The O Circuit in Torres del Paine - 2024/25 season
The O circuit in Torres del Paine National Park is an incredible hiking adventure. The scenery on the route is fantastic: turquoise lakes, waterfalls, bizarre mountains, stunning viewpoints, a massive glacier, and diverse wildlife. The route takes hikers to the highlights and off-the-beaten-track parts of the park. Backpacking in Torres del Paine you get a chance to explore one of the most beautiful places in South America. I could easily say that the O trek is one of our favorite long-distance treks in Patagonia.
Stingy Nomads participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. If you click on the link and purchase the item or make a booking, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost. Thank You for supporting us and assisting us to produce quality, free content.
The route overview
- Distance - 120 km/74 miles.
- Required number of days - 7-8 days.
- Starting and finishing point - Central campsite (Laguna Amarga entrance).
- Highest point - John Gardner pass - 1220m/4000ft.
- Permits - no special permits are needed.
- Advanced campsite booking is required for the circuit.
- Accommodation - camping, refugios, hotels.
If you don't have enough time to do the O Circuit you can walk the W trek which takes 4-5 days or do a couple of day hikes in Torres del Paine.
Besides Torres del Paine there are plenty of other incredible National Parks to visit in Patagonia.
Booking the trek with a tour
You can join an organized small group O circuit trek if you don't want to hike independently. The company will plan your route and arrange accommodation, food, and transport.
Patagonia Full Circuit Trek - Torres del Paine National Park
We've created a Patagonia resource page to make your navigation on our site easier and quicker. There you can find all our posts dedicated to the region
What is the O Circuit?
The O trek is a circular hiking route around the Cordillera del Paine in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. The route includes the W trek and a remote route through the backside of the park. The circuit connects the popular areas and the remote parts of the park.
How difficult is the route?
It's a moderately difficult trekking route that goes through some remote areas of Torres del Paine National Park. The most challenging part of the O route is a 900-meter ascent to John Gardner Pass. It's not a high-altitude technical route only for experienced hikers but being in good physical shape and having previous hiking experience is advisable. On average, you walk 6-8 hours a day with a backpack.
How long is the O circuit?
The total distance of the O Circuit in Torres del Paine is 120 km/70 miles. You need between 7 and 9 days to complete the route.
Where does it start?
The O circuit starts at Hotel Las Torres (Central campsite). The nearest park entrance is Laguna Amarga. The circuit can be walked only counterclockwise (from the Central campsite to Serón to Dickson etc.).
Can you hike without a guide?
Yes, you can do the O circuit in Torres del Paine independently without a guide.
How to buy entrance tickets to Torres del Paine?
According to the official website, trekkers have to buy their tickets to Torres del Paine online.
The entrance fee for the O Circuit (more than 3 days in the park) is 44 500 CLP/50$US for adults and children over 12 years old. Children under 12 years old - free.
You can show your ticket on the screen of your mobile phone or print it.
Besides your entrance ticket, they check your accommodation bookings. You must have a spot booked for every night on the trek without it you won't be allowed to do the O circuit.
Torres del Paine Park rules
In the 2024/25 hiking season, the O circuit is open from the 1st of November.
Hikers are allowed to camp only at designated campsites. Wild camping is not allowed in the park.
Campsites on the route must be booked beforehand.
Take a printed/digital booking confirmation, a passport, and a migration card with you on the trek.
Open fires are not allowed in Torres del Paine.
Using a camping stove is only allowed at the campsites.
Drinking water can be found throughout the park (rivers, creeks, streams), and it's said to be of good quality. We didn't use any filters or purification.
If you're looking for adventurous and off-the-beaten-track things to do in Patagonia traveling the Carretera Austral might be just what you need. The southern route through Chilean Patagonia offers many exciting activities in the most beautiful corners of the region.
If you like hiking and wilderness you might enjoy exploring trekking routes in El Chalten, Argentina. There are several day hikes and multi-day routes that can be done independently.
Travel insurance for hiking
Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers.
Who are World Nomads?
World Nomads’ mission is to support and encourage travelers to explore their boundaries.
They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel confidently, destination guides and tips to help you plan your trip, and responsible travel insights to help you travel better
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
How to book the campsites on the trek?
The campsites on the O-trek belong to two different companies. Vertice Patagonia paid campsites: Dickson, Los Perros, Grey, and Paine Grande. Las Torres Patagonia paid campsites: Central, Serrón, Francés, Los Cuernos, and Chileno. Vertice Patagonia campsites are significantly cheaper than the Las Torres Patagonia campsites.
