Patagonia's Torres del Paine NP - The “O” Trek

Torres Central to Serón Camp - 9 miles

You can get to Torres Central by bus or a walk from the Laguna Amarga bus stop (from Puerto Natales). The first leg of the circuit is to Serón Camp. If you need any last minute food or supplies, get it at Torres Central! There are a few (expensive) resupply markets along the way. Since they are so remote and goods need to be brought in by horseback, don't rely on it, be prepared! This stretch is beautiful and you'll hike through lots of open grassland and across a few streams with little elevation gain.

Serón Camp Amenities:

Restrooms, hot showers, Food available for purchase, equipment rental (tents, sleeping bags, insulators, etc.)

Serón Camp is ran by the company Las Torres.

Serón Camp to Dickson Camp - 11.2 miles

The second leg is to Dickson Camp. Surrounded by glaciers and rich forests, this camp is one of the most beautiful. Some of my good friends got engaged at the ridge just before camp here! Stand in silence and listen for the sound of glaciers thundering in the distance. A sound you will become familiar with on the trek. There is little elevation gain today, so enjoy it!

Dickson Camp Amenities:

Restrooms, hot showers, bunks, bed kits (sheets and blankets) available for rent. There is also a mini market and cooking area.

Dickson Camp is run by the company Vertice Travel.

Dickson Camp to Los Perros Camp - 7.5 miles

The third leg is to Los Perros Camp. There are massive glaciers just before you get to the camp, and by now you might have gotten to know fellow hikers. Most people are on the same schedule as you, so faces will become familiar to you. You can opt for a side hike to Puma Glacier here, an extra 4.3 miles. Keep in mind the CONAF rangers will advise you (or outright deny you) from hiking after 12pm. So leave Dickson bright and early if you want to do this. I have yet to hear someone say they wished they hadn't done it. It's what you came for!

Los Perros Camp Amenities:

Restrooms, cold water showers, food available for purchase, mini market, cooking area.

Los Perros Camp is run by the company Vertice Travel.

The Pass! Los Perros Camp to Grey Camp - 9.3 miles

This is the hardest day of the trek, the John Gardner Pass! The rangers mandate that you MUST leave Los Perros Camp by 7am to ensure you get to your next destination by sundown. With heavy wind and possible rain and snow, you will really feel the power of Patagonia as you climb higher and higher. It's best to hike with others in view so you stay on the trail, especially if there is snow cover. On our trek, a group accidentally when the wrong way after the Pass and added another 4 grueling miles to their day, and rangers had to find them. But stay moving, pay attention and it will be one of your favorite parts of the trek. When we made it to the top of the pass, a massive rainbow greeted us over Glacier Grey. It was one of the most beautiful experiences we have ever had. Grey Camp is still a few miles away, but when you arrive there are hot showers and hot food! This marks the start of the "W" circuit too, so expect more people on the trail from here on out. There is also a hotel here with common rooms, fireplace, TV, etc. if you feel like cozying up. Or continue to rough it! (Note: You might read about Paso Camp from CONAF, but this is closed for the 2024 season.)

Grey Camp Amenities:

Bar with beer, wine and cocktails. Restrooms, hot showers, food available for purchase, mini market, cooking area and a hotel.

Grey Camp is run by the company Vertice Travel.

Grey Camp to Paine Grande Camp - 7 miles

Hopefully you rested well after a long day. The trail now has 2-way traffic, so expect more people on the trail. Take it slow today and enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains and lakes. Notably, the bright red firebrush trees against the vibrant glacier blue lakes. This was one of my favorite scenes.

Paine Grande Camp Amenities:

Bar with beer, wine and cocktails. Restrooms, hot showers, food available for purchase, mini market, cooking area and a hotel.

Paine Grande Camp is run by the company Vertice Travel.

Paine Grande Camp to Francés Camp - 4.6 miles

This is where there is some flexibility in how you want to book your trip. If you are feeling up to it, you can go up the French Valley to see the Britanico Lookout today before making your way to Francés Camp. However, I recommend going straight to camp and going to the lookout tomorrow because it is a very steep ascent to the look out. There will also be more crowds the later you are there. It all depends on what type of trip you are after and what your time frame is. Either way is doable. Today's hike has some beautiful beaches, lakes, and incredible views of the many geological layers in the rocks. If you have extra time and are up for it, there is also a restaurant close by to grab a bite to eat and a drink.

Francés Camp Amenities:

Restrooms, hot showers, restaurant, food available for purchase in advance as well as complete camp setups available.

Francés Camp is run by the company Las Torres.

Francés Camp to Britanico Lookout and Los Cuernos Camp - 8 miles

Today, you will start by heading backwards on the trail up to Britanico Lookout. If you did it yesterday, you can skip Los Cuernos Camp, but I recommend doing it this way because the lookout is a must. You can leave your camp gear at the ranger station at Italiano Camp (under renovation in 2024) to lighten the load up the steep valley. Be ready for breathtaking views of the vast valleys and forest surrounded by the jagged teeth of the mountains while you eat lunch on a rock. When you come back down, grab your pack and head to Los Cuernos Camp, which is just past Francés Camp.

Los Cuernos Camp Amenities:

Restrooms, hot showers, food available for purchase in advance abd complete camp setups available.

Los Cuernos Camp is run by the company Las Torres.

Los Cuernos Camp to Chileno Camp - 10 miles

Chileno Camp is one of the hardest to book since it is at the base of Mirador Las Torres. This is one of the most breathtaking views on the trek, so you might have to stay at Torres Central. This is what we did, and we had a great time. Although, we were envious of those at Chileno Camp when we passed because it looked so rugged and wild! Either way, you have made it to the final stay of the O trek and are probably feeling pretty good!

Chileno Camp Amenities:

Restrooms, hot showers, food available for purchase in advance and complete camp setups available.

Torres Central Camp Amenities:

Restrooms, hot showers, food available for purchase in advance, complete camp setups available, bunks and hotels available as well as a restaurant with burgers and milkshakes!

Both Chileno Camp and Torres Central Camp are run by the company Las Torres.

Finish with Mirador Las Torres! - 8.5 miles

The cherry on top of the entire O trek! Soak in the iconic peaks of Las Torres and eat lunch (or breakfast!) at the base and reflect on the amazing accomplishment you have just completed. If you can get up there before sunrise, you will have the view of a lifetime. The hike is steep and long, but it is the home stretch for your adventure of a lifetime. 9 tiring yet unforgettable days in one of the world's most amazing natural places. When you get down, reward yourself with some hot food and a drink.

From here you can stay in the park, or head back to Laguna Amarga (walk or bus) to head back to Puerto Natales via bus.