• earplugs and/or earphones for sleeping at night

• a deck of cards for hanging out in the refugios after dinner

• pajamas/lounging clothes and slippers/sandals/crocs

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN REFUGIOS

The refugios along the ‘W’ trek are run by two different companies; Fantastico Sur and Vertice Patagonia. Fantastico Sur is family-owned on private land inside the park. These lodges include Refugio Torres (right by the base of the towers) and Refugio Cuernos. The other refugio company, Vertice Patagonia, owns and operates Refugio Paine Grande and Refugio Grey as concessions.

Each refugio has its own unique charm and each differs greatly, especially those owned by Fantastico Sur versus those owned by Vertice Patagonia. Refugio Torres offers a fireplace and amazing outdoor seating for a sunset or sunrise view of the towers. Refugio Cuernos is nestled in the forest giving it a tree-house feel with an amazing view of Lake Nordenskjöld. Paine Grande is the largest of all the refugios while Refugio Grey is the smallest, giving it an intimate feel. There’s also a nice front porch at Refugio Grey which is the perfect place to rest your legs and have a beer at the end of a long hike.  

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Have any questions about refugios that we didn’t cover here?

Ask one of our expedition specialists!

Extending Your Patagonia Trek in Santiago, Chile

What to do in Santiago with 1-3 days

If trekking pristine, glacier-studded Patagonia is on your bucket list, then your State-side flights “to and from” southern Chile are likely to connect in Santiago.

Santiago is a great option for extending your South American adventure. The Chilean capital offers stunning views of the Andes to the east, world-class museums, and the lively central Plaza de Armas with stately buildings dating back to the 1500s.

In 48 to 72 hours, you can see eye-popping street art, sample wonderful restaurants, and the natural beauty of the city in the shadow of the Andes mountains.

Santiago is also the perfect jumping-off point for day trips spent white water rafting, touring Maipo Valley wineries, or basking in hot springs high up in the Andes. Here are some to consider in planning your Santiago stay:

Top sights to see 

With two days in the city and one saved for an action-oriented day trip, begin with a guided walking tour of the central Plaza de Armas with its street performers and colorful market on weekends outside the Metropolitan Cathedral (worth a look). Stroll from the plaza through the downtown to lunch at the covered Mercado Centro, a local favorite for its warren of seafood merchants and restaurants.

Reserve the afternoon for the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos — Museum of Memory and Human Rights commemorating the victims of Pinochet’s 18-year regime (1973–1990). President Michelle Bachelet inaugurated the stunning museum in 2010, saying, “We cannot change our past, we can only learn from what has been lived.” 

Divide your second day in the city with an on-your-own stroll through the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood to view street murals and sample some of the city’s best restaurants — La Signoria, open for breakfast and lunch only, and dinner favorite Sarita Colonia with must-try Pisco sours!  Easily include a stop at La Chascona (the eclectic hillside home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda) and ride the vernacular to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, offering a spectacular view of the city, hiking trails, and a Japanese garden.  

With more time, take a short taxi ride to Barrio Lastarria for people watching from sidewalk cafes, street markets for affordable jewelry and art, and galleries.

A day trip from Santiago can find you sampling Class III and IV rapids on the Maipo River, or combining a visit to one of Maipo Valley’s wineries with a long bumpy drive to the remote Baños Colina Cajon del Maipo, glorious hot spring-fed pools with a view of Andean glaciers.

If you’re interested in an organized tour, some tour operators that past travelers have used and liked are: Bicicleta Verde, Turistik or Free Walking Tours Santiago. Please note OneSeed is not affiliated with any of these tour operators.

Note: most shops and restaurants are typically closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly!

Getting around the city

It is best to stick to walking or taxis in the city, or arrange a day trip through a tour guide or chartered company with transportation included.

Some taxi drivers are notorious for over-charging foreigners so stick to the black taxi cabs with yellow roofs and be sure they are metered before agreeing to book. It should cost no more than $3,000 CLP ($6 USD) for a relatively short ride to the most popular sites in Santiago. Ask your hotel to arrange transport to and from the airport with a driver who will identify themselves (and you) by name. Uber and Cabify are also very commonly used to get around the city.

Safety considerations

As with any large city, listen and learn while remaining aware of your surroundings. Keep your passport and extra cash in your hotel room. Do not flash money around, don’t wear expensive jewelry, keep your cell phone in your pocket, and stay in well-populated areas. It’s the best way to avoid pickpockets or “snatch and grabs.”