There used to be free campsites run by CONAF (the National Forest Corporation) but they were closed down and never reopened. There is no information if they'll be open again. For this reason, our suggested itinerary for the O Circuit includes only paid campsites.
| Vertice Patagonia campsites | Las Torres Patagonia campsites |
| Dickson | Central |
| Los Perros | Serón |
| Grey | Francés |
| Paine Grande | Los Cuernos |
| Chileno |
The campsites in Torres del Paine can be booked online through Vertice Patagonia, and Las Torres Patagonia websites. You have to have your booking confirmation printed or on your mobile to show at the park entrance.
Vertice Patagonia
All Vertice Patagonia campsites are open for online booking. Important! On the O Circuit, you can't book only Dickson, Perros, or Grey. These three campsites have to be booked together. In the 2024/25 hiking season
- Dickson campsite is open from 2nd November
- Los Perros - from 3rd November
- Grey - from 4th November
- Paine Grande - from 1st October
The circuit is open from the 1st of November but on the first night, you stay at the Seron campsite (Las Torres Patagonia).
Las Torres Patagonia
As of 27th of August Las Torres Patagonia campsites are open for online booking. According to their website in 2024
- Central campsite is open from 15th September
- Seron - from 1st November (the same day as the O Circuit)
- Frances - from 15th September
- Cuernos - from 1st November
- Chileno - from 1st October
The booking service (Booking Patagonia) doesn't seem to be working for the O route. In 2023 the official CONAF website recommended it for booking campsites but it is not there this year.
For more information check our post on the campsites in Torres del Paine. There you'll find updated information (2024/25 hiking season) on each campsite, a map of the campsites, booking tips, and more.
The map of the circuit
The O circuit in Torres del Paine - a 7-day itinerary
Day 1. Central Campsite - Serón campsite, 13 km/8 mi
Bus Puerto Natales - Laguna Amarga; bus Laguna Amarga - Central campsite (Hotel Las Torres), 3 hours. Central campsite - Serón campsite, 13 km/8 miles, 3 hours
Cost: bus Puerto Natales - Laguna Amarga - CLP 14 000/US$15, entrance fee - US$50, bus Laguna Amarga - Hotel Las Torres - CLP 5000/US$6 (one way), camping at Serón - US$80 (double occupancy), single occupancy - US$65.
Highlights
- Beautiful Patagonian scenery; mountains, forest, Paine River, guanacos, and many birds.
Challenges
- It would be an easy walk if it wasn't for heavy backpacks loaded with gear and food for 7 days.
7.00-7.30 - catch a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park.
9.30-9.45 - get off at the first stop Laguna Amarga; register, and pay the entrance fee, get a map. Tip! Try to be among the first people at the office otherwise, you'll wait in a queue for a while.
10.00 - catch a bus to Hotel Las Torres. Confirm departure time at the office.
10.15 - get off the bus at Hotel Las Torres, the starting point of the O trek, and begin the walk towards the Serón campsite. Stop for lunch/snack at Las Torres or on the way.
13.30-14.00 - arrive at Serón campsite, pitch your tent, walk around, and chill.
Day 2. Serón campsite - Dickson campsite, 18 km/11 mi
Serón - Guarderia Coiron - Dickson campsite, 18km/11 miles, 6 hours
Cost: camping at Dickson - 8500 CLP/US$10 per person.
Highlights
- Our friends saw a puma in the morning just a few hundred meters from the campsite.
- Paine Lake
- Dickson Lake
Challenges
- Walking through an open windy area between Serón and Coirón.
7.00 - get up, make breakfast, and pack.
8.00 - start walking towards Dickson.
10.30 - arrive at Guardería Coirón - 8,5km. Here you show your permit (booking) and register in the park book. You can have lunch here - there are tables and benches.
11.00 - continue the walk to Dickson - 9,5km.
14.00 - arrive at Dickson campsite.
Day 3. Dickson campsite - Los Perros campsite, 12 km/7,4 mi
Dickson campsite - Los Perros campsite*, 12 km/7,4 miles, 4h30min.
*As I already explained in the paragraph about the campsite in Torres del Paine it's possible to book only 2 campsites together (Dickson and Los Perros). You can't book only Dickson or only Los Perros.
For the 2023/24 season, there is no information is the free Paso campsite will be open.
Cost: camping at Los Perros - 8500 CLP/US$10 per person.
Highlights
- Los Perros lake and glacier
Challenges
- An ascent from the Dickson campsite.
8.00 - Today you can take it easy it's a short walking day. You can get up later and enjoy breakfast, slowly pack, and start walking.
9.00-9.30 - start walking towards Los Perros campsite - 12km/7,4 miles, 4,5 hours. The ascent starts from Dickson and continues to Los Perros. It's not as steep and challenging as the next day's ascent over the John Garner Pass.
