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Two women hikers in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.

Self-Guided O Trek Hike in Torres del Paine, Chile

7 days | Challenging | 5.00
From $2,960 ()
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Welcome to the ultimate Patagonian playground! This self-guided, 7-day adventure takes you deep into Torres del Paine’s O Circuit, where each step reveals jaw-dropping vistas of glaciers, granite spires, and windswept plains. Whether you’re scaling the rugged John Gardner Pass or marveling at the turquoise lagoons of the French Valley, every moment is a testament to nature’s grandeur. The mix of challenging trails and serene landscapes invites you to embrace the wild and write your own epic chapter. With everything planned for seamless exploration, your only task is to soak in the beauty, feel the rhythm of the trails, and let Patagonia’s magic guide your way!

Adventure Highlights

  • Patagonian peaks: Discover trails flanked by jagged mountains, serene lakes, and lush valleys in Torres del Paine’s wild terrain
  • Into the French Valley: Hike into the heart of the park for views of hanging glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and cascading waterfalls
  • Foodie delights: Enjoy hearty meals that fuel your journey, from packed lunches on the trail to dinners surrounded by stunning landscapes
Duration
7 days
Season
November through March
Group size
Up to 6 people
Accommodation
Standard: Mountain refuges and campsites
Difficulty
Challenging: Excellent fitness required, 4-10 hours of hiking per day covering 5.6 to 14 miles (9 to 22.5 km)
What's included
Lodging, meals, camp and refuge equipment, tickets, select transportation, and briefing arranged

The adventure, day by day

Regardless of the version you choose, daily distances and the itinerary remains the same. The only thing that’s different is accommodation. If you choose this version, you’ll be staying at mountain refuges.

Journey deep into the wilds of Patagonia on a self-guided trek that winds through Torres del Paine’s legendary O Circuit. Each day brings a new marvel—crystal-clear rivers, massive glaciers, ancient forests, and the towering peaks of the Andes. Challenge yourself with rugged trails, including the thrilling climb to John Gardner Pass, and bask in the serenity of untouched landscapes. Designed for independent adventurers, this trip provides everything you need to navigate this world-class route with confidence and ease. Plus, all meals are included in the price. Discover a place where the power of nature takes center stage, and every moment feels like a triumph!

Day 0: Arrival and briefing

Welcome to the spectacular Patagonia! Make sure to reach Patagonia at least a day prior to your adventure as you’re heading out tomorrow early in the morning. You’ll go through a short briefing talk and all your last-minute questions about the tour will be answered!

Day 1: Start the hike
Base at the Torres del Paine

Have a hearty breakfast and head to the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal at 7 am. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early so you don’t miss the bus to Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy breathtaking scenery of Patagonia as you travel to Laguna Amarga’s main entrance where you will need to register with the park ranger, CONAF.

From there, Transporte Las Torres will take you to the welcome center and then it’s just a 5-minute walk to Estancia Cerro Paine where you’ll register and begin your trek. Follow the trail through Ascencio Valley and its lush forests, and once you ascend through a field of large rocks, you’ll reach the iconic Mirador Base Las Torres. It’s that world-famous view of three granite towers and a turquoise lake at their feet. Have your lunch there before returning to Torre Central Refuge for a warm dinner after a long day of hiking.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14 mi / 22.5 km, 8-10 hours
Accommodation: Central Refuge

Day 2: Hike to Serón Samp
View from a tent in Torres

Today is one of the easiest days on the O Circuit, but the views are just as incredible. The trail goes through a vibrant green forest and continues along a mellow slope that descends towards endless pastures. Continue hiking the relatively flat path towards the Serón campsite and enjoy the sound of crystal clear streams. After setting up the camp, get some rest and enjoy dinner at a small but cozy dining room of Serón.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 5.6 miles / 9 km, 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Camping Serón

Day 3: Hike to Dickson Refuge
Dickson lake in Patagonia

A long hike begins through undulating hills and humid swamps into the heart of the park. Snow-capped peaks, blue lakes, and vast expanses of grassland provide the perfect backdrop for exploring the north side of the park. Enjoy imposing views of the Dickson Glacier, Cerro Cubo, and other rugged peaks marking the border between Chile and Argentina. Once you reach the Dickson area, you can either relax at the refuge or take a walk along its rocky shoreline.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 11 miles / 18 km, 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Dickson Refuge

Day 4: Hike to Los Perros Camp
Torres del Paine landscape

Today you dive into the most remote area of the park. Feel the wind blowing through the bushes and listen to the sound of Magellanic woodpeckers. Bordering the Los Perros River, go up a large moraine where you’ll be left speechless when you see another picturesque mountain as a backdrop, the Los Perros Glacier, and its greenish-blue lagoon. Continue along a rocky path before reaching the Los Perros campsite, where you’ll spend the night. Get some rest, as there’s a long day ahead of you.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 5.6 miles / 9 km, 5 hours
Accommodation: Los Perros Camp

Day 5: Hike to Refuge Grey and John Gardner Pass
John Gardner Pass

This is one of the most demanding and most rewarding days of the O Circuit. Make your way through gnarled tree roots and large mud puddles under the green canopy of the trees. Leave the forest and begin ascending over loose rocks until reaching the highest point in the Paine Circuit, the famous John Gardner Pass at 1,200 m (4,000 ft) above sea level. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field will leave you impressed as well as its marvelous resplendent carpet. Descend by the side of a giant wall of ice and continue walking to Camping el Paso, crossing exciting suspension bridges before arriving at the Grey Shelter for a dinner and well deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8.7 miles / 14 km, 10-12 hours
Accommodation: Refuge Grey

Day 6: Hike to Paine Grande Camp
Grey Lake in Torres del Paine

Have a hearty breakfast at the lovely Grey Refuge before admiring the incredible landscapes of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the icebergs of Grey Lake some more. Ascend through a mountainous forest until reaching the (sometimes very) windy viewpoint of the Grey Glacier. Keep going until you reach the Laguna de Los Patos, where you’ll begin your descent through a narrow and windy valley that takes you directly to the Paine Grande Refuge.

There’s an optional Grey Glacier kayaking or ice hiking, you can add it to your adventure upon checkout.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 7 miles / 11 km, 4-4.5 hours
Accommodation: Paine Grande Refuge

Day 7: Exploration of the French Valley
French Valley in Torres del Paine

Depart early in the morning for a whole day of hiking towards the heart of Torres del Paine. Walk through arid ground along the shore of Lake Skottsberg. After several hours of walking, you’ll arrive at El Italiano campsite where the ascent towards the Valley begins. Climb through rocky terrain and follow the edge of treetops until reaching the Plató (French lookout).

You’ll be rewarded with landscapes of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and hanging glaciers that fall in the form of waterfalls on the east face of Paine Grande. You’ll hear the roar of falling ice and water, and it’s a point where avalanches can commonly be seen. After a quick stop, descend and start the return to the Paine Grande Refuge where you’ll take the Catamarán Hielos Patagónicos and return back to Puerto Natales.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 12.5 miles / 20 km, 6-7 hours

Important note

Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

Regardless of the version you choose, daily distances and the itinerary remains the same. The only thing that’s different is accommodation. If you choose this version, you’ll be staying at cozy campsites.

Journey deep into the wilds of Patagonia on a self-guided trek that winds through Torres del Paine’s legendary O Circuit. Each day brings a new marvel—crystal-clear rivers, massive glaciers, ancient forests, and the towering peaks of the Andes. Challenge yourself with rugged trails, including the thrilling climb to John Gardner Pass, and bask in the serenity of untouched landscapes. Designed for independent adventurers, this trip provides everything you need to navigate this world-class route with confidence and ease. Plus, all meals are included in the price. Discover a place where the power of nature takes center stage, and every moment feels like a triumph!

Day 0: Arrival and briefing

Welcome to the spectacular Patagonia! Make sure to reach Patagonia at least a day prior to your adventure as you’re heading out tomorrow early in the morning. You’ll go through a short briefing talk and all your last-minute questions about the tour will be answered!

Day 1: Start the hike
Base at the Torres del Paine

Have a hearty breakfast and head to the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal at 7 am. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early so you don’t miss the bus to Torres del Paine National Park. Enjoy breathtaking scenery of Patagonia as you travel to Laguna Amarga’s main entrance where you will need to register with the park ranger, CONAF.

From there, Transporte Las Torres will take you to the welcome center and then it’s just a 5-minute walk to Estancia Cerro Paine where you’ll register and begin your trek. Follow the trail through Ascencio Valley and its lush forests, and once you ascend through a field of large rocks, you’ll reach the iconic Mirador Base Las Torres. It’s that world-famous view of three granite towers and a turquoise lake at their feet. Have your lunch there before returning to Torre Central Refuge for a warm dinner after a long day of hiking.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14 mi / 22.5 km, 8-10 hours
Accommodation: Central Refuge

Day 2: Hike to Serón Samp
View from a tent in Torres

Today is one of the easiest days on the O Circuit, but the views are just as incredible. The trail goes through a vibrant green forest and continues along a mellow slope that descends towards endless pastures. Continue hiking the relatively flat path towards the Serón campsite and enjoy the sound of crystal clear streams. After setting up the camp, get some rest and enjoy dinner at a small but cozy dining room of Serón.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 5.6 miles / 9 km, 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Camping Serón

