Torres del Paine O Circuit
Full Hiking Guide, Map & Planning Tips
This year, I finally turned my long-time dream into reality—I hiked the legendary O Trek in Patagonia! This incredible adventure had been on my bucket list for over five years, and experiencing the beauty of Torres del Paine National Park was nothing short of breathtaking.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps of planning and booking the O Circuit, along with key tips and important details to consider before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime Patagonia hiking experience. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-time visitor to Chile’s Patagonia, this article will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey.
Best Time to Hike the O Trek in Patagonia & Essential Planning Tips:
The best time to hike the O Trek in Patagonia is from January to March, which is peak summer in South America. However, it's important to remember that Patagonia is known for its unpredictable weather and strong winds. Even when temperatures rise above 15°C (59°F), the powerful winds can make it feel much colder. That’s why packing the right gear is crucial—bring warm layers like fleece jackets, merino wool sweaters, and a high-quality windproof jacket to stay comfortable on the trail.
Planning & Booking Your O Trek Accommodation:
One of the most important aspects of preparing for the O Circuit in Torres del Paine is booking accommodations well in advance. Campsites and refugios in the national park have limited availability, and reservations tend to fill up quickly. For our March 2025 trek, we secured all our accommodations as early as May 2024, shortly after bookings opened. Typically, reservations for the O Trek open around May or June, so be sure to check availability and plan ahead.
You can find official booking platforms and reserve your spots directly online.
Book Your Torres del Paine Entry Permit in Advance
Before starting your O Trek adventure in Patagonia, you must purchase an entry permit for Torres del Paine National Park in advance. You can do this easily online through the official website. Booking ahead ensures a hassle-free check-in at the park entrance.
Getting to the O Trek from Puerto Natales
The gateway to Torres del Paine is Puerto Natales, a small town that serves as the main hub for trekkers. From here, direct buses to Torres del Paine National Park depart every morning from the main bus station. However, demand is high, and seats fill up quickly, so buying your bus ticket in advance is highly recommended. The journey takes approximately 2 hours to reach the park entrance - Laguna Amarga (Base Torres - Central).
Shuttle Transfer to the O Trek Starting Point
Once you arrive at the Torres del Paine entrance, you’ll need to transfer to a shuttle bus that takes you to the official starting point of the O Circuit. The shuttle fare is 4,500 Chilean pesos and can only be paid in cash on-site. The ride is short—just 10 minutes—but it’s an essential step before beginning your Patagonia hiking adventure.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps of planning and booking the O Circuit, along with key tips and important details to consider before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime Patagonia hiking experience. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-time visitor to Chile’s Patagonia, this article will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey.
Best Time to Hike the O Trek in Patagonia & Essential Planning Tips:
The best time to hike the O Trek in Patagonia is from January to March, which is peak summer in South America. However, it's important to remember that Patagonia is known for its unpredictable weather and strong winds. Even when temperatures rise above 15°C (59°F), the powerful winds can make it feel much colder. That’s why packing the right gear is crucial—bring warm layers like fleece jackets, merino wool sweaters, and a high-quality windproof jacket to stay comfortable on the trail.
Planning & Booking Your O Trek Accommodation:
One of the most important aspects of preparing for the O Circuit in Torres del Paine is booking accommodations well in advance. Campsites and refugios in the national park have limited availability, and reservations tend to fill up quickly. For our March 2025 trek, we secured all our accommodations as early as May 2024, shortly after bookings opened. Typically, reservations for the O Trek open around May or June, so be sure to check availability and plan ahead.
You can find official booking platforms and reserve your spots directly online.
Book Your Torres del Paine Entry Permit in Advance
Before starting your O Trek adventure in Patagonia, you must purchase an entry permit for Torres del Paine National Park in advance. You can do this easily online through the official website. Booking ahead ensures a hassle-free check-in at the park entrance.