13.30-14.00 - arrive at Los Perros campsite. You have plenty of time to pitch your tent, make food, enjoy the scenery, and rest.
Day 4. Los Perros campsite - Grey campsite, 15 km/9,3 mi
Los Perros campsite - John Garner Pass - Paso campsite - Grey Campsite, 15 km/9,3 miles, 8-9 hours
Cost: camping at Grey campsite - 8500 CLP/US$10 per person.
Highlights
- Views of the Grey Glacier from John Garner Pass
- Grey Glacier
- Grey lake
- Suspension bridges
Challenges
- John Gardner pass - a steep and long ascent, about 900m
- A steep descent from Paso to Grey campsite
7.00 - get up, have breakfast, and pack. It's better to start early to arrive at the Paso checkpoint before 3 pm. Prepare gloves and beany - it's very windy on the top of the pass.
8.00 - start the ascent from Los Perros to John Garner pass - 900 m up.
10.30 - arrive at the top of John Garner Pass. Spend some time enjoying the view over the Grey Glacier.
11.00 - start descending to the Paso campsite.
13.00 - arrive at the Paso campsite. Rest, have snacks, and enjoy the views.
13.30 - continue walking towards the Grey campsite - 7 km/4,3 miles, 4 hours, a steep descent.
17.30 - arrive at the Grey campsite.
Day 5. Grey campsite - Francés campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 mi
Grey campsite - Paine Grande* - Italiano campsite - Frances campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 miles, 6,5 hours
*You can extend the suggested itinerary by one day and stay at Paine Grande. This way you'll split one day in two; Grey - Paine Grande (11 km/6,8 mi) and Paine Grande - Francés (7,5 km/4,6 mi). It might seem unnecessary but if you want to walk to the Mirador Britanico it's a better option. To walk to the Britanico viewpoint and back to the Francés campsite takes between 5 and 6 hours, 13 km with a very steep ascent.
Cost: camping at Francés campsite - US$80 (double occupancy), single occupancy - US$65.
Highlights
- Pehoé Lake
- Skotsberg lake
- French Valley
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents on the way from Grey to the Paine Grande campsite
7.00 - get up, make breakfast, and pack.
8.00 - start walking to the Paine Grande campsite - 11 km-6,8 mi, 3,5 hours.
11.30 - arrive at the Paine Grande campsite. Rest, have lunch/snack.
12.00 - continue walking toward the Italiano campsite, 5,5 km/3,4 mi, 2,5 hours.
14.30 - arrive at the Italiano campsite. Rest, continue walking towards the Francés campsite, 2 km/1,1 mi, 30 min.
15.00 - arrive at the Francés campsite.
Day 6. Francés campsite - Chileno campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 mi
Frances campsite - Los Cuernos - Chileno campsite*, 18,5 km/11,4 miles, 6 hours
The Chileno campsite is often fully booked months ahead. If it is not available for your dates you can camp at the Central campsite, it's about 14,5 km from the Francés.
Optional. In the morning before continuing to the Chileno campsite you can go up to Mirador Francés and maybe to Mirador Britanico. Leave your backpacks at the campsite and take only valuables. It's quite a walk, about 12 km return all the way but you can turn around at Mirador Francés which is about 6 km return. It's a steep ascent to the viewpoint.
Cost: camping at Chileno - US$80 (double occupancy), single occupancy - US$65.
Highlights
- Nordenskjold lake
Challenges
- Several ascents and descents on the way to the Chileno campsite
7.00 - get up, have breakfast, pack
8.00 - start walking to Los Cuernos - 5km, 2 hours.
10.00 - arrive at Los Cuernos, there is a shop and restaurant here, and you can stop for snacks and rest.
10.30 - start walking to Chileno campsite - 15km, 5,5 hours.
15.30 - arrive at Chileno, pitch a tent, walk around, and rest. If you want to see the sunrise at Mirador Las Torres better go to bed very early you'll have to get up at 4.00-5.00 to walk up in time.
Important!!! In the 2024/245 hiking season due to the high risk of forest fires, you're not allowed to use camping stoves at the Chileno campsite. You can buy ready-made food at the campsite restaurant, bring something that doesn't require cooking, or pre-cook your meals in advance at the previous campsite. Some people reported that they have a special area inside where they allow using camping stoves.
