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The O circuit in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park is an unimaginable climbing journey. The surroundings on the route is implausible: turquoise lakes, waterfalls, weird mountains, beautiful viewpoints, a large glacier, and numerous wildlife. The route takes hikers to the highlights in addition to to some off-the-beaten-track components of the park. Backpacking in Torres del Paine you get a chance to discover one of the lovely locations in South America. I might simply say that the O trek is certainly one of our favourite long-distance treks in Patagonia.
Desk of Contents
The O trek route overview
- Distance – 120 km/74 miles.
- Required variety of days – 7-8 days.
- Beginning and ending level – Central campsite (Laguna Amarga entrance).
- Highest level – John Gardner go – 1220m/4000ft.Â
- Permits – no particular permits are wanted.
- Superior campsite reserving is required for the circuit.Â
- Lodging – tenting, refugios, inns.Â
For those who don’t have sufficient time to do the O Circuit you possibly can stroll the W trek which takes 4-5 days or do a few day hikes in Torres del Paine.
Apart from Torres del Paine there are many different unimaginable Nationwide Parks to go to in Patagonia.
Reserving the O Circuit with a tour
You possibly can be part of an organized small group O circuit trek if you happen to don’t need to hike independently. The corporate will plan the route for you and organize lodging, meals, and transport.
Patagonia Full Circuit Trek – Torres del Paine Nationwide Park
What’s the O Circuit?
The O trek is a round climbing route across the Cordillera del Paine in Torres del Paine Nationwide Park in Chilean Patagonia. The route consists of the W trek and a distant route via the bottom of the park. The circuit connects the favored areas of Torres del Paine with the distant components of the park.
How tough is the O Circuit in Patagonia?
It’s a reasonably tough trekking route that goes via some distant areas of Torres del Paine Nationwide Park. Probably the most difficult a part of the O route is a 900-meters ascent to John Gardner Move. It’s not a high-altitude technical route just for skilled hikers however being in good bodily form and having earlier climbing expertise is advisable. On common, you stroll 6-8 hours a day with a backpack.
How lengthy is the O Circuit?
The full distance of the O Circuit in Torres del Paine is 120 km/70 miles. You want between 7 and 9 days to finish the route.
The place does the O trek begin?
The O circuit begins at Lodge Las Torres (Central campsite). The closest park entrance is Laguna Amarga. The circuit could be walked solely counterclockwise (from Central campsite to Serón to Dickson and so on.).
Are you able to do the O circuit with out a information?
Sure, you are able to do the O circuit in Torres del Paine independently with out a information.
Easy methods to purchase entrance tickets to Torres del Paine?
In keeping with the official web site it’s important to purchase your entrance tickets to Torres del Paine on-line. It was once totally different you could possibly pay the charge on the entrance. I’m unsure if it’s nonetheless doable for that reason I’d suggest reasonably reserving your tickets on-line. We’re planning to go to Torres del Paine once more this 12 months (2023) and can replace you on that.
Tickets needs to be booked at the least 24 hours earlier than your go to.
The doorway charge for the O Circuit (greater than 3 days within the park) is 49$US for adults, and kids below 12 years previous – free.
You possibly can present your tickets on the display of your cell phone or print them.
Torres del Paine Park guidelines
Within the 2023/24 climbing season, the O circuit is open from 1st November.Â
Hikers are allowed to camp solely at designated campsites. Wild tenting just isn’t allowed within the park.
Campsites on the route have to be booked beforehand.
Take a printed reserving affirmation, a passport, and a migration card with you on the trek.
Open fires are not allowed in Torres del Paine.
Utilizing a tenting range is barely allowed on the campsites.
Ingesting water could be discovered all through the park (rivers, creeks, streams), and it’s stated to be of good high quality. We didn’t use any filters or purification.Â
You possibly can get extra data on Torres del Paine at a every day free speak on the Erratic Rock hostel/gear store. The speak is normally at 3 pm.
For those who’re on the lookout for adventurous and off-the-beaten-track issues to do in Patagonia touring the Carretera Austral is perhaps simply what you want. The southern route via Chilean Patagonia provides many thrilling actions in probably the most lovely corners of the area.
For those who like climbing and wilderness you may get pleasure from exploring trekking routes in El Chalten, Argentina. There are a number of day hikes and multi-day routes that may be performed independently.