Santiago is sprawling, messy, beautiful and complex. And, definitely worth an extended Chilean adventure.

A Guide's Packing List: What to Bring on the W Trek in Patagonia

Hola to everyone reading this post, I’m Sofia, one of the many OneSeed guides in Patagonia. I want to give you an idea of what I bring on my backpacking trips in Torres del Paine and how you can pack smart for the days that you are on the trail.

First off, I care deeply about protecting the environment, so the clothes I pack are fairly minimal for the trek. I always bring a clean set for the day or two after a trek. When you get to take a shower AND put on clean clothes -- ¡ what a great moment! 

CLOTHES

• 1 base layer, for sleeping and post-trek clothes

• 1 or 2 pairs of trekking pants 

• 2 pairs of socks 

  • I use merino wool socks because they are antibacterial and odor free. I wear the same sock every day for hiking and air them out in the afternoon. The other pair is for wearing at night and after getting off the trail.

• 1 top base layer (long sleeve)

  • Also merino for the same reason I mention above, I especially like Patagonia’s capilene base layer. In March and October I might add an extra top as a second layer and extra hiking pants for chillier weather.

• 1 rain pant and rain jacket 

• 1 synthetic lightweight jacket that I can hike with if it gets cool but not cold 

• 1 down jacket 

• 1 pair of fake Crocs  

  • I used the brand Frogs. I like them because I can wear them with socks if it’s chilly.

• 1 towel 

• 5 pairs of underwear 

• 2 bras 

• 2 hats (sun hat + beanie)

• 1 buff / facemask 

  • you can also wear this as a eye mask to sleep 

• sunglasses with Croakies (sunglasses straps)

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TOILETRIES

• shampoo and conditioner bars

  • they are easy to transport, not messy, and don’t produce any garbage!

• small toothpaste

• deodorant

• face cream or jojoba oil

  • Nivea is good for body and face, I also have a solid body cream that I use sometimes when my skin is very dry.

• toothbrush 

• nail clippers

• tweezers

• comb 

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EXTRAS 

• trekking poles

• external battery pack for charging camera/phone

• an old cell phone with videos, podcasts, and books for nights when it’s hard to sleep

• a small embroidery set (very tiny)  

• compression dry sack for my sleeping bag and clothes 

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As a guide I also have to carry the first aid kit, radio, papers with the booking and vouchers, some snacks and food, tent, sleeping bag and pad, coffee press (VERY IMPORTANT FOR GOOD DAY), and the coffee. 

HELPFUL TIPS:

One new item that I will be adding for the next season is a Kula Cloth. What is it? 

It’s an antibacterial tiny towel for going to the bathroom outside (just for liquid, not solid). For those who have read the OneSeed blog, there is an entry about the Fiesta de la Limpieza, which is a volunteer-led initiative where we hike at the end of the high season to pick up any garbage and even toilet paper that travelers leave behind trees and rocks. You don’t need to have a Kuna Cloth with you, but if you bring toilet paper, never leave it on the trail or bury it in the ground. Make sure you have a pocket or ziplock for any dirty toilet paper and snack wrappers. Just a little piece of trash really adds up. 

I also like to bring a Nalgene water bottle because you can fill it with hot water at night to warm up in the sleeping bag (we called it GUATERO, and I love it).

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to bring one durable garbage bag. Sometimes backpack rain covers are not good enough in heavy rain, so I always have a garbage bag inside my big backpack plus the pack cover.

7 Ways to Travel More Sustainably on Your Next Adventure

1. Come prepared with helpful knowledge

Spend some time learning about the history and culture of the areas you plan to visit. Having a general background will provide a unique lens as you travel, plus your guides will be able to share more and help answer any questions in-country.

Be sure to research local customs before you arrive. What may be a friendly gesture in one country could be quite offensive in another. The easiest way to respect local customs is to know what they are.

Next, familiarize yourself with sustainability issues unique to that location. From water scarcity to animal welfare, every country (including your own) has unique and complex issues with sustainability. Get to know what issues your particular destination is facing to make responsible decisions while traveling.

Lastly, don’t forget to brush up on the local language. Bring a small notebook or make a note in your phone translating “hello/goodbye,” “yes/no”, “please/thank you,” plus a few more phrases that may come in handy. Learning just a few words of the language can go a long way. Don’t worry too much about your pronunciation, people always appreciate the effort!

