Puerto Natales: The O Circuit All-Inclusive (Self-Guided)

Puerto Natales serves as the gateway to one of Patagonia’s most captivating treks – the O Circuit All-Inclusive self-guided trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Priced at €5,389.68 for up to two participants, this 8-day adventure promises an immersive experience through the region’s stunning landscapes. With fully equipped tents, meals, and essential transportation included, trekkers are well-prepared to witness iconic highlights like Base Torres and Grey Glacier. However, meeting the participant restrictions and packing the right gear are crucial to ensuring a memorable journey in this remarkable corner of the world.

Key Points

• The O Circuit is an 8-day self-guided trek in Torres del Paine National Park, priced at €5,389.68 for groups up to 2 people.
• The trek includes fully equipped tents, full board meals, entrance tickets, buses, and shuttles, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Key highlights of the trek include Base Torres, Grey Glacier, Lake Dickson, British Viewpoint, and French Valley.
• The trek is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, wheelchair users, individuals afraid of heights, or those with high blood pressure or low fitness levels.
• Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation in Puerto Natales before and after the trek, and must adhere to park regulations, including prohibitions on smoking, littering, feeding animals, and making fires.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The O Circuit All-Inclusive self-guided trek in Torres del Paine National Park is an 8-day activity that allows visitors to explore the park’s stunning landscapes.

Priced at €5,389.68 per group (up to 2 people), the tour includes a fully equipped tent, full board, entrance tickets, buses, and shuttles.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later is available.

The trek highlights include the Base Torres, Grey Glacier, Lake Dickson, and the British Viewpoint.

This self-guided tour provides visitors with a detailed itinerary and necessary bookings, making it an accessible and comprehensive way to experience the wonders of Torres del Paine.

Trek Highlights and Itinerary

The O Circuit All-Inclusive in Torres del Paine National Park offers a captivating itinerary that showcases the region’s most breathtaking highlights. Trekkers will experience the iconic Base Torres, the mesmerizing Grey Glacier, the serene Lake Dickson, and the stunning British Viewpoint.

The 8-day journey begins with a bus ride to the park’s entrance, followed by a hike from Central to Serón on Day 1. The subsequent days involve traversing to Lake Dickson, reaching the Los Perros camp, and trekking to Grey Glacier via Paso John Gardner.

Highlights also include exploring the French Valley and the final ascent to the Torres Central & Norte.

• Base Torres
• Grey Glacier
• Lake Dickson
• British Viewpoint
• French Valley

Inclusions and Exclusions

This all-inclusive O Circuit trek package covers an extensive range of essential amenities and services. The package includes fully equipped tents, full board meals, national park entrance tickets, transportation to/from the park, and a pre-circuit briefing in Puerto Natales. However, it excludes flights, visas, travel insurance, accommodation in Puerto Natales before and after the circuit, and anything not explicitly mentioned.

Included	Excluded
Fully equipped tent	Flights
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)	Visa
Entrance tickets	Travel insurance
Buses to/from park	Accommodation in Puerto Natales
Pre-circuit briefing	Anything not mentioned

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

Although the O Circuit trek is a remarkable experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers. The trek isn’t recommended for children under 10, pregnant women, wheelchair users, those afraid of heights, visually impaired individuals, or people with high blood pressure and low fitness levels.

Prospective participants should come prepared with the following essentials:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Hat, camera, and hiking shoes
• Sunscreen, water, and rain gear
• Insect repellent and a daypack

Smoking, littering, feeding animals, and making fires are strictly prohibited throughout the trek.

Travelers should keep these restrictions and recommendations in mind when considering this self-guided adventure in Torres del Paine National Park.

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Important Information

A self-guided tour, the O Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park is arranged by a greeter in the Natales office, who provides itinerary explanations and necessary bookings.

The meeting point for the trek is the bus terminal, which is conveniently open in Google Maps. Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation in Puerto Natales before and after the circuit.

Smoking, littering, feeding animals, and making fires are strictly prohibited during the trek.

Hikers should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, camera, food, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, rain gear, insect repellent, and a daypack to have an enjoyable and responsible experience in the national park.

Getting to the National Park

Participants will take a bus to the park entrance located in the town of Torres del Paine, situated approximately 3 hours from Puerto Natales.

The bus ride offers stunning views of the Patagonian landscape.

Once at the park entrance, the self-guided experience begins:

• Participants will receive a briefing from a local guide on the day’s itinerary and activities.
• They’ll obtain their entrance tickets and any necessary permits for the O Circuit trek.
• Shuttles will transport them to the starting point of the trek at Central in Torres del Paine.
• From Central, the hiking portion of the adventure commences.

Throughout the trek, participants can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife of Torres del Paine National Park.

Preparing for the Trek

Thorough preparation is key to enjoying the O Circuit all-inclusive trek in Torres del Paine National Park. The park’s remote location and rugged terrain require hikers to be well-equipped.

Participants should pack warm, weatherproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and sun protection. A daypack with snacks, water, and rain gear is essential. Trekkers should also bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

Insect repellent and first-aid supplies are recommended. It’s crucial to follow the park’s regulations, such as no smoking, littering, or feeding animals.

With proper planning and packing, hikers can fully enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the O Circuit.

What to Expect on the Trail

Trekkers embarking on the O Circuit all-inclusive will be treated to a captivating journey through Torres del Paine National Park’s diverse landscapes.

The trail offers a multitude of highlights, including:

• Panoramic vistas of the iconic Torres del Paine peaks
• Traversing through lush beech forests and alpine meadows
• Encountering the majestic Grey Glacier and its striking blue hues
• Navigating the challenging Paso John Gardner at an elevation of 1,200 meters
• Exploring the serene beauty of Lake Dickson and the French Valley

Each day presents a new adventure, with well-equipped campsites and refugios providing comfortable respite along the way.

Trekkers can expect to be immersed in the park’s awe-inspiring natural wonders throughout this comprehensive circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Trek Itinerary During the Hike?

While the itinerary is pre-set, hikers can’t fully customize their trek during the hike. However, they can adjust the pace, take breaks, and explore additional viewpoints within the circuit’s parameters with the guidance provided prior to the trek.

Are There Any Wi-Fi or Cell Phone Coverage Available on the Trail?

The tour does not provide WiFi or cell phone coverage along the trail. Connectivity is limited in Torres del Paine National Park’s remote wilderness. Hikers should expect to be disconnected from the outside world during the trek.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size Requirement?

The O Circuit trek doesn’t have a minimum or maximum group size requirement. Travelers can book the self-guided tour for up to 2 people per group. Groups larger than 2 can be accommodated but may require additional coordination and logistics.

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Date if the Original Is Not Available?

Yes, travelers can book the tour for a different date if the original is not available. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility to reschedule the hike as needed.

Are There Any Medical Facilities or Emergency Support Along the Trail?

There are medical facilities and emergency support along the O Circuit trail. Guides carry first-aid kits, and emergency evacuation services are available if needed. Hikers should inform guides of any medical conditions prior to the trek.

The Sum Up

The O Circuit All-Inclusive trek in Torres del Paine National Park offers an unparalleled adventure through Patagonia’s stunning landscapes. With comprehensive inclusions, participant restrictions, and essential preparation advice, this self-guided trek ensures an immersive and memorable journey for trekkers. Travelers can expect to witness iconic highlights like Base Torres and Grey Glacier, fully equipped and ready to embark on an unforgettable 8-day trek in this breathtaking region.

You can check if your dates are available here: