I’ve always been a big hiker. I enjoy walking long distances in the wilderness with my tent and all my belongings. I thrive on the struggles of the long days and am a true believer that food tastes 100x better in the back country.
I have been an avid backpacker in northern Ontario for years, but very rarely have I ventured out of Canada for my multi-day hiking excursions. So, in February 2025, I teamed up with my long-time friend and hiking partner to conquer the O-
Trek.
In this post I’m going to talk about how we prepared for the trek, our seven-day itinerary (including what camps we chose to stay at and my impressions of each day), and my overall thoughts.
If you are looking for other common FAQs about Torres Del Paine, or how to book your trip to Patagonia, I have another post that goes over general questions of Torres Del Paine National Park and how to prepare for the hike.
What is the O-Circuit in Torres del Paine?
The O-trek is a dream trip for hike fanatics like myself. It is a popular 6-9 day, 120km loop in Chilean Patagonia, around the national park of Torres Del Paine.
The trek takes you through a series of park terrains, ranging from grasslands to forests to rocky mountain passes and glacier lookouts. It is a beautiful full-circle trail that is challenging and filled with camaraderie, peace, and camping.
What is the difference between the O-Trek and the W-Trek?
The O-circuit trek is a full loop around the mountain range of Torres Del Paine, totalling about 120km, and joins up with the W-trek trails about halfway through. The O-circuit’s longer distance also means it has fewer trekkers than the popular W-trek.
The W-trek is the more popular hiking trail laid out in the shape of a ‘W’, giving it its name of ‘W-trek’. The trails join at Camp Grey and follow the popular path up through Frances Valley and the Torres Base Towers, totaling about 80km.
O-Trek Trail Details
Region: Patagonia
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Distance: 119 km / 73.7 miles
Total O-Circuit Elevation Gain: 16, 309ft / 4,971 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Days to Complete: 6-9 days (depending on your camp sites and distance per day)
Best Time to Hike the O-Circuit: December-March
Typical Weather: Unpredictable – high winds, rain, snow, blue skies can all be expected (within one day)
Hiker Traffic: Moderate (back half/O-trek), Heavy (front/W-trek)
Cell Service: No
Wifi: Available for purchase in all campsites and refugios.
My One Week O-Trek Torres del Paine Itinerary
This is my experience hiking on the O-trek. I talk about everything I wish I knew before the trek, what camps I chose to stay at, and my impressions of each day.
I went on my trek at the end of peak season, in February 2025, which was perfect, the trails had fewer people and clear skies!
My Campsites
Central -> Serón: 15km
Serón -> Dickson: 17km
Dickson -> Los Perros: 10km
Los Perros -> Grey: 16km (difficult day through the pass)
Grey -> Paine Grande 10km
Paine Grande -> Frances Lookout -> Los Cuernos: 24km
Los Cuernos -> Base Towers -> Central: 26km
Warm Up Hike
Preparing for a big multi-day hike is different for everyone. When I have multiple long days in the wilderness ahead of me, I like to prep by doing a mid-length day hike beforehand. This allows me to warm up my legs and get the feel of my boots again. It also means I can go back to a warm meal and a comfy bed for a proper rest before starting any long trek.
This is what I did before my week-long excursion on the O-trek. I had a few days in Puerto Natales, a town in Chile about an hour away from Torres Del Paine National Park. This town has some good hiking options, and I took full advantage of them.
I went to hike Cerro Benítez by Laguna Sofia. This is a short hike, about 25 minutes outside of Puerto Natales. The hiking trail is about 7km and only took about two hours to complete. It’s a good warm-up with the little elevation gain, and an amazing place to see condors!
Day One
Park Entrance to Serón
Distance: 10km
Weather: Sunny
Elevation:
Total Hiking Time: 3 hours
The first day on the O-Trek, I would consider a second warm-up day for the week ahead. It’s a short and easy day on a relatively flat trail that leads you through mostly grasslands. There isn’t much elevation gain, and the trail itself is also mostly ATV tracks, which made it easy to walk but a less exciting trekking day.
Starting from the trailhead, we walked with the crowds entering the park, but quickly split ways. Most people start the W-trek on day one or take a one-day hiking trip to the base towers, both of which lead in the opposite direction of the O-trek trail.
About Serón Campsite
The first night on the O-trek is at Serón Camp, which is a big, open, flat field. The luxury tents outline the perimeter of the camp, elevated off the ground, with the remainder of the camp available for pitching tents. There is no difficulty in finding space here, but it is almost impossible to find shade or shelter from the elements.