2. Research your tour operator

Once in a lifetime trips are a big investment, and cost is always a factor when deciding where to travel. You may spend a few years saving to climb Kilimanjaro or visit Easter Island, but before booking the cheapest deal out there, consider the tour operator and why it costs what it does.  

Responsible travel operators choose suppliers that have good environmental practices and are locally owned, they pay their staff fair wages, manage their own environmental impact, and consider animal welfare. While this can be difficult to verify, look for operators who opt-in to third party verification. Partner companies of the Kilimanjaro Porter’s Assistance Project are audited annually (and on every climb) for proper wages and fair treatment of porters. Travel companies with B Corp certification have had their business verified to meet a high standard of sustainability and are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. Greenwashing is rampant in most industries these days - be sure to look for official certifications.

It’s a fine balance between finding something affordable and ensuring that your money is being well spent. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! 

3. Offset the carbon emissions from your flight 

It’s hard to avoid flying across continents to reach your next travel destination. Unfortunately, the biggest contributor to greenhouse gases in the travel industry are long-haul flights. The first and most important step is to invest in projects that offset your flight’s emissions to achieve climate neutrality. Luckily, it’s affordable and shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes.

First, find a reputable organization that has been vetted and is transparent about the projects that they fund. (OneSeed currently uses South Pole to offset all expeditions and internal operations). Next, input your flight itinerary and your carbon emissions will be calculated by the metric ton. Lastly, choose a carbon offset project to fund like forest reforestation, clean cooking stoves, and renewable energy projects.

While methods like carbon capture and sequestration would help move the needle beyond just net-zero, they aren’t yet available or affordable to the masses. It’s important to not let perfect get in the way of good. Changing habits slowly over time helps shift mindsets towards the importance of protecting our planet. 

Other flights tips and tricks to lower your impact:

• Minimize air travel

• Take nonstop flights whenever possible  

• Fly economy rather than business or first class as you’re responsible for less of the calculated emissions based on available space

4. Bring a reusable water bottle filter

The amount of plastic filling our landfills and oceans is overwhelming. Microplastics are being found in our drinking water, even contaminating water and wildlife as far south as Antarctica. While big business and manufacturing need to change, we can always do our part.  

Commit to using a reusable water bottle wherever you go, whether that’s at home or traveling abroad. When you’re in countries where the water is not safe to drink, it can be easy to reach for bottled water as it’s cheap and easy. Keep in mind that many countries don’t have an efficient recycling system, so that plastic bottle is likely going straight into the trash.

The best option is to bring a reusable water bottle and filter system. Try a SteriPen that purifies water through UV light. Water treatment tablets work well and don’t take up much room. A water bottle filter like GRAYL can be an easy all-in-one solution where you fill the water bottle and push the lid filter down to purify the water in about 15 seconds. Being prepared with a water filter system ensures that you can drink from the tap in your hotel, a spigot along the trail, or from a river or lake without the worry of getting sick.

5. Support local business, not chains or imports

Shopping local is a great way to ensure an economy and community thrive. Whether you’re traveling with a tour operator or on your own, make sure to stay at hotels that are locally owned and ideally have environmental best practices in place and/or give back to their local community. That goes for restaurants and other attractions that have private ownership as well. Consider venturing off-the-beaten-path from the more touristy neighborhoods or popular trekking routes to find a restaurant or store.  

Keep in mind, when shopping for handicrafts, art, and other souvenirs, your money can go a long way. While haggling is common in many cultures, pay what feels fair rather than the cheapest possible price. What amounts to just one or two US dollars means quite a bit more to someone selling a custom handicraft that likely took hours or days to make. It’s always helpful to research your destination to see what is customary when purchasing goods. Lastly, be sure to purchase locally made goods (not ones imported from other countries) to support local artisans.    

6. Give back responsibly

It’s great to want to give back when you travel. Instead of bringing miscellaneous items and gifts, ask your tour operator for recommendations or connect with a local nonprofit operating in the country. It’s best to ask first rather than assume as local organizations are the experts when it comes to what a community really needs, and what it doesn’t. 

Consider donating the outdoor gear you use on your trek. It can help out a porter and lighten your luggage on the way home. Depending on your destination, guides and porters often appreciate hiking boots or quality outdoor gear if you want to donate them when you leave. Talk to your tour operator first or ask your head guide what would be most helpful.

