7 Days
120 km
moderate
4075 m
4075 m
trekking torres del paine o circuit in Chile
Our 7-day trekking tour in Patagonia. A hike of a lifetime in a wild place at the end of the world.
One of the most important trekking circuits in the world: Torres Del Paine O Circuit.
Explore the breathtaking Paine Massif in Patagonia, Chile, part of the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. This majestic mountain range, known for its iconic granite towers, offers a unique trekking experience. The Paine Massif, rising from the Andes, features dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, lakes, and valleys. The “Trekking Torres del Paine O Circuit” is a challenging yet rewarding adventure, showcasing the park’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.
Our Torres del Paine: Complete Guide & Map – click here
Ultimate Trekking: Discover Torres del Paine’s Diverse Hiking Adventures
Hiking in Torres del Paine offers a range of trails, from the iconic W Trek to the challenging O Circuit. The park’s infrastructure, including refugios and campsites, supports multi-day treks, but hikers should be prepared for rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. The best times to hike are during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is driest and warmest, though the park is busiest. Shoulder seasons (September to November and March to May) offer fewer crowds and milder conditions, but with occasional rain.
The Torres Del Paine O Circuit
Embarking on the Torres del Paine O Circuit, a 7-day trek encompassing the W trek, offers a breathtaking journey through Patagonia’s pristine landscapes. Our 120-kilometer trek requires advance reservations due to visitor limitations, but no permits are needed. Hikers traverse the stunning Torres del Paine National Park, crossing John Gardner Pass (1180 m) and Dickson Glacier, while adhering to a counter-clockwise route. The trek demands physical fitness and preparation, but rewards with unparalleled views and encounters with native wildlife.
Golden Glow: Capturing Torres del Paine Towers at Sunrise
The Torres del Paine towers, known as Torre d’Agostini, Torre Central, and Torre Monzino, are the park’s most iconic granite peaks, rising up to 2,500 meters. These majestic formations offer stunning views, especially during the golden hour. The soft, warm light at sunrise and sunset bathes the peaks in a magical glow, creating a photographer’s paradise. The best times to capture this beauty are early morning and late afternoon, when the light is most favorable.
FAQ about the O circuit Torres del Paine
Trekking the O Circuit Torres del Paine
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The O-trek (W-Trek) Torres del Paine Preparation
Before you can start the hike in the Torres del Paine National Park in the south of Chile, in Patagonia, there is a lot to plan in advance. The O Trek is the extended version of the W-Trek and circles the entire Paine massif. The most famous trekking tour in Patagonia normally takes about 7 to 9 days and allows you to explore even more remote parts of the Torres del Paine National Park. The comparison of O-Trek or W-Trek is examined in more detail here.
Start of planning (passport, flights, bus transfer)
We decided to book the flights first. It goes without saying that your passport should be valid for another 6 months before you start your trip! We will spare you further information on this point because the starting conditions are too different. However, the destination airport is clear. The national park is about 115 km from Puerto Natales, which you can easily reach by plane from Santiago. If you want to combine your visit to Torres del Paine National Park with a trip to Punta Arenas and Isla Magdalena (an island with around 80,000 penguins), you can fly to Punta Arenas and travel by bus to Puerto Natales. We did this and found the visit worthwhile. The bus ride costs around 8,000 CLP with Bus Sur.
If you plan to stay in Torres del Paine for more than 3 days, you will pay 44,500 CLP. You can buy tickets for Torres del Paine on the pasesparques.cl website. You can also do this at the CONAF office in Puerto Natales or by email at reserva.torresdelpaine[at]conaf.cl. You should also do this in advance.
Entering Chile (entry receipt, display trekking food)
When entering Chile, every foreign traveler without a residence in Chile receives the “Tarjeta Única Migratoria” as proof of entry. You must definitely keep this migration card (looks like a purchase receipt with the letters PDI)! Because it is required everywhere on the trek when checking in. It is also very important to check your luggage for food items in advance.
The import of fresh goods is strictly prohibited! We had originally packaged trekking food in our luggage and shrink-wrapped oatmeal, cereal bars and originally packaged nuts. We actively reported these directly to customs at the airport. After checking, there were no problems with them.
Getting to the National Park by bus
There are several bus companies every day that travel from Puerto Natales to the Laguna Amarga park entrance (O-Trek exit) and to Pudeto (W-Trek), where the catamaran departs. The round trip to the park costs CLP 24,000. We all booked the tickets online a few weeks in advance.
If you want to do the “W Trail” or the “O Trail” from east to west, the bus from Puerto Natales will take you to the entrance of Laguna Amarga. From there you can take a shuttle to the starting point (Torres del Paine Visitor Center, about CLP 4,000) or walk the distance (about 7 km). If you want to hike the W Trail in the opposite direction (west to east), you have to go to the Sarmiento entrance. The buses to Pudeto, where the catamaran to Paine Grande (the starting point of the hike) also stop there.
W vs O trek in Patagonia
The Torres del Paine National Park in Chile offers two iconic trekking routes: the W Trek and the O Trek. The W Trek is a 5-day, 80-kilometer journey through the park’s highlights, including the Grey Glacier and French Valley. The O Trek is an 8-day, 120-kilometer circuit that encompasses the W Trek and explores more remote areas, offering a more challenging and immersive experience. Both treks provide stunning views of Patagonia’s rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and towering granite peaks.
- Blue trek: The W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is a 5-day, 80-kilometer hike that showcases some of the park’s most iconic sights. The route takes hikers through stunning landscapes such as the Grey Glacier, the French Valley, and the famous Torres del Paine towers. The W Trek is suitable for most hikers, offering a mix of challenging and moderate sections. The trail is well-marked and includes accommodations like campsites and refugios, providing comfort and flexibility. It is one of the most popular treks in Patagonia, attracting adventurers from around the world.
- Red trek: The O Trek, also known as the “O Circuit,” is an 7-day, 120-kilometer hike that includes the W Trek and extends into more remote areas of the park. This route offers a more immersive and challenging experience, passing through diverse landscapes such as turquoise lakes, dense forests, and expansive grasslands. The O Trek requires a higher level of fitness and preparation due to its longer distance and more demanding terrain. Hikers traverse the dramatic John Gardner Pass, offering panoramic views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. The circuit provides a sense of solitude and adventure, with fewer crowds compared to the W Trek. Accommodations include campsites and refugios, ensuring a flexible and comfortable journey.
Guide to booking tent accommodation on the O-Trek and W-Trek
Important information about booking
- Advance booking: All overnight stays must be booked and paid for in advance. You must carry your booking confirmations with you and present them upon entry to the park. This applies to both the O-Trek and the W-Trek.
- Three organizations: There are three different organizations responsible for the camps:
- CONAF (government-run): Offers free but limited campsites. These are very simply equipped.
- Fantastico Sur: Offers paid campsites, some with permanent tents (premium tents) or refugios. There are also food and shower facilities.
- Vertice Patagonia: Similar to Fantastico Sur, with the possibility to rent tents (premium tents) and stay in refugios.
- Booking systems: You have to book with each organization separately. This can be a pain as the systems don’t always work smoothly. Check availability in advance and book early.
- Trek directions: The O trek can only be done anti-clockwise. The W trek can be done in both directions.
- Safety regulations: Open fires are strictly prohibited. There are designated cooking areas in each camp.
- Reservation calendar: The reservation systems open at different times. To book a campsite with your own tent, you can book from 4 weeks in advance. Stay tuned to secure your desired spots.
- Equipment rental: You can rent camping equipment in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales. Fantastico Sur and Vertice Patagonia also have rental options.
- Tour operator: Some tour operators offer the option to make reservations in advance. This can be a convenient option if you want to avoid the booking process.
Practical Tips
- Book early: To ensure you get the campsites you want, book as early as possible. The free CONAF sites in particular are very popular and book up quickly.
- Backup plans: Be flexible and have a backup plan in case your preferred campsites are fully booked.
- booking pages:
- CONAF: www.parquetorresdelpaine.cl/es
- Vertice Patagonia: www.verticepatagonia.cl
- Fantastico Sur: www.fantasticosur.com
Summary
Booking campsites for the O-Trek and W-Trek in Patagonia requires planning and flexibility. With these tips, you will be well prepared and can enjoy your hike without any worries.
For a detailed description of the campsites, I recommend the Camping site guide from:
https://backcountryemily.com/ocircuit-campground-guide/
Trekking Torres del Paine o circuit| Our tour guide about the 7 stages in 2024
120 km O circuit in Patagonia.
Starting location: Torres Central
Destination: Torres Central
FAQ – o circuit patagonia – Our experiences
| The Base of the Towers, Mirador Britanico and Frances, and John Garner Pass are highlights on this amazing route. If you visit Patagonia the W Trek or O Trek are absolute highlights of this region near Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. The O Circuit, lasting 7 to 10 days, is a trek that requires good physical preparation. You will cover long distances on uneven terrain. So it´s not a hard hike! | |
| To embark on the O Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, you can start from Laguna Amarga or Hotel Las Torres, both accessible by shuttles from Puerto Natales. Within the park, Bus-Sur operates shuttle buses from Laguna Amarga to Torres Central & Norte, and from Pudeto to Paine Grande, facilitating access to key trekking points. As well as from Punta Arenas (city center or airport) to Puerto Natales and further on to the Torres del Paine National Park (14 €). The catamaran ferry connects Paine Grande to Pudeto, crossing Pehoe Lake, and is an alternative to start or end at this point. | |
| To successfully complete the 120 km O Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, hikers should be in good physical condition due to the challenging terrain, which includes significant elevation gain of 4077 meters. The trek involves crossing John Gardner Pass, navigating through strong winds, and enduring potential rain and snow. | |
| On the O Trek, it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases at campsites and refugios, as some places may not accept credit cards. However, credit cards are widely accepted at larger establishments, such as hotels and restaurants in Puerto Natales. It’s a good idea to have both forms of payment to ensure you’re covered for any situation. | |
| On the trail, safe water sources are available at campsites and refugios. Additionally, there are streams and rivers where you can refill your water bottles. Food options include meals at refugios, and hikers can supplement with lightweight, high-energy snacks. If you book your campsite you can just order your dinner as well. | |
| Booking campsites for the O Trek in Torres del Paine National Park can be challenging due to high demand. It is essential to book campsites well in advance, as spots fill up quickly. There are three main companies managing the campsites: Vertice Patagonia, Las Torres Patagonia, and CONAF. Each company handles different campsites, so reservations must be made separately. Without securing all necessary bookings, attempting the O Trek is not permitted. Websites like Torres Hike can simplify the booking process by showing availability and allowing direct reservations. If you`re lucky you can do this hike with your own tent but this is a rare option. Nevertheless wild camping is strictly forbidden! | |
| The highlights of the O Trek in Torres del Paine include crossing the dramatic John Gardner Pass with its panoramic views, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise at the Torres del Paine towers, and marveling at the colossal Grey Glacier. These awe-inspiring moments make the trek an unforgettable adventure through Patagonia’s pristine wilderness. | |
| Technically, this route is not difficult. Proper preparation, including physical training and carrying appropriate gear, is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. There are a lot of travel agencies which you could contact for a guided tour. In our opinion it ́s not necessary! |
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Stefan & Claudia
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