For the first time I have been here some 30 years ago. I do not see many changes. They built new city hall, many old houses were restored and converted to the pensions – hostales. They also have now new Rodoviaria – bus terminal. Main destination is Punta Arenas with departures every 2 hours – the cost is 7000 pesos one way. But only 12000 if you buy Round trip. There is one company – Pacheco for 5000, but they have few departures.
I stay in the Paine Hostel – in fact regular private house without any sign outside, paying 20 $ per night for room with shared bath and breakfast. It is located rather far from the centre, near the Padre Rosas cemetery :). Just let you know that you can find much nicer places for the same price in the centre for the same price. Sample: Hospedaje Mary – just one block from Tourist information office phone +56 61 2412498. The problem is that they are bookable only by phone… In Spanish.
My hostel is not very clean, included breakfast is weak (rolls, palta or jam) but is was booked easy via booking.com. Temperature in the night is only 5 deg Celsius -even now – in the summer. They have gas heater in the room, but I am switching it off for the night – afraid that I will not wake up…
To keep yourself warm you can buy in the supermarket near the same cemetery a bootle of Chilean vino tinto (red) 1,5 l bottle costs only equivalent of 3 USD. Do not drink whole bootle in one evening! Good night!