The cooking facilities are in a tent between the lodge and the bathrooms. This is a relatively small tent, so it can fill up quite fast. I found this site was the hardest (and coldest) to make meals considering it was the only site without a solid structure for cooking.
All in all, the campsite at Serón is nice and perfect for watching the stars on a good night, but it’s important to note that the sites get infinitely better as the days go on.
Day Two
Serón to Dickson
Distance: 17km
Weather: Sunny
Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 meters / 2,300 feet
Total Hiking Time: 8 hours
The Serón to Dickson day hike was a day to really test my hiking shoes. It is a mostly flat trail and a relatively easy hike, but this is where we started to see the terrain change from ATV paths to smaller foot trails. With about 17km to our next destination, this is when I saw the beginning of my downfall.
Day two marked the beginning of my multi-day blister saga, one that left me with an empty medkit and bloody socks. (Raw heels aside, the trek is still 100% worth it.) Take my advice: protect your feet! As the days get tougher, it’s hard to appreciate the stunning surroundings when every step feels like fire.
About halfway through the hike, we reach our first ranger station, which was a perfect spot to refuel with lunch on some of the laid out picnic tables, fill up on water, and take advantage of a sheltered outhouse.
Here, like at every ranger station ahead, we needed to ‘check in’ by writing down our name, the time we arrived, and our passport numbers.
This system isn’t just for record-keeping; it’s also for safety. It ensures every traveler stays accounted for and has enough time to reach the next stop before nightfall.
About Dickson Camp
The Dickson camp in Torres Del Paine is easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever slept. This camp is set up in a valley along Dickson Lake where we were surrounded by mountains.
Considering this trail is only accessible to those on the O-trek, the site is quiet.
I was really just blown away by the scenery and the serenity of the place.
The facilities are quite an upgrade compared to the Serón camp. There is a hostel for those who want a comfy bed, and hot showers are available for everyone! There is an indoor cooking area with running water and tables for everyone to share.
Day Three
Dickson to Los Perros
Distance: 11.6km
Weather: Sunny
Elevation Gain: 511m
Total Hiking Time: 3 hours
Day three was another short day, leading further into the mountains. This is where we got a taste of our first glacier!
Hiking from Camp Dickson to Los Perros is where things started to feel like a true Patagonian adventure. The day kicked things off with a peaceful stroll through forests, but the trail quickly started throwing some steep, root-covered climbs.
Then came the real showstopper in the form of the Los Perros Glacier.
Near the end of the hike, we suddenly popped out of the forest and were rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of the glacier feeding into a little lagoon. Many people were stopped here for lunch or a quiet hiking break before continuing on into camp.
We stayed so I could take a bunch of photos, of course. The ice was a huge contrast to the rocks, I needed to.
About Los Perros Camp
The day three camp in Los Perros is set up in dense forest, just after the rocky terrain that leads you to your first glacier, Perro Glacier! The camp is rugged, often muddy, and a bit chilly, but hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right?
Due to the proximity of the water and lush forestry, the site is in, I was bombarded with bugs. This was the buggiest spot on the whole trek for me. This is the last day of quiet camps, however, as the next few sites lead into the W-trek.
This site also has no hot water.
Day Four
Los Perros to Grey
Distance: 16km
Weather: Sunny
Elevation: 1061 m elevation gain, 1544 m elevation loss
Total Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
With an elevation gain of 1061m/ 3480ft and a loss of 1544m/ 5065ft, this is the hardest day of the O-trek. Los Perros to Camp Grey consists of summiting the John Garner Pass and a grueling, steep downhill, so this day is difficult. However, it is also one of the most beautiful days with our first view of Glacier Grey from above!
Los Perros has a checkout time of 7 am. This is non-negotiable, and rangers actually time-checked and ushered us along to make sure everyone is up and out of camp. It was an early day, but this was to make sure everyone had enough time to complete the hike in daylight.
The day started with the uphill climb almost immediately. As we took off, the path changed from dirt and forest trees to loose rocks and open mountain. Climbing out of the treeline, there is an amazing view of the sun rising between the two mountains just behind. It’s honestly like a postcard.
From here, the loose rubble turned into bigger rocks and steeper terrain. Eventually, we were just hopping between rocks on our way up, and my legs were on fire. It was like climbing stairs for four hours straight. Every time I thought we were at the top, there were more rocks and a new marker in the distance.
