Fast Facts

Camping Equipment -- If you don't feel like lugging your own camping gear down here, there are several agencies that rent equipment. Typical daily rental prices are two-person tents for $6 (£4), sleeping bags for $3 (£2), stoves for $1.50 (£1), sleeping mats for $1 (70p), and backpacks of various sizes for $3 (£2). During the high season, it's best to reserve these items ahead of time. La Maddera Outdoor, Arturo Prat 297 (tel. 61/413318; www.lamadderaoutdoors.com), is recommended for its high-quality equipment, or try Casa Cecilia, at Tomás Rogers 60 (tel. 61/411797).

Currency Exchange -- There are several exchange houses on Blanco Encalada; try Mili, Blanco Encalada 266 (tel. 61/411262; Mon-Sat 10am-8pm). ATMs can be found at Banco Santiago, at the corner of Blanco Encalada and Bulnes, and Banco Chile, at Bulnes 544.

Hospital -- Frankly, the town's public hospital is horrible. It's on the corner of Pinto and O'Higgins (tel. 61/411583). For major medical emergencies, it's best to get yourself to Punta Arenas.

Internet Access -- There are tons of cafes offering free Wi-Fi in Puerto Natales. And most hotels have a computer you can use. Also, try Internet Melissa, Blanco Encalada 258, and Chilnet, 343 Manuel Bulnes. Note that connections in Puerto Natales can be painfully slow.

Laundry -- The multilingual team at ServiLaundry, Prat 337 (tel. 61/412869) gets your clothes back clean within 2 hours, and offers tourist information.

Pharmacy -- Farmacias Marisol is at Baquedano 331 (tel. 61/411591).

Post Office -- The post office is on the Plaza de Armas, next to the cathedral (tel. 61/410202); it's open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 1pm.