Day 7. Chileno campsite - Mirador Las Torres -Central campsite, 14 km/8,6 mi
Chileno campsite - Mirador Las Torres - Chileno campsite - Central campsite, 14 km/8,6 miles, 5h30min. Bus/ walk Central campsite - Laguna Amarga, 7 km, 2 hours. Bus Laguna Amarga - Puerto Natales, 2,5 hours
Cost: bus Hotel Las Torres - Laguna Amarga - CLP 5000/US$6, bus Laguna Amarga - Puerto Natales - CLP 14 000/US$15.
Highlights
- Sunrise at Las Torres - is one of the main highlights of the trek.
Challenges
- Very early get up
- A long and steep ascent to Mirador Las Torres
- A long and steep descent to the Central campsite
4.00-5.00 (depending on the sunrise time) - get up, and start going up to the Mirador - 4km, 2h15min. Leave your stuff at the campsite, and take only valuables and a camera.
6.15-7.15 - arrive at the Mirador. Enjoy the sunrise, walk around, take photos, and snack.
8.00 - start descending back to Chileno - 4km, 1h30min.
9.30 - arrive at Chileno, pack your stuff, and start going down to the Central campsite (Hotel Las Torres) - 5,5km, 1h30min.
11.00 - arrive at Hotel Las Torres, catch a bus to Laguna Amarga (confirm the departure time at the hotel), or walk - 7km, 2 hours.
14.00-14.30 - get on a bus from Laguna Amarga to Puerto Natales. Check the bus timetable at the park office.
16.30-17.00 - arrive in Puerto Natales.
The cost of the O trek
Transport. Bus Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine - CLP 28 000/US$30, return. Bus Hotel Las Torres - Laguna Amarga, return - CLP 10 000/US$12, return.
Entrance fee. US$50
Accommodation
Camping with your gear - US$153 (6 nights) per person (double occupancy). 3 nights at Vertice Patagonia campsites (3xUS$11); 3 nights at Las Torres campsites (3xUS$40). For single occupancy add US$75 extra, a single occupancy supplement in Las Torres campsites is US$25 per night.
If you stay in fully-equipped tents or refugios you'll pay between US$90 and US$120 per person per night. Full-board (3 meals) stay is even more expensive.
Food
Cooking - between US$8-10 per day per person. You can book a full board meal plan (breakfast, box lunch, and dinner) for US$110 pp. at Las Torres campsites and for 88 000 CLP/US$95 pp. at the Vetrice campsites. You can buy separate meals or sandwiches and snacks at most campsites. Meals at Las Torres campsites are more expensive than at Vertice Patagonia campsites.
Gear rental (optional)
To rent camping gear in Puerto Natales costs
- a 2-men tent - 10 000 CLP/US$11 per day
- a sleeping bag - 7 000 CLP/US$8 per day
- a camping mat - 5000 CLP/US$5 per day
To rent camping gear in Torres del Paine
- a 2-men tent - US$44 (Vertice) and US$55 (Las Torres) per night
- a sleeping bag - US$28 (Vertice) and US$35 (Las Torres) per night
- a camping mat - US$12 (Vertice and Las Torres) per night
A good thing about renting camping gear at the campsites is that you don't carry it with you from place to place, which makes your backpack much lighter.
Total: the most budget hiking option for the O Circuit (camping with your gear, cooking for yourself) - US$315 (+US$40 for extras) per person for a 7-day trek.
How to get to the O trek?
The O circuit starts at Hotel Las Torres (Laguna Amarga entrance), to get there from Puerto Natales;
Step 1. Take a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine (Laguna Amarga). It takes about 2 hours. Price CLP 14 000/US$15 one way.
| Bus Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine | Bus 1 | Bus 2 |
| Leaves Puerto Natales bus station | 7 am | 12 pm |
| Arrives at Laguna Amarga | 9 am | 2 pm |
- Buses are operated by Bus Sur.
Step 2. Get off at the Laguna Amarga entrance.
Step 3. Take another bus from Laguna Amarga to Hotel Las Torres (the starting point of the O), the departure time is linked to buses from Puerto Natales. Price CLP 5000/US$6, one way, takes 10 min. As an option, you can walk this stretch, about 7km, 2 hours.
Getting back from Torres del Paine (Hotel Las Torres) to Puerto Natales
Step 1. Take a shuttle bus from Hotel Las Torres to Laguna Amarga - CLP 5000/US$6 or walk this stretch. Check for departure time at the hotel reception.
Step 2. Take a bus from Laguna Amarga to Puerto Natales - CLP 14 000/US$15
| Bus Torres del Paine - Puerto Natales | Bus 1 | Bus 2 |
| Leaves Laguna Amarga | 3.00 pm | 8.15 pm |
| Arrives in Puerto Natales | 5.00 pm | 9.30 pm |
- Buses are operated by Bus Sur
You can find more information on transportation to the park in our post on how to get to Torres del Paine.