If you’re set on volunteering your time while abroad, due diligence is key. Short term volunteer opportunities can often undermine local initiatives without addressing the root cause of issues a particular country or population faces. Monetary and resource support, as well as long-term engagement with skilled individuals, has shown to be the most successful at addressing issues in developing countries. 

At OneSeed, our mission does not include volunteer opportunities, rather it offers travelers a way to directly bolster the local economy. By investing 10% of every trip cost in nonprofit microfinance partners, travelers help empower local entrepreneurs to launch or expand their business through collateral-free microloans. We do not visit borrowers during expeditions as we want to respect their time and privacy, and they are not always located near major cities or travel routes.

7. Remember how you got there

It’s been reported that more than 80% of the world’s population has never flown on an airplane. That may be hard to believe the next time you’re delayed in an overcrowded terminal, but it’s true. While traveling has its ups and downs, it’s important to remember why and how you got there. The freedom your citizenship and passport gives you to cross borders, to choose when and where you want to go is a great privilege. Most people will never have the opportunity to leave the country, let alone the region, they grew up in. Heading into a new adventure with the right mindset will really set the tone of your trip, and will help determine how you interact with the people and place.

Like anywhere in the world, most people welcome visitors with kindness and respect. Be sure to do the same and remember that you are in someone else’s home country and culture. Think twice before taking photos of people going about their daily lives and avoid photos of children. If you want to take someone’s photo, be sure to ask first. Some people may ask for money in exchange for a photo, which is not uncommon in high traffic tourist areas. Just agree on a price beforehand if you’re comfortable doing so.

And finally, remember that English is almost always a second or third language for everyone you will interact with while traveling. Frustrated that you can’t understand the shopkeeper’s broken English? It’s likely you can’t say as much in their own dialect. It’s pretty hard these days to travel far enough to see zero signs in English. Be grateful that the bathroom sign says “toilet” rather than “शौचालय”!

Leave No Trace: Patagonia Trail Cleanup Party in Torres del Paine

Written by OneSeed guide Sofia Mardones

The annual Trail Cleaning Party (or Fiesta de La Limpieza) is an event that started about 6 years ago when a group of guides noticed a lack of park rangers toward the end of the season in Torres del Paine National Park. Because of this, no one was really paying attention to the trail conditions and the impacts of trekking and camping when the season was over.

Year after year garbage had been accumulating. There are certain areas of the trail that are obvious high-use bathroom stops, so eventually you will find tons of toilet paper and feminine products left exposed on the ground. Guides have also found shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, pack covers, water bottles - pretty much anything that we as humans leave because we don’t want to carry it anymore or it’s not needed. Some trash is accidentally left, flies away in the wind, or falls off of someone’s pack.

After continued issues with trash accumulating on the trail, local guides decided to start a cleaning party to remove trash from the trails and campgrounds. Every year we look for volunteers from around the region, because believe it or not, there are a lot of locals that have never been in Torres del Paine! Anyone who is interested and capable of hiking with a backpack during the cleanup is welcome.

Several local agencies also contribute to the cause by donating money for cleaning supplies, box lunches, transportation or sometimes even providing a delicious Cordero al Palo for the volunteers to enjoy at the end of the event. Helping our planet AND tasty food makes for a very happy soul. I started helping the cleanup leader “Flash” (real name, Javier) and Luisa about 4 years ago with the trail and road cleanups. As a local guide, I am very environmentally conscious, always sharing tips on ways to reduce garbage and I try to be more conscious with the environment. I feel like it’s my duty as a guide to give something back to the park by doing this. It’s my way to say thank you for the opportunity that I have including A GREAT JOB, A GREAT OFFICE, AND GREAT CLIENTS. I will always do my best to take care of Torres del Paine.

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Want to ATTEND the Fiesta de Limpieza in 2020? Join us April 29 - May 4th, 2020!

MFI Partner Spotlight: Banigualdad Foundation

Explore the World. Invest in People.

This has been our credo since 2011 and it drives our approach to adventure  travel, ensuring that 10% of your trip cost is invested in the local economy through microfinance institutions (MFIs). Thanks to our travelers, as of March 2018 over $2900,000 has been invested in small businesses around the world, with 90% funneled to women entrepreneurs. That’s 619 loans in 5 countries! (For most recent numbers, visit the Invest page)

The Banigualdad Foundation is instrumental in engaging our borrowers in Chile. Working directly with MFIs like Banigualdad ensures that local experts drive loan approval and investment. Whether it’s a training session on how to open a hair salon or seed funding that can turn a small cooking business into something more, Banigualdad helps through financial planning, training, and loan distribution for small-scale entrepreneurs.