Getting to the O Trek from Puerto Natales
The gateway to Torres del Paine is Puerto Natales, a small town that serves as the main hub for trekkers. From here, direct buses to Torres del Paine National Park depart every morning from the main bus station. However, demand is high, and seats fill up quickly, so buying your bus ticket in advance is highly recommended. The journey takes approximately 2 hours to reach the park entrance - Laguna Amarga (Base Torres - Central).
Shuttle Transfer to the O Trek Starting Point
Once you arrive at the Torres del Paine entrance, you’ll need to transfer to a shuttle bus that takes you to the official starting point of the O Circuit. The shuttle fare is 4,500 Chilean pesos and can only be paid in cash on-site. The ride is short—just 10 minutes—but it’s an essential step before beginning your Patagonia hiking adventure.
Payment Methods | While hiking you can pay for food, internet, and equipment rentals at campsites using either a credit/debit card or cash. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some Chilean pesos in case of any connectivity issues with card payments.
Internet & Communication | Cell phone service disappears as soon as you enter Torres del Paine National Park. If you need to stay connected, you can purchase internet access at each campsite. For the 2025 trekking season, the cost was 9,990 Chilean pesos per hour. Keep in mind that the connection can be slow and unreliable due to the park's remote location.
Renting Equipment | If you don’t want to carry extra gear, most campsites along the O Circuit offer sleeping bag, mat, and tent rentals for an additional fee. This is a great option if you prefer to travel light. You can also prepay for rental gear when booking your overnight stays online.
Internet & Communication | Cell phone service disappears as soon as you enter Torres del Paine National Park. If you need to stay connected, you can purchase internet access at each campsite. For the 2025 trekking season, the cost was 9,990 Chilean pesos per hour. Keep in mind that the connection can be slow and unreliable due to the park's remote location.
Renting Equipment | If you don’t want to carry extra gear, most campsites along the O Circuit offer sleeping bag, mat, and tent rentals for an additional fee. This is a great option if you prefer to travel light. You can also prepay for rental gear when booking your overnight stays online.
Hike in the Torres Del Paine Stage Breakdown and Overview
After all the calculations and working out the trails, our route looked like this.
After all the calculations and working out the trails, our route looked like this.
- Day 1: Puerto Natales - Serón
- Day 2: Serón - Dickson
- Day 3: Dickson - Los Perros
- Day 4: Los Perros - Grey
- Day 5: Grey - Paine Grande
- Day 6: Paine Grande - Mirador Britanico - Cuernos
- Day 7: Cuernos - Torres Central & Norte
- Day 8: Torres Central & Norte - Mirador Torres del Paine - bus to Puerto Natales
Day 1
Puerto Natales - Serón
We were lucky with the weather that day; it was warm, and at times even hot. However, the strong afternoon winds kept us on our toes. It was tricky to tell whether we were hot or cold, as the sun was intense, but the wind carried a cool chill.
By the end of the day, we reached Camp Serón, where we had pre-booked dinner and breakfast. The dinner was exceptional, featuring perfectly cooked salmon—I’d even say it was Michelin-worthy!
The campsite has a small canteen where you can order drinks, snacks, and internet access before dinner. For those bringing their own food and cooking gear, there is a shared camp kitchen available. The bathroom facilities include two showers and two toilets per gender, but unfortunately, one of the women's toilets became clogged early in the evening, leading to long waits for the remaining stall.
Accommodation Options at Camp Serón:
The campsite offers three types of accommodations:
One of the most magical moments came early the next morning—before breakfast, hares were hopping between the tents in the clearing, creating an unforgettable harmony between nature and the trekkers.
Puerto Natales - Serón
- elevation gain 318m
- elevation loss 318m
- 15km
We were lucky with the weather that day; it was warm, and at times even hot. However, the strong afternoon winds kept us on our toes. It was tricky to tell whether we were hot or cold, as the sun was intense, but the wind carried a cool chill.
By the end of the day, we reached Camp Serón, where we had pre-booked dinner and breakfast. The dinner was exceptional, featuring perfectly cooked salmon—I’d even say it was Michelin-worthy!