The best time for hiking Torres del Paine
In the 2024/25 season, the O circuit is open from 1st November to 31st March. You have a 5-month period to decide when is the best time to visit Torres del Paine.
Patagonian summer from December to February is the warmest time with maximum day temperatures averaging 20°C and night temperatures between 9°C and 12°C. November, December, and January get quite a lot of wind - the biggest problem for hiking and camping in Patagonia. February is the least windy summer month. It's the same with rain out of all summer months February gets the least rainfall.
From the weather point of view, February is one of the best months for trekking in Torres del Paine. The main drawback of hiking in February - the parks are crowded, it's one of the busiest months for the park with most visitors coming here. It means you must book campsites long in advance to make sure you get a spot on planned dates. If the campsites on the route are fully booked you can do one of the alternative multi-day treks in Patagonia e.g. Cerro Castillo Circuit or hike to O'Higgins Glacier if you want to explore a more off-the-beaten-path route.
Where to buy dehydrated meals for the O circuit?
If you like taking dehydrated meals on your multi-day hikes you can buy them in Puerto Natales. There is a gear rental shop called Rental Natales. They sell dehydrated meals of the Back Country Cuisine brand. The price is US$16 per meal (two servings). They have quite a variety of meals.
You might find dried fruit and nuts in Unimarc and Super Mix supermarkets.
Where to stay before the trek?
Puerto Natales is probably the best place to be based before and after the trek. It's the closest town to the park, tourist infrastructure here is quite good - many hotels and hostels, a couple of gear shops, rental places, restaurants, tour companies, and one or two supermarkets. You can get there by bus or hitchhiking from different places in Patagonia.
In Puerto Natales, you can find hotels, hostels, campsites, restaurants, supermarkets, gear rental places, pharmacies, ATMs, and an information office.
- Budget | Hostel 53 Sur | Xalpen B&B |
- Middle price | Hostal Treehouse Patagonia | Wild Hostel |
- Luxury | Toore Patagonia | Weskar Lodge |
We have a detailed post on hiking and camping gear for Patagonia where you can find more information.
Recommended books and guidebooks
In the last couple of years regulations in Torres del Paine changed a lot if you buy a trekking guide make sure it's an updated edition.
If you prefer reading e-books don't hesitate to join Amazon Kindle Unlimited to get access to thousands of e-books and audiobooks. Even if you don't have a Kindle device you can read or listen to books on your phone or tablet using a free app. The first 30 days are free.
- Lonely Planet Chile & Easter Island (Travel Guide). Kindle and paperback.
- Classic Hikes of the World; 23 Breathtaking treks by Peter Potterfield. To get some inspiration for future adventures. Hardcover.
- Patagonia on a budget by Matthew Morgante. How to travel Patagonia on US$30 a day. Kindle.
- Chile: Carretera Austral: A guide to one of the world's most scenic road trips (Bradt Travel Guides). Paperback & Kindle.
- Walking Patagonia by Caspian Ray. Don't expect a hiking guide, it's a fiction story about a young guy who went to Patagonia in search of adventure and love.
- To Shake the Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia, and a Quest for a Life with No Regret by Jedidiah Jenkins. Paperback, Kindle & Audiobook.
Questions or Comments?
Got any questions or comments? We would love to help! All questions and comments will be answered by us personally in Buy Me a Coffee. Click below and ask away.
Feel free to support our site by buying us a coffee!
Like this post? Pin it!
The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
Hi guys! Thanks so much for this blog and all the details. My friend and I are leaving in just over a week from Boston to start the O on the 3rd of November. We figured out most of this stuff over the past month, but it was a lot of zig-zagging websites and such. I wish I had stumbled on this page a while back! 🙂
If we ever cross paths, beers are on me! Thanks again. -pat
Hello, Pat! Thank you very much for the feedback! I'm sure you'll enjoy the trek!
Safe travels!
Hi! Thank you for this excellent guide, it has been so helpful in planning my trip! I have a question as I'm finishing up planning. Campsite Chileno is currently booked for the dates I'm doing the O trek. Would you recommend camping at Las Torres my last night, or instead just catching the bus back to Puerto Natales a day early? Is it feasible to hike from Las Torres campsite up to Mirador Las Torres before leaving if I do end up staying the night? Thanks!
Hello, Maddy! Thank you for the comment! I'd say Mirador Las Torres is one of the highlights of the park it's definitely worth an effort and time to visit it. Yes, it's possible to go up to the Mirador and down the same day from Las Torres campsite it'll take 6-7 hours. The last bus from Laguna Amarga (a short bus ride from Las Torres campsite) to Puerto Natales leaves at 7.45pm (check the timetable to make sure in case it changed) if you start in the morning you'll have more than enough time to get to the Mirador and back.