The leg pain is worth it all once we got to the top of the pass, though, when we were presented with the first view of the Grey Icefield.
Pictures will never do this sight justice, because the feelings of pure joy when seeing this ancient ice field was so overwhelming. To top it off, there was the pride of scaling up the side of this mountain to revel in, and the mountains behind us to ensure that everywhere we looked was filled with beauty.
After the pass, it was all downhill (literally, not metaphorically). There was about 10km of steep downhill to navigate, which brought us almost eye level to the glacier and to the second ranger station. (So if you have bad knees, bring some pain killers and lots of motivation snacks.)
There are three big suspension bridges that cross rips in the land after the great descent, with waterfalls leading down to Glacier Grey. These bridges are long, high up, and bouncy, so windy days can be difficult, but they are fun!
Once across the bridges, we were met with an overload of people at Glacier Grey who were starting the W-trek or taking a day to explore the glacier!
About Camp Grey
This was by far the busiest and fanciest camp on the trek. With a hotel, many hostel rooms, and fancy camping grounds, this place feels like luxury. There is hot water available everywhere and a very big cooking room to relax and enjoy.
Extra Excursions at Camp Grey
Many people spend a few extra days at this campsite. Considering its close proximity to the glacier, this is where you can book day excursions to kayak out onto the water and around glaciers, book a tour to hike onto the Grey Ice Sheet itself, or do other day hikes around the area for other views of the sheet!
Day Five
Grey to Paine Grande
Distance: 10km
Weather: Overcast
Total Hiking Time: 3 hours
Day five was another short day, so many people took the morning time to either do a glacier excursion or sleep in and relax before slowly making their way over to Paine Grande.
Paine Grande was the camp where we were forced into a refugio, so we were those people taking our sweet time to get up… We walked to the little beach, then the lookout areas of the glacier to see the icebergs (which I recommend), and for my friend to climb all the rocks. Then we made lunch and were on our way just after noon.
This hike was nice with some steep rock climbing sections that made the trail really interesting. This trail also has another amazing final lookout of Glacier Grey in the distance
About Paine Grande Campsite
Paine Grande camp is laid out in a valley along the Lago Pehoé lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Paine Grande camp also has one of the biggest cooking locations out of all the camps in Torres del Paine, with a spot dedicated to dining and mingling.
Day Six
Paine Grande to Cuernos
Distance: 24km
Weather: rain and snow turn to rain
Total Hiking Time: 7-10 hours
This was a tough morning. The day started at 5 am with relentless rain, hail, and powerful winds. Our morning routine of bandaging my feet, eating breakfast, and backing up was done in the cold and wet. The wind was so strong that it was even blowing us over at times. We were constantly struggling against the wet mud and freezing winds.
Thank goodness for the rapid weather changes in the Patagonian regions, because our miserable start turned into a beautiful mid-morning walk by 8 am with the sun out.
This was the second hardest day in the O-trek for me (following day four up John Garner Pass). The distance includes the hike up the French Valley to Mirador Britanico, and although it is difficult, the multiple viewpoints are absolutely stunning.
There is a ranger station at the base of the French Valley that has a bag drop to leave gear as you climb up, and we did exactly that. From here, we just took some water and some snacks and enjoyed the day. The light weight is a big welcome after many days of carrying a heavy weight.
The trail up the French Valley is a long and rocky uphill. The trail runs through forested areas, so there is lots of shade to cover us.
The lookout at Mirador Britanico opens up to a 360-degree view of mountains as we stood in a valley between them. The best part was that we could even see glaciers and even hear the thunder when they fell in the distance.
About Los Cuernos Campsite
Los Cuernos is at the base of the Cuernos del Paine (the “Horns of Paine”). The camp sits between Refugio Paine Grande and Refugio Chileno, making it a popular overnight stop for trekkers heading toward the French Valley or the Torres Base Viewpoint.
This camp is quite hilly compared to the other open camps and is located in the trees, providing a lot of shade.
Day Seven
Cuernos and out of Torres Del Paine National Park
Distance: 26km
Weather: Sunny
Total Hiking Time: 9-12 hours
The final morning was very quiet, we had about 10km to go before we joined the Base Towers trail, however, as we slowly started to notice the increase in foot traffic.
Hiking up to the towers is the busiest day. Considering this is the one trail that merges the multi-day trekkers and the single-day excursionists into one race to see the towers, the trails get busy.