The campsite has a small canteen where you can order drinks, snacks, and internet access before dinner. For those bringing their own food and cooking gear, there is a shared camp kitchen available. The bathroom facilities include two showers and two toilets per gender, but unfortunately, one of the women's toilets became clogged early in the evening, leading to long waits for the remaining stall.
Accommodation Options at Camp Serón:
The campsite offers three types of accommodations:
- Premium tents – Elevated off the ground, accessed by a small ladder.
- Standard rental tents – Available directly at the campsite.
- Spots for personal tents – For those bringing their own gear.
One of the most magical moments came early the next morning—before breakfast, hares were hopping between the tents in the clearing, creating an unforgettable harmony between nature and the trekkers.
After leaving Serón there will be strong winds, so keep your windbreaker or rain jacket easily accessible.
It's also important to use the restroom before setting out, as there are limited toilet facilities along the route, and relieving yourself in the bushes is not allowed.
After leaving Serón there will be strong winds, so keep your windbreaker or rain jacket easily accessible.
It's also important to use the restroom before setting out, as there are limited toilet facilities along the route, and relieving yourself in the bushes is not allowed.
It's also important to use the restroom before setting out, as there are limited toilet facilities along the route, and relieving yourself in the bushes is not allowed.
Day 2
Serón - Dickson
At times, we wanted to pause for lunch, but the strong gusts made it difficult to find a secluded spot. That’s why warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and gloves are essential for staying comfortable in these harsh conditions.
Around halfway through the day, you’ll reach a checkpoint - Ranger Station, where all hikers must check in and register. This stop, located within a forested area, provides some much-needed shelter from the wind. There are also picnic tables for lunch and toilet facilities, offering a chance to rest and refuel before continuing the trek.
The second half of the route is flatter, allowing you to soak in the incredible scenery—majestic mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and glimpses of distant glaciers.
Dickson Camp is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Dickson, offering a peaceful and picturesque resting spot. Like most campsites in Torres del Paine, you can pre-order dinner, breakfast, and a lunchbox for the next day's trek.
The campsite offers three types of lodging:
This lakeside campsite is one of the most scenic along the O Trek, making it a memorable stop before continuing deeper into the wilderness.
Serón - Dickson
- elevation gain 524m
- elevation loss 457m
- 19km
At times, we wanted to pause for lunch, but the strong gusts made it difficult to find a secluded spot. That’s why warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and gloves are essential for staying comfortable in these harsh conditions.
Around halfway through the day, you’ll reach a checkpoint - Ranger Station, where all hikers must check in and register. This stop, located within a forested area, provides some much-needed shelter from the wind. There are also picnic tables for lunch and toilet facilities, offering a chance to rest and refuel before continuing the trek.
The second half of the route is flatter, allowing you to soak in the incredible scenery—majestic mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and glimpses of distant glaciers.
Dickson Camp is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Dickson, offering a peaceful and picturesque resting spot. Like most campsites in Torres del Paine, you can pre-order dinner, breakfast, and a lunchbox for the next day's trek.
The campsite offers three types of lodging:
- Shared dormitory rooms – The rooms are quite small, and the partitions don’t reach the ceiling, meaning you’ll hear everything—from chatty neighbors to snorers. However, the main building provides hot showers with unlimited water and clean toilets.
- Pre-set rental tents – Available to reserve in advance for those who prefer not to carry their own.
- Spots for personal tents – For those bringing personal tents.
- A camp kitchen for cooking your own meals.
- A small store selling snacks like chips, cookies, and basic toiletries.
- A bar where you can grab a drink or a snack before dinner and unwind after a long day of trekking.
This lakeside campsite is one of the most scenic along the O Trek, making it a memorable stop before continuing deeper into the wilderness.
Day 3
Dickson - Los Perros
Unlike other campsites, Los Perros offers only two accommodation options:
There is no meal service and no café, so you must bring all your food in advance, along with any necessary utensils and a way to heat your meals.
We bought a lunchbox at Dickson Camp, but to be honest, we barely ate it. It contained spaghetti with a questionable sauce, nuts, and an apple—the spaghetti was nearly inedible, so we ended up relying on our dry food supplies and instant noodles instead. Alternatively, you can bring a camping stove and cook your own meals at the camp.
