Place · 0 mi away
Overview
This is the no‑frills indoor hub at Los Perros, the last stop before tackling John Gardner Pass on the O Circuit. It’s an enclosed space attached to check‑in and bathrooms where campers cook, eat, and thaw out; when it’s packed, the room gets toasty—welcome relief in a windswept lenga forest.
Food and Cooking
There’s no restaurant or board option here. Bring your own meals and a backpacking stove, pot, and fuel. Cooking is allowed only in the designated kitchen area inside the shelter (posted hours are roughly 05:00–07:00 and 10:00–22:30). A very small minimarket behind the check‑in desk carries a limited selection of packaged snacks and basics—useful for a top‑up but pricier and not a substitute for meal planning.
Facilities You’ll Actually Use
- Bathrooms: separate men’s/women’s rooms with toilets and one shower each; water is cold only and sinks don’t have hot water. Do not flush toilet paper—use the bins provided.
- Water and Power: Facilities are basic and the water is cold; if you have a sensitive stomach, consider treating it. Expect limited charging—outlets are tied to shop hours (typically around 13:00–19:30). There’s no Wi‑Fi and no cell signal.
- Waste: Plan to pack out your trash—don’t count on disposal here.
Logistics
Check‑in generally starts around 13:00, though you may be allowed to pitch earlier. You’ll check in with the ranger first; they brief hikers for the next day and require an early start over the pass (be climbing by about 06:30). Bring your passport and Chile tourist visa slip for check‑in.
Where You Are
Los Perros sits in a sheltered forest just before the pass, close to glacial terrain with access in the area (e.g., Punta Puma). It’s remote and intentionally basic—think staging camp, not a social refugio.
Best Time to Visit
Use the early window (05:00–07:00) for breakfast before the required pre‑dawn start over John Gardner Pass, and the late‑morning/evening window (10:00–22:30) for cooking dinner. If you need snacks or to charge a device, hit the minimarket during its typical hours (about 13:00–19:30).
Pros
- Enclosed cooking/dining shelter that stays warm when it fills up
- Tiny minimarket for last‑minute snacks and basics
Cons
- No meal plan or restaurant—bring your own stove and food
- Cold‑water showers only and no Wi‑Fi
Tips
- Bring a stove, pot, and fuel—no meals are sold here.
- Cook only during posted hours (about 05:00–07:00 and 10:00–22:30).
- Expect cold showers; pack a small towel and wipes to stay comfortable.
- The minimarket is tiny and pricier—carry staples and use it for top‑ups.
- Rangers want hikers climbing by ~06:30; plan breakfast the night before.
