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

Itinerary
O Trek Refuges
Guide(s)
Outdoor Index
Trip options
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Important note on dates & accommodations

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!

Several nights will be spent camping in tents, not in refuges. These are two-person tents. If you’re signing up solo or if your group has an odd number of people, adding a single supplement to your booking is mandatory.

This trip has no luggage transfers. If you’d like to hire a porter who will be carrying your luggage, let us know down below if you’re interested. The maximum weight per porter is 15 kg / 33 lbs.

On Day 6 of the tour, an optional half-day kayaking tour amidst spectacular glacial landscapes can be arranged. If you’d like to go, choose the kayaking tour here!

All meals are included in the price of this trip. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
57hours flexibility options
Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Self-Guided O Trek Hike in Torres del Paine, Chile
Itinerary
O Trek Refuges
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
7 day
Guide(s)
Outdoor Index
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • 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!

    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.

    • 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!

    • 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

      Base at the Torres del Paine

    • 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

      View from a tent in Torres

    • 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

      Dickson lake in Patagonia

    • 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

      Torres del Paine landscape

    • 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

      John Gardner Pass

    • 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

      Grey Lake 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

      French Valley in Torres del Paine

    • 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!

    • Included:

        • 7-day O trek self-guided adventure in Torres del Paine
        • Round-trip transportation Puerto Natales — Torres del Paine
        • Meals as per itinerary
        • Accommodation — 6 nights in mountain refuges (6-8 people per room) and/or camps (possible to rent a single tent at an additional cost)
        • Sleeping bag and pillow for refuges
        • Tent (shared), sleeping bag, and mat in each camp
        • Ticket for the catamaran
        • Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine
        • Briefing talk

      Add-ons

        • Porter for your luggage — optional, but can be hired
        • Kayak in front of the Grey Glacier — optional, can be added at checkout
        • Single supplement — can be added upon checkout

      Not included:

        • Transportation to and from the starting point
        • Travel and accident insurance
        • Accommodation in Puerto Natales prior to or after the tour

      *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).

    • 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

    • 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)

    • A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, be it maps, guidebooks, or digital apps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, and/or transportation.

    • Group sizes and pricing

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

      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 both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

      Redpoint tailors their 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.

      Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

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