Journey insurance coverage for the O circuit
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Easy methods to e book the campsites on the O trek?
The campsites on the O-trek belong to 2 totally different firms. Vertice Patagonia paid campsites: Dickson, Los Perros, Gray, and Paine Grande. Las Torres Patagonia (Fantástico Sur) paid campsites: Central, Serrón, Francés, Los Cuernos, and Chileno. Vertice Patagonia campsites are considerably cheaper than the Las Torres Patagonia campsites.
There was once free campsites run by CONAF (the Nationwide Forest Company) however they have been closed down and by no means reopened. There is no such thing as a data in the event that they’ll be open once more. The CONAF workplace in Puerto Natales is on Manuel Baquedano st. 847. You possibly can inquire in regards to the campsites there. Even when the free campsites have been open it was very tough to make a reservation. For these causes, our prompt itinerary for the O Circuit consists of solely paid campsites.
There’s a new on-line reserving service (Reserving Patagonia) that you should utilize to e book all of the campsites. We haven’t used them but however plainly the costs of the campsites and different kinds of lodging are the identical as on the Vertice and Las Torres web sites. The service is beneficial on the official CONAF web site.
| Vertice Patagonia campsites | Las Torres Patagonia campsites |
| Dickson | Central |
| Los Perros | Serón |
| Gray | Francés |
| Paine Grande | Los Cuernos |
| Chileno |
The campsites in Torres del Paine could be booked on-line via Vertice Patagonia, and Las Torres Patagonia web sites. You must have your reserving affirmation printed or in your cell to point out on the park entrance.
All Vertice Patagonia campsites are open and could be booked via their web site. Necessary! For the O Circuit, it’s inconceivable to e book solely Dickson or solely Perros. These two campsites need to be booked collectively. Within the 2023/24 climbing season, Dickson and Los Perros on the Circuit are open from 1st November.
Las Torres Patagonia (Fantastico Sur) campsites are open and could be booked on-line. In keeping with their web site in 2023, Cuernos and Seron campsites will probably be open and obtainable for reserving from 1st November (the identical day because the O Circuit). Chileno is a highly regarded campsite as a result of it’s the closest to the Mirador Las Torres. I’d strongly suggest reserving it a few months upfront, particularly throughout the peak season. The remainder campsites (Central, Chileno, and Frances) open in September.
For extra data examine our put up on the campsites in Torres del Paine. There you’ll discover up to date data (2023/24 climbing season) on every campsite, a map of the campsites, reserving suggestions, and extra.
O Circuit Torres del Paine map
The O circuit in Torres del Paine – a 7-day itinerary
Day 1. Central Campsite – Serón campsite, 13 km/8 mi
Bus Puerto Natales – Laguna Amarga; bus Laguna Amarga – Central campsite (Lodge Las Torres), 3 hours. Central campsite – Serón campsite, 13 km/8 miles, 3 hours
Value: bus Puerto Natales – Laguna Amarga – CLP 12 000/US$14, entrance charge – US$49, bus Laguna Amarga – Lodge Las Torres – CLP 5000/US$6 (a method), tenting at Serón – US$70 (double occupancy), single occupancy – US$56.
Highlights
Challenges
- It might be a simple stroll if it wasn’t for heavy backpacks loaded with gear and meals for 7 days.
7.00-7.30 – catch a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine Nationwide Park.
9.30-9.45 – get off on the first cease Laguna Amarga; register, and pay the doorway charge, get a map. Tip! Attempt to be among the many first individuals on the workplace in any other case, you’ll wait in a queue for some time.
10.00 – catch a bus to Lodge Las Torres. Affirm departure time on the workplace.
10.15 – get off the bus at Lodge Las Torres, the place to begin of the O trek, and start the stroll in direction of the Serón campsite. Cease for lunch/snack at Las Torres or on the way in which.
13.30-14.00 – arrive at Serón campsite, pitch your tent, stroll round, and chill.
Day 2. Serón campsite – Dickson campsite, 18 km/11 mi
Serón – Guarderia Coiron – Dickson campsite, 18km/11 miles, 6 hours
Value: tenting at Dickson – US$11 per particular person.
Highlights
- Our associates noticed a puma within the morning only a few hundred meters from the campsite.
- Paine Lake
- Dickson Lake
Challenges
- Strolling via an open windy space between Serón and Coirón.