Cheers!
What time is the earliest in the morning you can go through the ranger checkpoints? I like to start at first light sometimes 5am- Is that okay?
Hi, Randy! I guess you can start as soon as it's light, depending on the season in summer sunrise is quite early by 5 am it is light, off-season (April to October) it might be still quite dark, I wouldn't recommend starting walking the circuit in the dark anyway.
Cheers!
what time are the ranger checkpoints open at? What if I go by one at 6am and they are not open? do you have to check in?
Thanks for your time taking my questions!
We never had any problem with being somewhere too early. We don't have control over the park rangers and the rules if you have any further questions or doubts you're welcome to contact the official park website for further inquiries.
Hey! Thanks for such a great blog on The O circuit! We are heading there in Feb 2020 and have booked our campsites (what a mission!!). However, I dont quite understand and cant seem to find info on it as to whether we need to purchase a park permit too? I was hoping you'd be able to help me out on this...
Many thanks,
Ruth
Hello, Ruth! Thank you for the comment! You pay the park fee at the entrance in cash.
Cheers!
Thanks for the great post! I heard that CONAF campsites are supposed to be closed for the next few months. In that case, do you think it is possible to hike the O circuit without staying at those camps? If so, which camps can replace the ones operated by CONAF?
Hello, Neta! From what I can find online it looks like in 2019-2020 season the O circuit will open on the 1st of October if they open the route the campsites will be opened as well. The Paso is the only CONAF campsite you have to stay on the circuit it'll extremely difficult to skip it and go in one day from Los Perros to Grey, it takes about 11-12 hours to walk that part of the route. Private campsites that belong to Vertice and Fantastico Sur can be easily booked online.
Good luck!
Thank you for such an informative blog. We have a question and I wonder if you can help: We have managed to follow your itinerary but, due to to circumstances, would only have about half a day either side of it. In looking at flights we can do it but we have come across many reviews that the airlines in these parts don't have a great reputation for either punctuality or luggage arriving. Only in your opinion of course, but as we would be flying from Europe would such a tight itinerary be risky? Thanks.
Hello, Matt! Thank you for the feedback! We have never used local airlines but Patagonia is famous for unpredictable weather and strong wind it might be the reason why flights are delayed sometimes. Do you mean a half of a day when you arrive and when you leave? It's pretty tight considering that you'll need about 2 hours to get from Puerto Natales to the park. Maybe it's better to do the W trek instead of the O, it takes 4-5 days you'll have a couple of extra days just in case. If you finish early and have some time left you can stay for a day or two in the park and do a couple of day hikes or hiking on the glacier.
Safe travels!
Can’t get a reservation for the last day on the o what do you suggest nothing at Chileno or sector central
Hello, Khaleel! For when are you trying to book it? These two are the only option for the last day, you can try to walk in one go from Los Cuernos to Las Torres and to the exit from the park but it'll be like 11 hours or so with a tough a long ascent and the subsequent descent, I'm not sure it's an option. I'd suggest contacting Fantastic Sur to try to sort it out.
Good luck!
This blog was sooo helpful and easy to follow compared to other ones that I have read! Do you know if the gear to rent in Puerto Natales is abundant? I may want to rent some gear instead of buying, but I'm worried that I would get there and they wouldn't have any left. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Hello, Kalen! Thank you very much for the comment! From what I remember there were quite a few gear shops in Puerto Natales. If you're planning to do Torres in January-February (the peak season) I'd suggest going as soon as you arrive to check out and maybe book some stuff. We found that with small things like a sleeping pad, a camping stove, pots, gloves, etc. it's cheaper to buy them than to rent for a week or so. With more expensive gear like a tent or a sleeping bag, it's cheaper to rent. If you buy gear you can always try to sell it back to the shop or to other travelers.
Safe travels!
Hey! Just wondering if the campsite prices listed are per tent or per person? Thanks for all the helpful info!
Hello, Tamara! Thank you for the comment! All prices are per person.
Safe travels!
Hi, thank you so much for this really helpful Article! It answered a lot of questions!