There is another station at the base of the tower hike, Camp Chileano, where we dropped our bags for an easier hike up the mountain. After the 10km from the Cuernos camp, it was a very welcome reward to be rid of my bags.
The camp Chileano area also has picnic tables outside, so it was a good spot for a quick break and a much needed coffee before the true climb began.
The crowded trails are worth it, as they lead up to the grand finale of the O-trek, the famous Los Torres Base Towers. They are mesmerizing rocks to look at, with condors flying about around them.
Leaving Torres Del Paine National Park
The ride out of Torres Del Paine National Park was a smooth one…because we had booked ahead. What we didn’t realize until our day of leaving was that the last shuttle from the trail start in Torres Del Paine to the park entrance was at 7 pm. So many people were trying to get on this shuttle bus.
We had a bus booked from the park entrance back to the town of Puerto Natales at 8 pm, as did many other people. Considering this park is a popular destination for both multiday hikes and single-day excursions, there are many buses running this route back and forth to Puerto Natales.
Some are open buses meant for those who haven’t yet bought a way back to town, and some are devoted to pre-booked travelers. This array of buses can get very confusing (it was for me at least).
After the long hike, the rocking of the bus had me asleep so fast. Despite the aches and pains, this hiking trip was absolutely amazing, stuffed with amazing people and billion-dollar views that I will hold with me forever. I hope to do this again one day and have another experience to share with you.
Reflection on Hiking the O Trek
The People
One of the most wonderful things about hiking the O Trek in Patagonia is the sense of camaraderie among fellow hikers. Since most people are following the same route, I often found that I was crossing paths with the same faces, whether on the trail, at rest stops, or within campgrounds.
At the end of the day, we would sit and make dinner together, striking up conversations, sharing experiences, and photos of the day. This was a huge contribution to helping me form new friendships.
I was surprised by how easy it was to connect with people along the way. There’s something about the shared love for hiking and the awe of Patagonia that makes it simple to find common ground. After a long day on the trail, enjoying dinner with newfound friends became one of the highlights of my trek.
We bonded over our hiking days, talked about our favorite views or hiking mishaps, shared tips for stretching, and even laughed over the struggles of sore legs and unpredictable weather. Within just a few days, I had a group of hiking buddies.
The O-Trek Trails
The O-trek offers an incredible variety of landscapes, making every section of the hike breathtaking. One moment, we were surrounded by towering mountain peaks, and the next, we were walking alongside a river or gazing at a massive glacier. The scenery is constantly changing and filled with new challenges so no part of the trek ever feels dull.
The trails themselves are fantastic. They’re well-maintained, clearly marked, and blend seamlessly into the environment without feeling intrusive. If you’re prepared with good gear, plenty of food, and enough water, the trek is absolutely manageable.
The key is to pace yourself and embrace the experience rather than rush through it. Despite the occasional sore muscles and tired feet, every challenge was met with the reward of Patagonia’s awesomeness. In the end, that made every struggle more than worth it.
The Weather
We were very lucky with the weather. Before the trek, we were warned of major winds at the top of John Garner Pass that could hit up to 100km an hour(!!). The weather conditions can change on a dime from sun to hail and snow. Although we had some damp and cold weather, we were given mostly very nice conditions for hiking.
The Wildlife on the O-Trek
Other than birds, we didn’t actually encounter much wildlife on the trek (but I’m a loud hiker, so I tend to scare things off). I do have a list of some animals that others on the trek saw while hiking, though.
Horses and hares were common sights, and for the lucky ones, there was even a sighting of a puma. (Apparently, there are many pumas, but they largely avoid humans)
One of my favorite things about backcountry camping is the quietness of nature, and Patagonia offered me the most peaceful moments of my life. Considering the O-circuit is much less traveled compared to the W trek, I found we walked many kilometers wrapped in quiet.
The Struggles of the O-Trek
While the O Trek is undeniably stunning, it’s not without its challenges. If you’re not used to long-distance hiking, the days can feel tough, especially when carrying a heavy backpack over rugged terrain.
As someone who is prone to getting blisters, I had to limp my way through a few days to avoid bleeding too much. If it wasn’t for the support of my friends, my medkit, my motivation snacks, and my sandals, I would have seriously suffered. (I mean I did, but I would have suffered way more.)
The body soreness really caught up to me after day three. Although some of the days are relatively easy, it is important to remember to stretch each day. Although I did my best, I was not as limber as I should have been.