7.00 – stand up, make breakfast, and pack.
8.00 – begin strolling in direction of Dickson.
10.30 – arrive at GuarderÃa Coirón – 8,5km. Right here you present your allow (reserving) and register within the park e book. You possibly can have lunch right here – there are tables and benches.
11.00 – proceed the stroll to Dickson – 9,5km.
14.00 – arrive at Dickson campsite.
Day 3. Dickson campsite – Los Perros campsite, 12 km/7,4 mi
Dickson campsite – Los Perros campsite*, 12 km/7,4 miles, 4h30min.
*As I already defined within the paragraph in regards to the campsite in Torres del Paine it’s doable to e book solely 2 campsites collectively (Dickson and Los Perros). You possibly can’t e book solely Dickson or solely Los Perros.
For the 2023/24 season, there isn’t a data is the free Paso campsite will probably be open.
Value: tenting at Los Perros – US$10.
Highlights
- Los Perros lake and glacier
Challenges
- An ascent from the Dickson campsite.
8.00 – In the present day you possibly can take it straightforward it’s a brief strolling day. You possibly can stand up later and revel in breakfast, slowly pack, and begin strolling.
9.00-9.30 – begin strolling in direction of Los Perros campsite – 12km/7,4 miles, 4,5 hours. The ascent begins from Dickson and continues all the way in which to Los Perros. It’s not as steep and difficult as the following day’s ascent over the John Garner Move.
13.30-14.00 – arrive at Los Perros campsite. You may have loads of time to pitch your tent, make meals, benefit from the surroundings, and relaxation.
Day 4. Los Perros campsite – Gray campsite, 15 km/9,3 mi
Los Perros campsite – John Garner Move – Paso campsite – Gray Campsite, 15 km/9,3 miles, 8-9 hours
Value: tenting at Gray campsite – US$11 per particular person.
Highlights
- Views of the Gray Glacier from John Garner Move
- Gray Glacier
- Gray lake
- Suspension bridges
Challenges
- John Gardner go – a steep and lengthy ascent, about 900m
- A steep descent from Paso to Gray campsite
7.00 – stand up, have breakfast, and pack. It’s higher to begin early to reach on the Paso checkpoint earlier than 3 pm. Put together gloves and beany – it’s very windy on the highest of the go.
8.00 – begin the ascent from Los Perros to John Garner go – 900 m up.
10.30 – arrive on the high of John Garner Move. Spend a while having fun with the view over the Gray Glacier.
11.00 – begin descending to the Paso campsite.
13.00 – arrive on the Paso campsite. Relaxation, have snacks, and benefit from the views.
13.30 – proceed strolling in direction of the Gray campsite – 7 km/4,3 miles, 4 hours, a steep descent.
17.30 – arrive on the Gray campsite.
Day 5. Gray campsite – Francés campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 mi
Gray campsite – Paine Grande* – Italiano campsite – Frances campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 miles, 6,5 hours
*You possibly can prolong the prompt itinerary by at some point and keep at Paine Grande. This manner you’ll break up at some point in two; Gray – Paine Grande (11 km/6,8 mi) and Paine Grande – Francés (7,5 km/4,6 mi). It might sound pointless however if you wish to stroll to the Mirador Britanico it’s a greater choice. To stroll to the Britanico viewpoint and again to the Francés campsite takes between 5 and 6 hours, 13 km with a really steep ascent.
Value: tenting at Francés campsite – US$60 for double occupancy, US$51 for single occupancy.
Highlights
- Pehoé Lake
- Skotsberg lake
- French Valley
Challenges
- A number of ascents and descents on the way in which from Gray to the Paine Grande campsite
7.00 – stand up, make breakfast, and pack.
8.00 – begin strolling to the Paine Grande campsite – 11 km-6,8 mi, 3,5 hours.
11.30 – arrive on the Paine Grande campsite. Relaxation, have lunch/snack.
12.00 – proceed strolling towards the Italiano campsite, 5,5 km/3,4 mi, 2,5 hours.
14.30 – arrive on the Italiano campsite. Relaxation, proceed strolling in direction of the Francés campsite, 2 km/1,1 mi, 30 min.
15.00 – arrive on the Francés campsite.