Day 3: Hike to Dickson Refuge
Dickson lake in Patagonia

A long hike begins through undulating hills and humid swamps into the heart of the park. Snow-capped peaks, blue lakes, and vast expanses of grassland provide the perfect backdrop for exploring the north side of the park. Enjoy imposing views of the Dickson Glacier, Cerro Cubo, and other rugged peaks marking the border between Chile and Argentina. Once you reach the Dickson area, you can either relax at the refuge or take a walk along its rocky shoreline.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 11 miles / 18 km, 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Camping Dickson

Day 4: Hike to Los Perros Camp
Torres del Paine landscape

Today you dive into the most remote area of the park. Feel the wind blowing through the bushes and listen to the sound of Magellanic woodpeckers. Bordering the Los Perros River, go up a large moraine where you’ll be left speechless when you see another picturesque mountain as a backdrop, the Los Perros Glacier, and its greenish-blue lagoon. Continue along a rocky path before reaching the Los Perros campsite, where you’ll spend the night. Get some rest, as there’s a long day ahead of you.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 5.6 miles / 9 km, 5 hours
Accommodation: Los Perros Camp

Day 5: Hike to Refuge Grey and John Gardner Pass
John Gardner Pass

This is one of the most demanding and most rewarding days of the O Circuit. Make your way through gnarled tree roots and large mud puddles under the green canopy of the trees. Leave the forest and begin ascending over loose rocks until reaching the highest point in the Paine Circuit, the famous John Gardner Pass at 1,200 m (4,000 ft) above sea level. The Southern Patagonian Ice Field will leave you impressed as well as its marvelous resplendent carpet. Descend by the side of a giant wall of ice and continue walking to Camping el Paso, crossing exciting suspension bridges before arriving at the campsite for a dinner and well deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8.7 miles / 14 km, 10-12 hours
Accommodation: Camping Grey

Day 6: Hike to Paine Grande Camp
Grey Lake in Torres del Paine

Have a hearty breakfast at the lovely Grey Refuge before admiring the incredible landscapes of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the icebergs of Grey Lake some more. Ascend through a mountainous forest until reaching the (sometimes very) windy viewpoint of the Grey Glacier. Keep going until you reach the Laguna de Los Patos, where you’ll begin your descent through a narrow and windy valley that takes you directly to the Paine Grande campsite.

There’s an optional Grey Glacier kayaking or ice hiking, you can add it to your adventure upon checkout.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 7 miles / 11 km, 4-4.5 hours
Accommodation: Paine Grande Camping

Day 7: Exploration of the French Valley
French Valley in Torres del Paine

Depart early in the morning for a whole day of hiking towards the heart of Torres del Paine. Walk through arid ground along the shore of Lake Skottsberg. After several hours of walking, you’ll arrive at El Italiano campsite where the ascent towards the Valley begins. Climb through rocky terrain and follow the edge of treetops until reaching the Plató (French lookout).

You’ll be rewarded with landscapes of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and hanging glaciers that fall in the form of waterfalls on the east face of Paine Grande. You’ll hear the roar of falling ice and water, and it’s a point where avalanches can commonly be seen. After a quick stop, descend and start the return to the Paine Grande Refuge where you’ll take the Catamarán Hielos Patagónicos and return back to Puerto Natales.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 12.5 miles / 20 km, 6-7 hours

Important note

Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

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What others say about this adventure

5.00 (1 review)
S
S Bazentine

This trip exceeded my expectations! I did a solo 7-day O circuit trek and camped in the tents provided with a meal plan. The booking process was very easy, and I had exceptional customer service throughout. Matias reached out the day after I expressed interest in the trip and made personalized recommendations. I also met with Vertice staff the day before for a helpful briefing (and received an amazing swag bag), and Matias was available via WhatsApp should I have questions with fast response times (he also checked in with me before and during the trip which was appreciated given I was doing the trip alone). The trip itself was very organized, the food was delicious, and the accommodations were comfortable. The lunch bags provided were particularly good – lots of variety and provided enough food such that I really didn’t need to bring additional snacks. In the end, this was an amazing trip and I felt safe and well equipped for the journey. I would highly recommend this company and this trip

5.00(1 review)
S
S Bazentine

This trip exceeded my expectations! I did a solo 7-day O circuit trek and camped in the tents provided with a meal plan. The booking process was very easy, and I had exceptional customer service throughout. Matias reached out the day after I expressed interest in the trip and made personalized recommendations. I also met with Vertice staff the day before for a helpful briefing (and received an amazing swag bag), and Matias was available via WhatsApp should I have questions with fast response times (he also checked in with me before and during the trip which was appreciated given I was doing the trip alone). The trip itself was very organized, the food was delicious, and the accommodations were comfortable. The lunch bags provided were particularly good – lots of variety and provided enough food such that I really didn’t need to bring additional snacks. In the end, this was an amazing trip and I felt safe and well equipped for the journey. I would highly recommend this company and this trip