Banigualdad Foundation is non-profit foundation that has spent over 10 years providing small loans and training to groups of low-income entrepreneurs. They currently support more than 45,400 entrepreneurs from La Serena to Puerto Montt, with 89% of the beneficiaries being women and 53% heads of household.

The mission is to invest in entrepreneurs from vulnerable sectors throughout Chile so that through their own means and support, they can improve their quality of life and be an example for their communities.

Their work methodology is based on groups of at least 18 entrepreneurs who take out individual loans ranging from $165 to $1,650 but which are jointly guaranteed, that is, if one person can’t pay the weekly fee, the other 17 members assume it collectively (Banigualdad’s repayment rate is 99.9%).

Each loan, which has a fixed duration of 5 months, goes hand in hand with a weekly training provided by social workers who work in the field with entrepreneur groups. Subjects include business, finance, basic accounting, marketing, as well as personal development (self-knowledge, healthy eating, etc.).

Small business owners like Chilean artisan Karola Vera can access services that make opening or expanding a business more manageable. When she was unsure about how to move forward, Banigualdad stepped in to help guide Karola through the loan application process that allowed her to expand her craft business.

“I wanted to work and take care of my children at the same time. I have a craft business and work with recycled materials: the wood I use for hoops comes from furniture, copper from electrical installations, and leftover fabric that other artisans do not use...When I [needed] to invest in machines and keep growing, Banigualdad appeared. The loan and the training sessions have helped me a lot, as have networking with other entrepreneurs.”

— Karola Vera, Los Lagos Region, Chile

For updates on the total amount invested with Banigualdad and our other MFI partners, please visit our Invest page. All numbers are updated quarterly. 

Know Before You Go: Hiking Patagonia in the Winter

There's no denying the magic and beauty of Patagonia. The towering rock faces, pristine mountain lakes, and enormous glaciers provide a wild landscape for those adventurous enough to trek there. And while most folks venture down during the warmer months, there's really nothing more off-the-beaten-path than hiking the crowdless snowy trails next to fresh puma tracks.

So what should you know before you go? Esther and Jacob of the popular travel blog Local Adventurer were the first to try our Winter Patagonia Expedition last fall. Watch their expedition video with stunning footage and helpful tips about what to expect.

More Details on the Blog: HOW TO HIKE THE TORRES DEL PAINE W TREK: http://localadventurer.com/torres-del-paine-w-trek/ TORRES DEL PAINE PACKING LIST { WINTER EDITION }: http://localadventurer.com/torres-del-paine-packing-list/ ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK CHILE: http://localadventurer.com/torres-del-paine-national-park-chile/ READ OUR BLOG: http://localadventurer.com/ INSTAGRAM: estherjulee | jacobthefu TWITTER: @estherjulee | @jacobthefu SNAPCHAT: estherjulee | jacobthefu FOR BUSINESS INQUIRIES hello@localadventurer.com

A Note on Solo Traveler Fees

We know solo traveler fees are a bummer and trust us, we don't like charging them either. We require the extra fee because it's the best possible way to provide a fair price to all clients. The solo traveler fee covers the increased cost of hotel stay (single vs. double rooms), ground transportation, and the additional guides, porters, or cooks needed while on the trail.

The good news? The solo room fee guarantees your very own single/private room while in your host city.

Solo Traveler Match Service

If you are interested in being introduced to other solo travelers to avoid the solo supplement fee, reach out to one of our expedition specialists to join our complimentary matching program. If there is another solo traveler of the same gender on your group expedition that is seeking a match, our customer service team will help facilitate and determine if both parties are comfortable sharing accommodations. OneSeed must confirm a match a minimum of 60 days prior to an expedition in order to make appropriate arrangements. All decisions to match are the sole discretion of the traveler.

Connect with Your Fellow Travelers

Our Facebook groups are a great place to source information and tips from past travelers as well as meet other participants traveling on your group expeditions dates.