Day 6. Francés campsite – Chileno campsite, 18,5 km/11,4 mi
Frances campsite – Los Cuernos – Chileno campsite*, 18,5 km/11,4 miles, 6 hours
The Chileno campsite is commonly totally booked months forward. If it isn’t obtainable to your dates you possibly can camp on the Central campsite, it’s about 14,5 km from the Francés.
Optionally available. Within the morning earlier than persevering with to the Chileno campsite you possibly can go as much as Mirador Francés and possibly to Mirador Britanico. Go away your backpacks on the campsite and take solely valuables. It’s fairly a stroll, about 12 km return all the way in which however you possibly can flip round at Mirador Francés which is about 6 km return. It’s a steep ascent to the perspective.
Value: tenting at Chileno – US$60 for double occupancy, US$51 for single occupancy.
Highlights
Challenges
- A number of ascents and descents on the way in which to the Chileno campsite
7.00 – stand up, have breakfast, pack
8.00 – begin strolling to Los Cuernos – 5km, 2 hours.
10.00 – arrive at Los Cuernos, there’s a store and restaurant right here, and you’ll cease for snacks and relaxation.
10.30 – begin strolling to Chileno campsite – 15km, 5,5 hours.
15.30 – arrive at Chileno, pitch a tent, stroll round, and relaxation. If you wish to see the dawn at Mirador Las Torres higher go to mattress very early you’ll need to stand up at 4.00-5.00 to stroll all the way in which up in time.
Necessary!!! Within the 2023/24 climbing season as a result of excessive threat of forest fires, you’re not allowed to make use of tenting stoves on the Chileno campsite. You should purchase ready-made meals on the campsite restaurant, carry one thing that doesn’t require cooking, or pre-cook your meals upfront on the earlier campsite. Some individuals reported that they’ve a particular space inside the place they permit utilizing tenting stoves.
Day 7. Chileno campsite – Mirador Las Torres -Central campsite, 14 km/8,6 mi
Chileno campsite – Mirador Las Torres – Chileno campsite – Central campsite, 14 km/8,6 miles, 5h30min. Bus/ stroll Central campsite – Laguna Amarga, 7 km, 2 hours. Bus Laguna Amarga – Puerto Natales, 2,5 hours
Value: bus Lodge Las Torres – Laguna Amarga – CLP 5000/US$6, bus Laguna Amarga – Puerto Natales – CLP 12 000/US$14.
Highlights
- Dawn at Las Torres – is unquestionably one of many essential highlights of the trek.
Challenges
- Very early stand up
- A protracted and steep ascent to Mirador Las Torres
- A protracted and steep descent to the Central campsite
4.00-5.00 (relying on the dawn time) – stand up, and begin going as much as the Mirador – 4km, 2h15min. Go away your stuff on the campsite, and take solely valuables and a digicam.
6.15-7.15 – arrive on the Mirador. Benefit from the dawn, stroll round, take images, and snack.
8.00 – begin descending again to Chileno – 4km, 1h30min.
9.30 – arrive at Chileno, pack your stuff, and begin happening to the Central campsite (Lodge Las Torres) – 5,5km, 1h30min.
11.00 – arrive at Lodge Las Torres, catch a bus to Laguna Amarga (verify the departure time on the lodge) or stroll – 7km, 2 hours.
14.00-14.30 – get on a bus from Laguna Amarga to Puerto Natales. Test the bus timetable on the park workplace.
16.30-17.00 – arrive in Puerto Natales.
The price of climbing the O Circuit in Torres del Paine
Transport. Bus Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine – CLP 24 000/US$28, return. Bus Lodge Las Torres – Laguna Amarga, return – CLP 10 000/US$12, return.
Entrance charge. US$49
Lodging. Tenting with your personal gear – US$128 (6 nights) per particular person for double occupancy. 3 nights at Vertice Patagonia campsites (3xUS$11); 3 nights at Las Torres campsites (2xUS$30 and 1xUS$35). For single occupancy add US$63 further, a single occupancy complement in Las Torres campsites is US$21 per evening.
For those who keep in fully-equipped tents or refugios you’ll pay between US$70 and US$120 per particular person per evening. Full-board (3 meals) keep is much more costly.
