Curator’s statement
Patagonia is one of the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the world, hands down. Situated at the very southern tip of South America, its vast peaks, glaciers and windswept plains will leave an imprint on your life and you will return home with amazing stories to share. The O-Trek is not for the faint of heart. It's a rigorous ~80 mile circuit which consists of suspension bridges, snowy passes and winds that can exceed 100mph (yes, we experienced that on our trek!). If rugged backpacking and camp meals aren't your thing, don't worry. You can have hot meals and sleep in a bed or even show up to a tent already pitched for you. Without further ado, here is the best itinerary for hiking Patagonia's O-Trek at Torres del Paine National Park!
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Where to stay
The Singular Patagonia, Chile
Not just a stay but a whole experience, this coveted hotel delights design lovers and seclusion seekers.
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A complimentary 50-minute massage.
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Breakfast daily.
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Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa
The Tierra Patagonia hotel weaves itself into the landscape with subtle style, blending into the magnificence of the region with cutting-edge architecture.
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A complimentary 50 minute massage for up to two people.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Awasi Patagonia
Awasi Patagonia in Chile offers an exclusive, tailor-made adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine, combining luxury lodging with personalized guided experiences.
Río Serrano Hotel + Spa
Discover Patagonian beauty and tranquility at its finest at Río Serrano Hotel + Spa, where nature meets luxury in Torres del Paine
Explora Torres Del Paine
All-inclusive hotel on the banks of Lake Pehoé in Chile's captivating Torres del Paine National Park.
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Ronny to book your trip.
Day 1: Serón Camp
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.
Day 2: Serón Camp to Dickson Camp
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.
Day 3: Dickson Camp to Los Perros Camp
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.
Day 4: Los Perros Camp to Grey Camp
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.
Day 5: Grey Camp to Paine Grande Camp
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.
Day 6: Paine Grande Camp to Francés Camp
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.
Day 7: Francés Camp to Britanico Lookout and Los Cuernos Camp
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.
Day 8: Los Cuernos Camp to Chileno Camp
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.
Day 9: Finish with Mirador 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.
Need to know
Be prepared with as much food as you think you will need, at least until you make it to the "W" section, where stores are more abundant and reliable.
Be ready for wind, rain, snow, and sun. Possibly all in the same day!
It is very important to remember your passport and have printed copies of all of your reservations. Also, keep your PID form from customs with you at all times since rangers may have you enter it at checkpoints along the way.
If you don't want to do the full on trek and want a more comfortable and/or luxury experience, check out the hotels I have listed near Torres del Paine National Park.
There are plenty of tours and excursions (glacier walks, kayaking, boat rides, etc.) that you can also do in the National Park. Contact me for more info!
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Travel Advisor
Ronny Young
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Kaitlin Davis' itinerary, 7 Day Itinerary in Patagonia : Discover Hiking & Wildlife in Chile.
This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Argentine Patagonia.