Torres Del Paine: O Circuit in Camping (7 Days)

The Torres del Paine O Circuit in Chile offers an exhilarating 7-day camping adventure through one of the country’s most breathtaking national parks. Priced at $2,558 per person, this self-guided trek immerses participants in the park’s diverse landscapes, showcasing iconic viewpoints, challenging hikes, and encounters with majestic glaciers and unique wildlife. While the journey adheres to safety guidelines and park regulations, the opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of Torres del Paine firsthand is truly captivating. With a comprehensive itinerary and carefully curated inclusions, this camping expedition promises an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive exploration of one of Chile’s most remarkable destinations.

Key Points

• The 7-day self-guided Torres del Paine O Circuit trek starts and ends in Puerto Natales, with a starting price of $2,558 per person.
• The package includes 7 days and 6 nights of camping accommodation, consisting of a pitched tent, sleeping bag, and mat at each campsite.
• Highlights of the trek include the challenging hike to Base Torres viewpoint, the trek over John Gardner Pass, and the exploration of the French Valley.
• The trek is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with health issues, and participants must bring appropriate hiking gear.
• Optional activities include ice hike and kayak Grey Glacier, and the package includes a catamaran ticket, transport from Puerto Natales, and Torres del Paine park entrance ticket.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Pricing and Duration

The pricing for the 7-day self-guided Torres del Paine O Circuit starts from $2,558.00 per person.

This non-refundable package covers 7 days and 6 nights of camping accommodation, including a pitched tent, sleeping bag, and mat at each campsite.

The duration of the trek is 7 days, and the trip begins and ends at the Terminal Rodoviario (Estación de Autobuses) in Puerto Natales.

Travelers should note the cancellation policy, as the tour has a non-refundable policy.

Itinerary Highlights

The 7-day Torres del Paine O Circuit takes hikers on an immersive journey through the park’s stunning landscapes.

On Day 1, adventurers tackle the challenging 14-mile hike to the iconic Base Torres viewpoint. The following days feature more moderate treks, including a 5.6-mile hike to Seron Camp and an 11-mile trek to Dickson Refuge.

Day 5 presents the most demanding challenge, a 14-mile journey over the John Gardner Pass to Grey Camp. The circuit concludes with a 12.5-mile exploration of the French Valley, considered one of the most scenic areas in the park.

Throughout the expedition, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of glaciers, mountains, and pristine wilderness.

Day 1: Base Torres

Adventurers embark on the circuit’s opening day with a challenging 14-mile hike to the iconic Base Torres viewpoint. The trek gains over 3,000 feet in elevation and takes 8-10 hours to complete.

Along the way, hikers will:

1. Ascend through a forested valley, crossing several streams and rivers.
2. Climb over rocky moraine fields, gaining stunning vistas of the jagged granite peaks.
3. Push through the final steep section to reach the mesmerizing glacial lake at the base of the three famous Torres.

This demanding first day sets the tone for the stunning and physically strenuous O Circuit through Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 2: Serón Camp

After the grueling first day’s hike to the iconic Base Torres viewpoint, hikers embark on the second leg of the O Circuit through Torres del Paine.

The 5.6-mile trek to Serón Camp takes 4-5 hours and is rated easy-moderate in difficulty. The path winds through picturesque meadows and forests, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains.

Serón Camp provides a welcome respite, with pitched tents, sleeping bags, and mats awaiting weary adventurers.

This idyllic setting serves as a basecamp for the next day’s journey to Dickson Refuge, as hikers continue their immersion in the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine.

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Day 5: Grey Camp

On the fifth day, hikers embark on the challenging trek to Grey Camp, covering a distance of 14 miles that typically takes 10-12 hours to complete.

This leg of the O Circuit traverses the demanding John Gardner Pass, requiring significant effort and endurance.

The highlights of this stage include:

1. Crossing the iconic John Gardner Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains.
2. Witnessing the majestic Grey Glacier, a vast ice field that flows into a picturesque lake.
3. Reaching the scenic Grey Camp, nestled amidst the stunning natural landscape, providing a well-deserved respite after a demanding day’s hike.

Day 7: French Valley

Though the previous day’s hike to Grey Camp marked a challenging milestone, the seventh and final day of the Torres del Paine O Circuit promises an equally rewarding experience with the exploration of the French Valley.

Trekkers embark on a 12.5-mile (6-7 hour) journey, classified as "Demanding" in difficulty. The route takes them through Francés Glacier, providing stunning views of the imposing massif.

Along the way, hikers may spot diverse wildlife, including guanacos, condors, and the elusive puma.

The final destination, Paine Grande Camp, offers a chance to reflect on the remarkable accomplishment of completing the full O Circuit through this magnificent Patagonian landscape.

Inclusions and Accommodation

The 7-day Torres del Paine O Circuit trek includes 7 days and 6 nights of camping accommodation, with a pitched tent, sleeping bag, and mat provided at each campsite along the route.

The package also includes:

1. Catamaran ticket and transport from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine and back.
2. Torres del Paine park entrance ticket.
3. Optional ice hike and kayak Grey Glacier activities.

Travelers are also provided with travel and accident insurance, as well as regular transport connections to make the journey more seamless.

This all-inclusive package ensures that hikers can focus on exploring the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine without worrying about the logistics.

Important Requirements

Participants’ first meeting point for the 7-day Torres del Paine O Circuit trek is at 7:00 AM on Day 1 at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, individuals with mobility or health issues, people over 80, or those with recent surgeries.

Participants must bring their passport, comfortable and warm clothing, hiking gear like shoes and windbreaker, rain gear, personal items like snacks and medication, and camping essentials.

Pets, smoking, drones, alcohol, drugs, fishing, fireworks, and making noise are prohibited.

Safety guidelines must be followed, and participants should respect park regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Medical Conditions May Prevent Participation in This Trek?

Individuals with mobility issues, recent surgeries, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions like heart problems may not be able to safely participate in this challenging multi-day trekking tour. Their health and well-being could be at risk on this demanding hike.

Can I Bring My Own Camping Gear Instead of Renting It?

Participants can bring their own camping gear instead of renting it. However, the provided gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, and mats, are included in the tour package price and may be more convenient for the multi-day trek.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Accommodation During the Trek?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to upgrade the accommodation during the trek. The package includes camping gear and accommodations, and there’s no opportunity to switch to alternative lodging like hotels or hostels along the way.

Can I Extend My Stay in Torres Del Paine After the Trek?

Yes, it’s possible to extend one’s stay in Torres del Paine after the 7-day trek. Travelers can arrange additional nights’ accommodation and activities through the tour operator or independently in the local area.

How Experienced Do I Need to Be for This Challenging O Circuit Hike?

This challenging O Circuit hike requires experienced hikers with excellent physical fitness and endurance. Participants should have prior experience with multi-day backpacking trips and be comfortable navigating demanding terrain, steep inclines, and variable weather conditions.

The Sum Up

The Torres del Paine O Circuit offers an unforgettable 7-day camping adventure through Chile’s stunning national park. Participants can expect breathtaking hikes, majestic glaciers, and unique wildlife encounters, all while adhering to safety guidelines and park regulations. With its diverse landscapes and iconic viewpoints, this self-guided trek provides an exhilarating and immersive experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check if your dates are available here: