I'm off to Chile to do some trekking in March and wondered if anyone has any experience of the types of fuel available. Due to taking internal flights I'll need to buy fuel in both Osorno and Punta Arenas (or El Chalten). I'm considering a Trangia, a multi fuel stove or a Camping Gaz stove but don't know which would be best. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
You can definitely get Camping Gaz in Santiago, not sure about other locations. However I would recommend a multifuel in preference, since 'benzina blanca' is available in hardware stores, which you'll find in every town except the very smallest. And of course you can always use vehicle or aviation fuels in a pinch.
Multifuel option seconded. Benzina Blanca is the Spanish version of white gas and is cheap and clean burning. Available in Fereterias, which are hardware shops rather than ferret emporia.
My personal fave is the MSR XGK, but there are plenty of good options from the likes of Primus, Optimus, Karrimor GoSystem and others. Look for field maintainability and spares.
Not been to Chile, but if it's anything like the Andean countries further north then gas and meths will be problematic. Trangia's also burn a bit cool for me, particularly relevant at altitude and when it's cold.
I was in Chile in 2001. We did some trekking round Torres del Paine National Park, which I would strongly recommend you do. The best starting point is Puerto Natales. The whole place seems to be geared up for people wanting to trek in the park. There are countless gear hire shops and a couple of gear shops, as I remember you shouldn't have any trouble getting camping Gaz or liquid fuel. Then it is an hour or so by coach to the Park, there are various coach runs each day in the morning, just go to one of the travel/gear shops to buy a ticket.
To get to Puerto Natales you can simply get a coach from Punta Arenas, but by far the best route is to get the 3 day ferry from Puerto Montt. It is a stunning trip through the Chilean Fjords right down to Punta Arenas. We paid for a 4 berth cabin, but no one else was in the cabin so we had it to our selves! Check out the web site www.navimag.com. By the way c berth is like a dormitory of bunk beds and is actually quite good, so it doesnt have to be too expensive and it includes all food.
The ferry and the trek were one of the highlights of our trip, I would strongly recommend you do it too. Hope this helps, I was there for about a month so anything else you need to kow just ask. Rob.
I know I'm replying too late to help you, but for future reference gas canisters (including resealables) are available throughout Patagonia, especially near the main trekking areas (Fitzroy, Torres del Paine, Coyhaique, Tierra del Fuego and the Lake District)