Camp Facilities: Basic & Spartan
Cold showers only – There is a shower, but no hot water, and the overall conditions are extremely primitive.
Equipment rental available – You can rent a sleeping bag and mat if needed.
To be frank, Los Perros was the worst campsite of the trek—we were more than happy to leave it behind in the morning. If you're staying here, be prepared for minimal comforts and basic survival conditions.
Dickson - Los Perros
- elevation gain 525m
- elevation loss 211m
- 12km
Unlike other campsites, Los Perros offers only two accommodation options:
- Rent a tent on-site
- Bring your own tent
There is no meal service and no café, so you must bring all your food in advance, along with any necessary utensils and a way to heat your meals.
We bought a lunchbox at Dickson Camp, but to be honest, we barely ate it. It contained spaghetti with a questionable sauce, nuts, and an apple—the spaghetti was nearly inedible, so we ended up relying on our dry food supplies and instant noodles instead. Alternatively, you can bring a camping stove and cook your own meals at the camp.
Camp Facilities: Basic & Spartan
Cold showers only – There is a shower, but no hot water, and the overall conditions are extremely primitive.
Equipment rental available – You can rent a sleeping bag and mat if needed.
To be frank, Los Perros was the worst campsite of the trek—we were more than happy to leave it behind in the morning. If you're staying here, be prepared for minimal comforts and basic survival conditions.
The campsite is very windy, and the tent fabric flaps loudly throughout the night. Bringing earplugs would be a good idea for a better night's sleep.
When leaving the campsites or refugios along the O Trek, don’t forget to take your lunch box (picnic) and a thermos of hot tea. This will keep you energized and allow you to take breaks in stunning locations, enjoying your meal with breathtaking views of Patagonia’s mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
The campsite is very windy, and the tent fabric flaps loudly throughout the night. Bringing earplugs would be a good idea for a better night's sleep.
When leaving the campsites or refugios along the O Trek, don’t forget to take your lunch box (picnic) and a thermos of hot tea. This will keep you energized and allow you to take breaks in stunning locations, enjoying your meal with breathtaking views of Patagonia’s mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
When leaving the campsites or refugios along the O Trek, don’t forget to take your lunch box (picnic) and a thermos of hot tea. This will keep you energized and allow you to take breaks in stunning locations, enjoying your meal with breathtaking views of Patagonia’s mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
Day 4
Los Perros - Grey
What Makes This Day Difficult?
After conquering the climb, you’ll face a long and demanding descent toward Lake Grey. However, don’t forget to look up—this section of the trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the immense Grey Glacier.
Seeing such a massive expanse of ice up close for the first time was an unforgettable experience. If you listen carefully, you can even hear the glacier creaking as chunks of ice break off and crash into the water.
After the descent, you’ll cross several thrilling suspension bridges, each offering incredible vantage points of the glacier and the surrounding landscapes. Take your time to soak in the beauty—you won’t want to miss it.
After the rugged conditions at Los Perros, Grey Camp feels like a luxury retreat in comparison.
Accommodation Options at Grey Camp:
Facilities & Amenities:
We pre-booked dinner and breakfast, and after such a strenuous trek, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.
Pro tip: If possible, take a rest day at Grey Camp to catch your breath and go canoeing among the icebergs.
Los Perros - Grey
- elevation gain 1002m
- elevation loss 1487m
- 18km
What Makes This Day Difficult?
- A steep and intense climb – The ascent takes you through dense forest, rocky mountain terrain, and across a glacier, with powerful winds at the summit, combined with freezing air from the glacier.
- A long distance – The trek covers approximately 18 km, adding to the difficulty.
After conquering the climb, you’ll face a long and demanding descent toward Lake Grey. However, don’t forget to look up—this section of the trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the immense Grey Glacier.
Seeing such a massive expanse of ice up close for the first time was an unforgettable experience. If you listen carefully, you can even hear the glacier creaking as chunks of ice break off and crash into the water.