Meals. Make your personal meals – between US$8-10 per day per particular person. You may get a full board (breakfast, field lunch, and dinner) for US$100 at Las Torres campsites and for US$80 at Vetrice campsites. You should purchase separate meals or sandwiches and snacks at most campsites. Meals at Las Torres campsites are costlier than at Vertice Patagonia campsites.
Gear rental (non-compulsory) – hire tenting gear (tent, sleeping bag, cooking range, and so on.) in Puerto Natales will price you between CLP 13 000/US$16 and CLP 20 000/US$25 pp. per day, relying on what you hire. To hire a 2-man tent on the campsites prices US$40 per evening, a sleeping bag – US$25, and a tenting mat – US$11. A advantage of renting tenting gear on the campsites is that you just don’t carry it with you from place to position, which makes your backpack a lot lighter.Â
Whole: probably the most funds climbing choice for the O Circuit (tenting with your personal gear, cooking for your self) – US$300 (+US$30 for extras) per particular person for a 7-day trek.
Test right here the present conversion.
Easy methods to get to the O trek?
The O circuit begins at Lodge Las Torres (Laguna Amarga entrance), to get there from Puerto Natales;
Step 1. Take a bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine (Laguna Amarga). It takes about 2 hours. Value CLP 12 000/US$14 a method.
| Bus Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine | Bus 1 | Bus 2 |
| Leaves Puerto Natales bus station | 7 am | 12 pm |
| Arrives at Laguna Amarga | 9 am | 2 pm |
Step 2. Get off on the Laguna Amarga entrance.
Step 3. Take one other bus from Laguna Amarga to Lodge Las Torres (the place to begin of the O), the departure time is linked to buses from Puerto Natales. Value CLP 5000/US$6, a method, takes 10 min. As an choice, you possibly can stroll this stretch, about 7km, 2 hours.                     Â
Returning from Torres del Paine (Lodge Las Torres) to Puerto Natales
Step 1. Take a shuttle bus from Lodge Las Torres to Laguna Amarga – CLP 5000/US$6 or stroll this stretch. Test for departure time on the lodge reception.
Step 2. Take a bus from Laguna Amarga to Puerto Natales – CLP 12 000/US$14
| Bus Torres del Paine – Puerto Natales | Bus 1 | Bus 2 |
| Leaves Laguna Amarga | 3.00 pm | 8.15 pm |
| Arrives in Puerto Natales | 5.00 pm | 9.30 pm |
The most effective time for climbing the O circuit in Patagonia
The O Circuit within the 2023/24 season is open from 1st November to thirty first March. You may have a 5-month interval to determine when is one of the best time to go to Torres del Paine.
Patagonian summer season from December to February is the warmest time with most day temperatures averaging 20°C and evening temperatures between 9°C and 12°C. November, December, and January get numerous wind – the largest drawback for climbing and tenting in Patagonia. February is the least windy summer season month. It’s the identical with rain out of all summer season months February will get the least rainfall.
From the climate perspective, February is likely one of the greatest months for trekking in Torres del Paine. The primary downside of climbing in February – the parks are crowded, it’s one of many busiest months for the park with most guests coming right here. It means you will need to e book campsites lengthy upfront to ensure you get a spot on deliberate dates. If the campsites on the route are totally booked you are able to do one of many various multi-day treks in Patagonia e.g. Cerro Castillo Circuit or hike to O’Higgins Glacier if you wish to discover a extra off-the-beaten-path route.
Locations to remain in Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales might be one of the best place to be primarily based earlier than and after the trek. It’s the closest city to the park, vacationer infrastructure right here is kind of good – many inns and hostels, a few gear outlets, rental locations, eating places, tour firms, and one or two supermarkets. You may get there by bus or hitchhiking from totally different locations in Patagonia.
In Puerto Natales, you could find inns, hostels, campsites, eating places, supermarkets, gear rental locations, pharmacies, ATMs, and an data workplace.
Now we have an in depth put up on climbing and tenting gear for Patagonia the place you could find extra data.
Really useful books and guidebooks
Within the final couple of years rules in Torres del Paine modified loads if you happen to purchase a trekking information make certain it’s an up to date version.
For those who favor studying e-books don’t hesitate to affix Amazon Kindle Limitless to get entry to 1000’s of e-books and audiobooks. Even if you happen to don’t have a Kindle machine you possibly can learn or hearken to books in your telephone or pill utilizing a free app. The primary 30 days are free.
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The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack reasonably than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
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