We are planning to do the O Circuit in December 2019. We are just sleeping at campsides in our own tent and I wonder how you've been organized with carrying food? What kind of food did you take with you? How are the shops, is it suggestable to take food for all the days with us or can you find food easily in shops? Thank you so much in advance
Kindest regards, Deborah
Hello, Deborah! Thank you for the comment! We carried food for the while trek but it's possible to buy food at paid campsites they sell snacks, chocolate, pies, tea/coffee as well as cooked meals but it's quite a bit more expensive than in Puerto Natales. We bought everything in a supermarket in Puerto Natales, we had instant oats and coffee for breakfast, nuts and energy bars for lunch (you're not allowed to use the camping stove only at the campsites it's better to have for lunch something you don't need to cook), pasta or instant noodles with a can of tuna for dinner. We had a couple of chocolate bars, cookies and dried fruit for snack/tea. And for the first day (lunch and dinner) we made food in our hostel (boiled eggs and made meatballs) and took it with.
Cheers!
Thank you for putting this together! It is very helpful as we plan our trip. My husband and I want to do the 7 day/6 night itinerary beginning on Saturday, Nov 23. We want to do it alone but would like to lighten the load as much as possible. Is there a route you suggest where we can rent tents/sleeping bags/mats at ALL of the campsites and buy food at most of them?
Hello, Miryam! Thank you for the comment! If you don't want to carry camping gear and food you'll have to stay only in paid campsites (runs by both companies Vertice Patagonia and Fantastico Sur), they have both gear rental and restaurants though it will make your hike significantly more expensive. I can suggest the following 7-day itinerary; Seron - Dickson - Los Perros - Grey - Frances or Los Cuernos - Chileno or Las Torres. The walk from Los Perros to Grey will be quite challenging, it's 15 km and you go over John Gardner pass you'll have to start the day very early. I'd suggest booking the campsites beforehand (you can do it online) and letting them know that you'll need the camping gear and food, so they can calculate the price you'll be paying.
Safe travels!
Thank you so much, this is really helpful!
This information was so helpful for me, thank you! I was thinking of doing this in very late March/early April as I cannot go any other time. But then I read here that the O Circuit is closed from 1 April. I've read other blogs that say early April is an okay time to go. Are you certain about this detail?
Also, I have heard that they sometimes close parts of the track (like the pass) during bad weather. Do you know what happens re campsite bookings if you get stranded? Just being cautious as the weather is less reliable at this time.
Hello, Hannah! Thank you for the comment! The dates can vary from year to year, according to Fantastico Sur site their Refugio Serón, the first stop on the O circuit, in season 2018/2019 was opened till 31st of March 2019, they base their opening time for this campsite according to CONAF information. It might change for the next season but it's still too early to know. I'd suggest contacting Fantastico Sur (they have live chat in working hours) at the end of September - beginning of October and ask until when Refugio Serón will be opened in 2020. If the O does close on the 31st March you can start walking just before April, you'll need 3 days to go over the pass.
If the pass is closed I guess the bookings will have to switch for a day later as everybody on the O circuit will be pretty stuck. I don't know how often it happens in the season maybe it's one of the reasons CONAF closes the circuit earlier.
Safe travels!
A Little off topic of the "O" trek I'm planning to go in March 2020 but any chance you guys get to do any scuba diving while you were there in Patagonia? If so any tips on where to go?
Hello, John! I didn't do any diving in Patagonia and to be honest I don't remember seeing any places offering diving. Maybe in Puerto Rio Tranquilo you can ask around if they do dives in the lake though water there is quite cold.
Safe travels!
Hey! Thanks for all the great information. I had a question about Day 3 of your itinerary. You put that the Paso campsite closes at 1400 (which seems a bit earlier) but then you said you arrived at the Paso campsite around 1700. Was the 1400 close time updated information after you did the hike? I am planning this section of the hike out and am not sure if hiking Dickson --> Paso is feasible, especially if I need to arrive before 1400. This would also mean that you went over the John Gardner pass around noon. Due to weather, do you know if it is recommended to stay at Los Perros and attempt the pass earlier in the morning? Thanks in advance 🙂
Hello, J Chang! The campsite doesn't close at 14.00, the indicated closing times are for trails it means the stretch between Los Perros and Paso closes after 2pm you can't start walking it after that time, there is a rangers post there. These times are established to make sure hikers make it to the next campsite before it gets dark. Dickson - Paso it absolutely doable in one day just start early enough to make it past Los Perros before 2pm. As for the weather it changes all the time in Patagonia we went over the pass between 2 and 3 pm, it was windy and quite chilly but sunny. Hope it helps! If you have more questions we'll be happy to answer them!
Safe travels!
Thank so much for all the information. Thinking of going solo, not an experienced hiker - is the route clearly marked? Or could it be easy to get lost? How scary are those suspension bridges?
Many thanks!
Hello, Wanderer! Thank you for the comment! The route is well-marked and there are always hikers there if you have any doubts you can always ask someone. The bridges are not as scary and long as suspension bridges in Nepal for example but if you're afraid of heights they might look scary for you just don't look down when you cross them look in front of you.
