Everything you need to know about the Torres del Paine O Trek

The Torres del Paine O Trek, also known as the O Circuit, is a challenging yet rewarding trek that takes you through the Paine Massif. Compared to the more popular W Trek, the O Trek provides a more immersive experience in the park's distant and less-visited parts. W Trek is part of the O Trek, so if you decide to hike the whole circuit, you won't miss any of the Torres del Paine's stunning landscape, including the Base Torres and French Glacier.

The O Trek typically takes 7-8 days to complete and it is closed during the winter season.  There are no guides required for this trip; nonetheless, there are guidelines to obey while hiking the O Trek. For instance, to hike the O Trek, you must provide proof of reservations for mandatory campsites.

The O Trek overview

Total distance: 85 miles/136 kilometers

Difficulty: Moderately difficult; some parts are quite challenging. 

Total elevation gain: 16 309 feet/4 971 meters

Closed during the winter season (usually from April to October).

Torres del Paine O Circuit map

How long does it take to hike the O Trek?

Hiking the O Trek generally takes 7-8 days to complete, depending on your pace and weather conditions. If you're an experienced hiker, you could complete the circuit in six days as well. On the other hand, if you want to spend more time in Torres del Paine, feel free to book as many sites along the way as possible.

The points of interest along the O trek

The O Circuit is packed with stunning natural landmarks and diverse landscapes. Let’s look at some of the key points of interest.

The Base Torres (Mirador las Torres)

The Base Torres is, without a doubt, a must see attraction for the majority of hikers. It offers a spectacular view; three distinct peaks of the Towers of Paine standing over a blue glacier lake. 

Torre D'Agostini (also known as the South Tower), Torre Central, and Torre Monzino (commonly known as the North Tower) are over 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) tall.

John Garner Pass

John Garner Pass is not for the faint-hearted. It begins at Laguna Los Perros and has a total elevation gain of 830 meters up and 1324 meters down, making it one of the most challenging parts of the trek. However, the views from the top are worth every ounce of effort. Prepare to be blown away by the breathtaking views of the Grey Glacier.

Dickson Glacier

Not far from Dickson Lake, this glacier is a hidden gem of the O Trek. The trail to the glacier offers an incredible opportunity to witness the raw power and beauty of glacial formations up close. 

How to walk the O Trek

The O Trek can be walked only in one direction - counterclockwise. It allows for a gradual buildup of difficulty, with the challenging John Garner Pass tackled mid-trek rather than at the beginning. The campsites along the O Trek are relatively close to one another, and you can choose to skip certain campsites if you are short on time. However, some campsites are mandatory to stay at.

Skipping campsites on the O Trek

The subject of whether or not it is permitted to skip campsites on the O Trek often occurs. Let’s look at the rules. 

CONAF, the official park’s administrator, does not authorize hiking the O Trek while skipping campsites in the northern part of the O Trek (one exception can be made; see the details below). Additionally, there are trail closure schedules that are designed to keep you from reaching the campsites too late in the day. This, along with the fact that the northern part of the O Trek is more difficult, is why we require that the O Trek reservation cover all campsites in Torres del Paine's northern section. These campsites are Serón, Dickson, Los Perros, and Grey - in that order.

Alternatively, we can make an exception and help you book the O Trek without including the campsite Serón in the itinerary. If you wish to have this option, please contact us directly. 

You can choose not to stay at every campsite in the southern part of Torres del Paine. These campsites are Paine Grande, Francés, Cuernos, Chileno, and Torres Central & Norte.

Where does the O trek start?

When hiking the O circuit, there are various campsites to spend your first night. The most popular alternative is to spend the first night in Serón or Torres Central & Norte. Alternatively, you may begin at Chileno, Paine Grande, Francés, or Cuernos.

How do I get to the start of the O Trek?

First night in Serón/Torres Central & Norte/Chileno

Assuming you are staying in Puerto Natales the night before you head to Torres del Paine, take the bus from Puerto Natales Bus Terminal.

Purchase your ticket online in advance on BusSur.com. You will need a ticket for the route from Puerto Natales to Laguna Amarga. Laguna Amarga is a station at the park’s entrance where you will need to have your passport, reservation vouchers, and entrance ticket checked.