After the descent, you’ll cross several thrilling suspension bridges, each offering incredible vantage points of the glacier and the surrounding landscapes. Take your time to soak in the beauty—you won’t want to miss it.
After the rugged conditions at Los Perros, Grey Camp feels like a luxury retreat in comparison.
Accommodation Options at Grey Camp:
- Shared dormitory rooms
- Pre-set rental tents
- Designated spots for personal tents
Facilities & Amenities:
- Hot showers – A much-needed relief after a long, tough day.
- A small store – Stocked with snacks and essentials.
- A spacious dining hall – A great place to unwind and enjoy a warm meal.
We pre-booked dinner and breakfast, and after such a strenuous trek, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.
Pro tip: If possible, take a rest day at Grey Camp to catch your breath and go canoeing among the icebergs.
Day 5
Grey - Paine Grande
Today’s trek is fairly easy, following a gentle path along Lake Grey with no steep ascents or descents. To your right, you’ll have stunning views of the lake and the remnants of Grey Glacier. The second half of the trail is mostly flat and steady, making it the perfect time to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the walk.
Paine Grande Campground is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Pehoé, where the golden grasslands, turquoise waters, and towering mountains create a breathtaking landscape. This is truly one of the most picturesque places to spend the night on the O Trek.
Accommodation Options at Paine Grande:
We pre-booked dinner and breakfast, and the dinner was quite good, with a variety of options to choose from. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, adding to the warm atmosphere of the camp.
The downside? The showers were quite worn out—while the water was hot, the facilities could use some maintenance. It wasn’t exactly a place where you’d want to linger too long, but after a long day of hiking, it was still a welcome refresh.
Grey - Paine Grande
- elevation gain 399m
- elevation loss 432m
- 11km
Today’s trek is fairly easy, following a gentle path along Lake Grey with no steep ascents or descents. To your right, you’ll have stunning views of the lake and the remnants of Grey Glacier. The second half of the trail is mostly flat and steady, making it the perfect time to slow down, take in the scenery, and enjoy the walk.
Paine Grande Campground is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Pehoé, where the golden grasslands, turquoise waters, and towering mountains create a breathtaking landscape. This is truly one of the most picturesque places to spend the night on the O Trek.
Accommodation Options at Paine Grande:
- Shared dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds
- Pre-set rental tents
- Designated spots for personal tents
We pre-booked dinner and breakfast, and the dinner was quite good, with a variety of options to choose from. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, adding to the warm atmosphere of the camp.
The downside? The showers were quite worn out—while the water was hot, the facilities could use some maintenance. It wasn’t exactly a place where you’d want to linger too long, but after a long day of hiking, it was still a welcome refresh.
Don't forget to look around while hiking the O Trek—wildlife here thrives alongside humans. Throughout our journey, we were lucky enough to spot a fox, hares, thrushes, eagles, and geese—and even a puma just a few meters away!
Don't forget to look around while hiking the O Trek—wildlife here thrives alongside humans. Throughout our journey, we were lucky enough to spot a fox, hares, thrushes, eagles, and geese—and even a puma just a few meters away!
Day 6
Paine Grande - Mirador Britanico - Cuernos
Another incredibly beautiful day on the O Trek! You have several options for your route. You can hike directly from Paine Grande to your next campsite—in our case, it was Los Cuernos, though some trekkers choose to stop at Frances Camp, which is slightly closer.
Another option is to hike up to Mirador Francés or continue even higher to Mirador Británico. Both viewpoints offer stunning panoramic views of glaciers and mountains, with an elevation gain of about 500 meters to the higher viewpoint. Pro tip: You can leave your heavy backpack at the ranger checkpoint - C.Italiano, at the base of the ascent and hike up without extra weight, making the climb much more enjoyable.
If you're completing the full distance, make sure to carry enough water, tea, and snacks, as the hike is quite long.
At Los Cuernos Camp, you’ll find several accommodation options:
You can also pre-order dinner and breakfast, and the camp features a café serving lunch and a bar—a perfect way to unwind after a long day on the trail!