Safe travels!
A friend and I will be heading to Chile to do the O route in December 2019. We are booking with Vertice for convenience. We will be staying in a mix of Refugios and campsites. Can you recommend two of the Refugios we should definitely stay in? We will be doing 5 campsites and 2 Refugios-just don't know which ones to choose. Any preferences? Thanks for the advice.
Hello, Cheryl! Thank you for the question! For logistical reasons you'll have to choose between staying at Paine Grande or Grey and between staying at Dickson and Los Perros. Between Grey and Paine Grande we liked the refugio at Paine Grande more, the scenery there was amazing though we didn't stay there we just walked around a little bit. Between Los Perros and Dickson we camped at Dickson but the most important thing is planning your itinerary is distances make sure your walking days are well-balanced and you don't have one too long day and one very short day. If you have time you can do more stops on the route to enjoy the scenery.
Safe travels and good luck with planning!
my name is Young living in Philadelphia, USA
My and my wife are very much interested in O circuit trekking in Patagonia in late Jan or Feb of 2020. We are 66 & 64 respectibly with little cracking noise from knee here and there but in good shape in general. We did ABC in Nepal last October, 2018 and my wife just finished EBC this April, 2019. She is in better shape than I am.
We like the nature but I don't think carrying our load plus camping gear is for us.
We may have to settle sleeping in a hostel or lodge so we don't have to carry too much beside our own loads. We like your recommandation for choosing guided company .
I tride to contact Erratic Rock and have no reply as of today.
( they only have schedule up to December, 2019 )
Since we are going from USA, we'd like to visit other place so maximize travel time
Can we recommand for other trekking route near by?
we can spend 2 - 3 weeks for total
thank you verymuch
Happy Travel
have no reply
Hello, Young! Thank you for the question! Sorry it took long we're busy hiking the Rota Vicentina in the south of Portugal. You can walk the circuit without carrying food and camping gear, most paid campsites on the route offer gear rental and have restaurants where you can get hot meals all you need to do is to book them beforehand and let them know you'll need camping gear. This way will be more expensive but easier and more comfortable. The campsites are run by Fantastico sur and Vertice Patagonia you just need to plan your route and contact them for booking. The contact details and map with the campsite you can find in this post. As for other trekking routes I can suggest El Chalten in Argentina or Futaleufu in Chile both places offer amazing scenery and have several hiking routes. In both place you can do multi day treks or day hikes, the second option is easier you can be based in a hotel in the town and do short distance hikes carrying a day pack only.
Safe travels!
Hi! Thank you so much for all of this information (from this article + others on your blog) about Patagonia + the O Trek. Most other blogs I've read recommend starting at Refugio Paine Grande, however you chose to start at Hotel las Torres, heading towards Seron, any reason for this? Just curious! Thanks!
Hello, Alyssa! Thank you for the comment! I'm not sure what are the other blogs that suggest to start the O at Refugio Paine Grande as I'm aware it's the starting point for the W trek not for the O circuit. Are you sure you're not confusing these two routes? It would be strange to start at Refugio Paine Grande at least because you'll have to take a ferry to and back to Pudeto which will make it more expensive and longer, it is unnecessary for the O trek. Another things is if you start at Paine Grande you'll go through the main highlights of the route right in the beginning and the second half will look impressive, remember you can walk the O only counterclockwise. The part from Seron to Grey glacier in a way is less impressive compared to the W trek part with Grey glacier, many turquoise lakes and of course Las Torres so you want to keep this part for the end of the trek.
Safe travels!
Oh, that makes more sense now, thanks so much!
Do you know of a company that will simply book the campsites for you that isn't too $$$? We don't want a guide but don't want to deal with the three different companies since it seems like they are difficult to book and not reliable. Thanks!
Wow what a great article! This is all the information I have been searching for leading up to our trip to Torres del Paine. Thank you for the great content!!!
Hello, Jessica! Thank you very much for the comment! We're glad our post was helpful for your planning!
Enjoy Torres del Paine and safe travels!
Hi there ,
I am looking to the o circuit in nov-dec. do you guys have specific dates you leave or pending on a group number you can depart of any dates .
I see on your webs site staring price of 2000 . How much would it be for a porter is the 2000 included any yurt at any of the site ? At the Refugio’s do they have shared bathroom ? What does it mean by double room - how people share ?
Hello! We're not a tour operator or company, it's a personal blog, we hiked in Torres del Paine and wrote a post based on our experience, prices for tours that we give are just an example how much you pay. We don't arrange any tours or book accommodation or porter for anybody.
Regards!