If you are heading to Torres Central & Norte or Chileno, take a shuttle bus from Laguna Amarga to Torres Central & Norte or walk about 7 kilometers. Either stay the night or continue to Chileno another 6 kilometers.  If you’re going to Serón, walk approximately 16 kilometers.

First night in Paine Grande/Francés/Cuernos

If you are staying in Puerto Natales the night before heading to Torres del Paine, take the bus from Puerto Natales Bus Terminal.

Purchase your ticket online in advance on BusSur.com. You will need the ticket from Puerto Natales to Pudeto. The bus first takes you to Laguna Amarga (the park's entrance), where you need to have your documents checked and then continues to Pudeto.

From Pudeto, you need to take the catamaran across Lake Pehoé to Paine Grande. More information about the catamaran schedule can be found at catamaranpehoe.com.

Once you are in Paine Grande, you either stay here your first night or continue east to campsites Francés or Cuernos.

How difficult is the O Trek?

The O Trek is considered moderately difficult, with few challenging parts. You need to take its length, variable weather, and steep ascents and descents into account before you make a decision whether to go or not. 

If you have never experienced a multiday hike, we suggest trying the W Trek first. Alternatively, consider booking the 8-day itinerary to avoid unnecessary long distances.

The key is to have proper hiking clothes and gear for an enjoyable experience, as Patagonian weather is known to be quite unpredictable. You may experience sun, rain, snow, and winds all on the same day. Make sure you are prepared for that.

When is the best time to hike the Torres del Paine O circuit?

The question of when to hike the O Circuit can be answered in two ways. It depends on how essential nice weather is to you.

Most people will probably tell you to go during the summer months, which in Chile are December through February. But keep in mind that this is peak season and the park can be crowded. So if you prefer to visit the park during the off-season, make your reservations for March. Another alternative is November, during Patagonian spring. The park is less crowded, but the weather can be unpredictable.

Also, remember that even though the O Circuit is usually open from November to March, CONAF can decide to close the O Trek part of the park a few days earlier, mostly because of bad weather conditions. It has happened before. Consider this possibility before making a reservation for the end of the season. 

Additionally, be aware that the John Garner Pass, a critical part of the O Circuit, can be covered in snow, which can theoretically happen even at the beginning or end of the high season. If this occurs, CONAF might close the entire upper part of the trek, making it impossible to complete the O Circuit. 

What to pack for the O Trek

Packing for the O Trek demands careful consideration of shifting weather conditions. It also depends on whether you are renting camping equipment or staying in refugios. Check out this list of essential supplies to bring for the O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park.

Backpack: A comfortable and robust backpack (40-70 liters) is suitable for carrying all of your stuff. However, if you have reservations for refugios or tents with sleeping bags, as well as meal reservations, a smaller backpack for your clothing should suffice.

Clothing: Remember that the weather in Patagonia may be unpredictable, so bring at least two sets of clothing. You may get wet throughout the day, so bring an extra pair of clothes to keep you dry and comfortable at night. Consider putting your clothes in a plastic bag or waterproof case. Here are a few ideas for things you could need.

• Base layers: moisture-wicking underwear and thermal base layers for warmth
• Outer layers: waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
• Trekking pants
• Fleece or down jacket
• T-shirts: both short-sleeved and long-sleeved for layering
• Quick-drying underwear and socks
• Gloves and a warm hat
• Sunglasses

Footwear

• Sturdy, waterproof and broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
• Gaiters to keep dirt and moisture out

Gear (if staying in the camp most of the time)

• Tent
• Sleeping bag (suitable for low temperatures)
• Sleeping pad to provide insulation and comfort. Even during the summer, temperatures in Torres del Paine can drop significantly at night. The ground can be very cold, and a sleeping pad provides a barrier between you and the ground, keeping you warm throughout the night.
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Trekking poles (only if you are used to trekking with them)
• Multi-tool or knife
• Water purification method (iodine tablets or a filter)

Cooking and eating

• Lightweight stove and cookware
• Freeze-dried meals or lightweight food
• Snacks (nuts, energy bars, dried food)
• Water bottle or hydration system

Personal items

• Insect repellent
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap)
• First aid kit
• Dry bags or plastic bags to keep clothing and electronics dry

Miscellaneous

• Cash
• Permits, identification, and confirmations about the reservations

Layering is essential for comfort, since the weather may change quickly. Remember to pack light, since too much weight might make your trip more difficult. 

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