The weather can also be unpredictable; one moment, we were basking in the sun, and the next, we were battling fierce winds or an unexpected downpour. One day, it even snowed and hailed along with the crazy winds and heavy rain.
Maintaining a positive attitude when in pain, cold, hungry, and blistered was difficult. My motivation snacks really pulled me through some stretches of pure torture (mentally and physically). There were numerous times that my gold fish and chocolate raisins saved me from a mental breakdown.
How Expensive is it to Hike the O-Trek
My seven-day trek cost about $1000 CAD. This cost included my site permits, tent rental, the food we brought with us, and the transportation to and from the park.
We decided to the a self-guided trek, meaning we went alone, booked our own accommodation, etc. This was the cheapest option we found and allowed us the freedom to hike at our own pace. This also meant I had to bring my own gear, such as my sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and hiking poles.
There are many Torres Del Paine O and W-trek tours to choose from that range in price depending on trekking distance and guided assistance.
What to pack for the O Circuit, Patagonia
A hiking packing list is important for smooth trip preparation. It’s important to pack for all weather types, considering all seasons can happen in one day while in Patagonia.
Depending on the level of hiking and what trek you are doing, you may need more gear. Here is a general list of important items to bring while hiking in Patagonia:
- Layers: Base layers, insulation, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
- Footwear: Comfortable and sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
- Backpack: A comfortable and appropriately sized backpack.
- Hiking poles: Can be helpful for stability and reducing strain on knees.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Rain gear: Waterproof jacket and pants.
- Navigation tools: Map, compass, and GPS device.
- Documents: Passport, PDI paper, reservation documents, cash.
- Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping mat/bag, cooking set
Camping vs Refugios on the O-Trek
When booking a trek in Torres del Paine, there are some options of sleeping arrangement luxury to choose from, depending on the experience you are going for (and your budget).
Option One: Camping
Camping is the cheapest option to choose from in Torres del Paine. Each refugio has a designated camping area with three tenting options. You can either bring your own, rent a standard tent, or rent a premium tent.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll have full access to indoor toilets and running water. It’s worth noting that no campsite will give you a genuine backcountry experience, so even camping is more like ‘glamping’.
Camp permits: $11 per site
Tent Rental: $40 per tent
I booked my permits and rentals through bookingPatagonia, where they clearly lay out the camp availability and prices.
Option Two: Refugios
Refugios are the way to hike in comfort. Almost all campsites have a refugio for trekkers (not including Los Perros) that offer warm beds and showers. They are often shared dorms with multiple beds, hostel-style.
This also saves you from having to bring camping gear and a tent.
Option Three: Somewhere in the Middle
I found this was the best option when balancing the hiking experience and enjoying my time. I was reluctantly forced to book one night in a refugio at Camp Grey due to its popularity and limited space. However, it was the best sleep I had.
After many days of trekking, I didn’t know I needed this kind of rest until I had it. It hurt my wallet but it was well worth the energy the next day.
Planning Your O-Trek Hike
Hiking self-guided gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, choose your itinerary, and enjoy the trek on your terms. I planned my own trip with a friend, which allowed us to explore as much as we wanted. However, I’d only recommend this option if you have solid hiking experience—Patagonia’s trails can be long and demanding. A view of the trail on day 2 of the O Trek in Torres Del Paine.
You can book campsites and rental gear directly here. If you prefer, some companies will arrange a self-guided tour for you, handling all bookings so you just have to show up and hike!
Guided Trekking
A guided tour provides support and structured itineraries. The company you choose often books the sites and gear for you. They will also provide the food and even porters so you can focus on the hike and the scenery rather than the weight and struggles of packing and carrying gear.
What makes the O Trek so Special?
There are a few things about the O trek that made it special for me. The whole trek was challenging but rewarding. After the long days, I earned those bragging rights for completing it all!
There are long days, high elevation, and some difficult trails along the route, but the mountains, water, and good people made it worth the challenge. The iconic views of Grey Glacier and the Base Towers are a few things that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
On top of that, the people I met along the trails were always kind and happy to be on a journey similar to mine. I found some nice friends to share my experience with, and I will always be grateful for that.
Extra Questions
If you are interested in more details or have more questions in regards to Torres Del Paine, how to book it your hike, and what to expect, take a look at my other post Hiking Torres del Paine: 21 FAQs for First-Time Hikers 2025.