Training for Your Trek: Quick Tips to Get Ready for the Trail

A frequently asked question here at OneSeed is usually along the lines of, "I'm hiking how much?? How do I train for this??" On a OneSeed trek, you'll be pushing your body to the limit as you hike through some of the most awe-inspiring places in the world. We've included some tips below on how to train for what will be an adventure of a lifetime!

Apparel and Footwear: Before you start training, invest in a solid pair of hiking boots and gym shoes. If your feet are tired and blistered, it will affect the rest of your body and increase the risk for injury. Make it a priority to break in your boots - wear them while you work out or even just walking around the neighborhood!

Sweat!: You want to feel confident going into your expedition so start elevating your heart rate and building muscle! Find a work out routine that works for YOU and stick with it. If you don't like running, don't run, BUT find an activity that makes you sweat and tone. Hiking, running, biking and swimming are all great cardio-boosters but try interval training with activities like yoga and weight-lifting classes as well. Be sure you incorporate squats and lunges into your workouts so you build your leg muscles for the long hikes you'll be accomplishing on the trail. Lastly, don't forget to Stretch! Yoga and pilates classes are the best way to stretch out sore muscles and prevent injuries. 

Hydrate and Fuel: With all of this training, you'll be burning tons of calories! Be sure you're fueling your body with foods that help it perform at it's best and keep you feeling good. Incorporate healthy grains like quinoa, brown rice and wild rice, nuts like almonds and walnuts, fish, lean meats, fruits and vegetables into your diet on a daily basis. And don't forget about water! When you're dehydrated, you feel more fatigued than you actually are, making it easier to trip on the trail and cause injuries. Make it a goal to drink at least 64 oz. of water each day (that's two Nalgenes!) and start each meal with a glass of water.

Get High: Gearing up for a trip above 10,000ft? The higher up in elevation you can train, the better. If you live close to the mountains, push yourself on some high-elevation hikes and train your lungs to adjust to the lack of oxygen. If you don't live in an area where high-altitude trails are available, not to fear! All of our treks factor in rest days in order to acclimate to higher elevation. If you're feeling fatigued on the trail, go slow and take frequent breaks as your body adjusts to the altitude.

See you on the trail!

Quick Tips for Eating on the Trail

When trekking in a remote area, there are certain expectations that will help you make the most of the meals on the trail. Here’s a quick list of things to know about trail food to help you prepare for your expedition.

1) Carbs, Carbs, Carbs. In most of the areas where we travel, the diet is rich in carbs. When you spend 3-10 hours a day hiking, you need carbs for energy, so embrace it! Nepal is known for its dal bhat, Peru for its 3,800 types of potatoes, and Chile is the second largest bread consumer per capita in the world. But guess what? They all make really delicious carbs, so dig in!

2) Eat like a local. They best way to order off the menu in a foreign country is to mimic what the locals are doing. If you’re staying at a teahouse in the Langtang region, ordering a pizza might not be the best option. Pizza with yak cheese isn’t going to taste like is does from your local pizza shop in NYC. Look around you to learn about the delicious local dishes and try sticking to them. It’s a great way to fully immerse yourself in the country in which you’re traveling. What if you’re craving some comforting American food? It will be there for you to eat the day you get back!

3) Bring reserves. While trekking on OneSeed trips, you’ll be fed three large meals a day but some trekkers like to have power bars or granola bars to munch on while hiking. You can always bring a few just in case you need some extra fuel. (*Note: Customs rarely lets you bring nuts, seeds, or fruit into a foreign country)

4) Be adventurous. Some of the countries where we travel have exotic local dishes that you don’t find everywhere. Push your tastebuds to the limit with new flavors. Try the tongue in Chile or the spicy pickle in Nepal because you never know what you might like.

Food is an essential part of any culture. Be prepared to try new things and expand your tastebuds’ comfort zone. Bon Appétit!

7 Tips to Prepare for Your Trek

Always be prepared! The scout’s motto is simple, but true. Being well prepared for your trek will make your time much more enjoyable, and you can focus on the wonders around you rather than your blistered feet! Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trek.

1.  Buy appropriate footwear and break your boots in.

• Visit an outdoor retailer and do research to buy the appropriate pair of hiking boots for your feet.
• Break them in! Showing up with brand new boots for a multi-day trek is an invitation for blisters and pain. Walk the dog in your boots, do yard work in your boots, take them hiking! You want your boots to feel nice and comfy when you arrive.
• Buy good quality socks (non-cotton, moisture wicking socks such as Smartwool, Thorlos, Darn Tough, Woolrich etc…)
• Remember: Your feet are your best friend. Happy feet, happy camper!

