Garden Domes

I liked the domes, especially when it rained. The bed is good also nice shower. I like the view. You are on the top of the hill. It does need some attention/ from the owner. Unfortunately the hot spa did not work. WiFi is not the best. But at night you do not hear anything so you sleep well. Also the heating is good in the dome

My husband and I joined 4 others in early December for the Classic W trek and the add on for El Chalten trekking. We first were picked up from the bus, welcomed with tea and checked in to our oaccommodation. The rooms are nicely decorated, updated and very clean. This was followed by a dinner at Ricci’s new restaurant in Puerta Natales. Ricci is passionate and so enthusiastic about everything! The communication and info regarding the trek was first rate. The trek is doable ( but challenging) if you are reasonably fit. We are in our mid sixties and we’re able to keep up with our group. We had fantastic weather and well marked trails. Of course the scenery is first rate throughout! A couple of tips for the trail- #1) Do not take too much gear as you will be carrying it the entire way. It sounds easy but many trails have steep inclines which are difficult with a heavy pack. Take the bare minimum but enough for possible rain, snow, wind(always!!). One pair of hiking pants is sufficient. You will be showering daily! #2) Extra snacks are not necessary and will be extra weight in your backpack. Meals and lunches are hearty and lunches have high calorie bars and snacks. You will be hungry for every meal but food provided is sufficient. #3) First day; pack small daypack with hiking essentials and lunch only as this is an out and back with a guide. They stow heavy pack pack and you will retrieve it just before checking into the Refugio. #4) Day 3 Frances Domes to Paine Grande Refugio : Get an early start if you are hiking up to Mirador Britainicca about 7:00-7:30. This will help with heat and crowds. We had the trail to ourselves. Make sure to leave your heavy pack at Italiano and just use your day back. Again you will return to pick up heavy pack to continue to Paine Grande in the afternoon #5) For days 4-5 you can leave your heavier items in a plastic bag at Paine Grande and take items only for 1 night to Refugio Grey. We were not told this initially and another hiker mentioned this. This made a world of difference as we were getting tired after multiple dats of hiking. You will return to Paine Grande , retrieve your items and then catch the catamaran right next to Paine Grande. #6) Try to see the hanging bridges which are an additional 1 and 1/2 hour from Grey. Here are great Glacier views. We did this on Day 4 of hiking NOT on our last day ( would have been too rushed with catamaran ) Helpful hint- leave everything in your room at the Refugio except water and poles to hike to bridges. Bridges one and two are pretty easy hikes compared to all other trails! Be prepared for wind on trail from Paine Grande to Grey. Take a neck gaiter. We loved our trip to El Calafate/ El Chalten. Ask for Gojo as your guide. He was amazing!!We ended up at the Wyndham in El Calafate which felt luxurious after the Refugio’s! Lovely hotel with fantastic breakfast buffet. See the Natural History museum in El Calafate if there is time.