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 7-day O trek self-guided adventure in Torres del Paine
      • Round-trip transportation Puerto Natales — Torres del Paine
      • All meals, as in the itinerary
      • Accommodation
        • For the Camping version — 6 nights sleeping in tents
        • For the Camp & Refuge version — 4 nights in mountain refuges (6-8 people per room) and 2 nights sleeping in tents
      • Made-up bed, sleeping bag, and pillow in refuges
      • Tent (shared), sleeping bag, and mat in camps
      • Ticket for the catamaran
      • Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine
      • Briefing talk

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Kayaking on Lake Grey
      • Ice hike
      • Single occupancy tent
      • Porter for your luggage — contact us if interested

    Not included:

      • Transportation to and from the starting point
      • Accommodation in Puerto Natales prior to or after the tour
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  • In order to join this O trek self-guided adventure in Paine del Torres, you need to be in excellent shape. A great thing about this adventure is that there are no issues with altitude, but still keep in mind that you will be hiking for 7 days in a row, with some days being long and challenging—but the incredible views will make you forget about the difficulty! Daily distances range from 5.6 to 14 miles (9 to 22.5 km), with some days being very long and challenging.

    Some days are longer, while some days you’ll only hike for 4-5 hours. Still, this tour is more than just a leisurely stroll so make sure you’re in good enough shape to join it.

    For more hiking adventures in Patagonia, click here!

  • Over 7 spectacular days of hiking, you will cover 112 km (69.5 miles), with 4,151 m (13,618 ft) of elevation gain and 4,250 m (13,945 ft) . Below is a day-by-day overview.

    O Circuit elevation and distances

  • Yes! Two optional add-ons are available for this trip, both of which can be added at checkout:

      • Ice hiking on Grey Glacier — One of the most iconic ice masses in the Torres del Paine ice fields, the Grey Glacier is an overwhelming sight—and even more spectacular from the inside. You’ll cross to Nunatak Island by Zodiac boat and spend around 2.5 hours hiking through crevasses, rivers, ice lagoons, and tunnels in every shade of white and blue.
        • Included: English-speaking guide, ice axe, crampons, harness, and helmet, snack.
      • Kayaking on Grey Lake A half-day paddle through the serene waters of Grey Lake, drifting past icebergs calved from Grey Glacier beneath the misty Patagonian mountains—around 3 hours of deep silence and stunning scenery.
        • Included: kayaking equipment, jacket, wetsuit, boots, and pogies, English/Spanish-speaking guide, snack.
  • The weather in southern Patagonia is very changeable, and you can experience all four seasons in one day. It’s crucial to be prepared for any type of weather, especially strong winds and high solar radiation. The list below outlines the basic equipment necessary for a day of excursions in Torres del Paine National Park:

      • 40L backpack (with rain cover)
      • Small daypack for shorter trips
      • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
      • Water-resistant jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
      • Fleece or sweatshirt
      • First layer of merino wool or breathable material
      • Short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
      • Comfortable hiking boots (not brand new)
      • Cell phone (with camera)
      • Sandals (for bathing and resting)
      • Headlamp
      • Lock for your tent
      • Quick-drying towel (lightweight)
      • Cold-resistant hat and gloves
      • Sun hat
      • Sunscreen
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional, but recommended
      • Binoculars (for experienced users)
      • Reusable water bottle (1 liter is sufficient, clear bottles are recommended)
      • Ziploc bags (for waste disposal)
      • First aid kit (with bandages, adhesive bandages, and anti-inflammatory patches)

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided tour, we take care of…:

    Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

      • Round-trip transportation Puerto Natales — Torres del Paine
      • All meals, as in the itinerary
      • Accommodation
        • For the Camping version — 6 nights sleeping in tents
        • For the Camp & Refuge version — 4 nights in mountain refuges (6-8 people per room) and 2 nights sleeping in tents
      • Made-up bed, sleeping bag, and pillow in refuges
      • Tent (shared), sleeping bag, and mat in camps
      • Ticket for the catamaran
      • Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine
      • Briefing talk

    As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • Even a solo traveler can sign up for this adventure! The maximum group size is set at 6 participants.

    Hiking in Patagonia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Puerto Natales, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) serving Puerto Natales. Once you land there, you have a 10-minute drive to the city.

    Another option is to fly into Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), the airport serving the Punta Arenas area. Once you’re there, you have several options to reach Puerto Natales. You can take a bus which takes 3-4 hours, you can rent a car, or arrange a private transfer.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
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