2.  Get out hiking. Regularly!

• Start slowly and build your intensity, difficulty, and length of hikes. It is much better to start slowly and increase the difficulty gradually over several months than to wait to the last few weeks.
• Wear what you will be wearing on the trail, especially if they are new items, so you know how they feel and can adjust anything that is irritating or doesn’t work. This includes your boots and the pack you will be carrying on the trail.
• Go with a partner or a group. You won’t be able to cheat and going with someone else provides motivation and fun!
• Cross train too (Bike, swim, run, yoga, stairs, etc). Different types of exercise work different muscle groups and will help condition your body. Strengthening your body can help prevent injuries on the trail.

3.  Learn about the OneSeed Fund

• 10% of the revenue from your expedition will be loaned to local entrepreneurs via the OneSeed Fund.
• The loans are extended by our partner microfinance institutions across many different industries such as agriculture, retail, food services and more.
• Want to learn more about microfinance? Click here.

4.  Don’t bank on your bank.

• Call your bank ahead of time to let them know about your travel plans.
• Sometimes, when banks see a charge in a foreign country, they assume it was theft and freeze your account.
• While you’re on the phone with your bank, ask them about international ATM fees.
• Be sure to have back-up alternatives such as cash, traveler’s check, and credit cards.
• Having copies of credit cards and passport information is a great safety net.

5.  Health, safety, and more.

• Visit the CDC website or contact a local travel medicine office with any questions about immunizations or vaccines.
• If you have any concerns about your health, contact your physician before you start a training program.
• Learn more about tips to keep your belongings safe while traveling here.

6.  Insure Your Trip.

• All OneSeed trips include medical and evacuation insurance for all travelers. This covers you from the moment your expedition begins.
• We also strongly urge you to purchase the optional cancellation and interruption insurance. This third party insurance covers any injuries, illnesses, or other unforeseeable events between now and your expedition.
• You never know what life has in store so it is better to prepare ahead of time!

7.  Pack light and early.

•  Take a look at our packing list now and start to get an idea of what gear you have and what you will need to purchase. Waiting until the last minute is a recipe for disaster!
• Outdoor gear can be quite expensive. Don’t forget that you can borrow from a friend, rent from various outdoor stores, or look online for items on sale.
• That being said, don’t skimp! Making sure your clothes are built to last is important as you will be hiking outside in the elements for many days on end.
• To lighten your load, bring travel-sized toiletries.
• Ziplock bags make for inexpensive, weightless, water-resistant organizers for loose items.
• Don’t forget to bring an extra outfit for the city. You can leave any extra gear at our partner lodge before the trek.

Happy trekking!

¿Cachai?: A Guide to Spanish and Chilean Slang

Has it been years since your last Spanish class? Have you never taken a Spanish class? Not to fear! We are here to give you a quick refresher as well as introduce you to some Chilean slang so you have all the right things to say on your next trek.

Useful Spanish Phrases

With about 400 million native speakers, Spanish is the second most common native language in the world. Although Spanish is the national language of Chile, there are a handful of other indigenous languages spoken including Quechua, Rapa Nui, Mapudungun, and Huilliche.

• Hello – “Hola”
• How are you? – “Cómo estás?”
• Very well – “Muy bien”
• What is your name? – “¿Cómo te llamas?”
• My name is – “Me llamo (insert name)”
• I am from – “Soy de (insert city)”
• Nice to meet you – “Mucho gusto”
• Good Morning – “Buenos días”

Chilenismos (Chilean Slang)

Chilean slang is notoriously famous for being difficult to understand and spoken incredibly fast. But we are giving you a few words and phrases to look out for so you will be talking like a local in no time!

• Bacan – “very cool”
• Hueón – “idiot,” but also used to call a friend
• Buena onda – “good vibes, cool”: literally “good wave”
• ¿Cachai? – “do you understand?”: literally means “catch?”
• Al tiro – “Right away” literally “at the shot”
• Echate al pollo – “Get out of here”: literally mean “throw it to the chicken”
• ¡Que choro! – “How entertaining”

Review this list before you leave and keep your ears alert to the people around you. Remember: don’t get discouraged and your language skills will improve quickly!

¡Buen Viaje! – Have a great trip!