The camp also offers hot showers and clean, comfortable toilets. However, keep in mind that throughout all the camps on the O Trek, hot water is available only in the showers—the sinks provide cold mountain water.
Paine Grande - Mirador Britanico - Cuernos
- elevation gain 914m
- elevation loss 868m
- 23km
Another incredibly beautiful day on the O Trek! You have several options for your route. You can hike directly from Paine Grande to your next campsite—in our case, it was Los Cuernos, though some trekkers choose to stop at Frances Camp, which is slightly closer.
Another option is to hike up to Mirador Francés or continue even higher to Mirador Británico. Both viewpoints offer stunning panoramic views of glaciers and mountains, with an elevation gain of about 500 meters to the higher viewpoint. Pro tip: You can leave your heavy backpack at the ranger checkpoint - C.Italiano, at the base of the ascent and hike up without extra weight, making the climb much more enjoyable.
If you're completing the full distance, make sure to carry enough water, tea, and snacks, as the hike is quite long.
At Los Cuernos Camp, you’ll find several accommodation options:
- Premium tents on raised platforms with ladders
- Regular rental tents
- Tent sites for personal tents
- Shared dormitory rooms for 8–10 people. You'll definitely need earplugs here.
- There is also a premium option—private rooms for several people. However, I should note that the price and quality don't align, so my personal advice is not to spend money on them.
You can also pre-order dinner and breakfast, and the camp features a café serving lunch and a bar—a perfect way to unwind after a long day on the trail!
The camp also offers hot showers and clean, comfortable toilets. However, keep in mind that throughout all the camps on the O Trek, hot water is available only in the showers—the sinks provide cold mountain water.
You can also bring a small, lightweight rope for the group to use for drying clothes.
If you're bringing your own tent and sleeping bag, it's very important that they're both lightweight and warm. Patagonian winds are strong and can be bitterly cold, so if you don’t want to freeze at night, it’s best to bring a sleeping bag rated for a comfort temperature of 30°F (-1°C).
You can also bring a small, lightweight rope for the group to use for drying clothes.
If you're bringing your own tent and sleeping bag, it's very important that they're both lightweight and warm. Patagonian winds are strong and can be bitterly cold, so if you don’t want to freeze at night, it’s best to bring a sleeping bag rated for a comfort temperature of 30°F (-1°C).
If you're bringing your own tent and sleeping bag, it's very important that they're both lightweight and warm. Patagonian winds are strong and can be bitterly cold, so if you don’t want to freeze at night, it’s best to bring a sleeping bag rated for a comfort temperature of 30°F (-1°C).
Day 7
Cuernos - Torres Central & Norte
The final stage of the backpacking trip.
This day is relatively easy—no major elevation changes or difficult climbs. The trail is smooth and peaceful, giving you one last chance to soak in the stunning Patagonian scenery. The only challenge was the strong gusts of wind along this section, which made it tricky to find a picnic spot that offered both a great view and shelter from the wind. We eventually found one after some searching!
For our final night, we stayed at Hostel Central, which is conveniently located near the bus stop—perfect for heading back to Puerto Natales the following morning.
We booked a shared room with 8 bunk beds, and I have to say, compared to many other refugios, this one really stood out—not just for its pretty facade but for its comfortable, clean, and spacious accommodations. The rooms were large, the beds comfy, the toilets clean, and the dining area was spacious and welcoming. We also enjoyed a delicious dinner here!
Since we planned to do the night hike up to the Mirador Torres del Paine, we pre-ordered a lunch pack instead of breakfast, which turned out to be the perfect option.
Fun fact: It was right next to this campsite that we had an unforgettable moment—we saw a puma, casually strolling by, completely unbothered and majestic as ever.
Cuernos - Torres Central & Norte
- elevation gain 498m
- elevation loss 431m
- 13km
The final stage of the backpacking trip.
This day is relatively easy—no major elevation changes or difficult climbs. The trail is smooth and peaceful, giving you one last chance to soak in the stunning Patagonian scenery. The only challenge was the strong gusts of wind along this section, which made it tricky to find a picnic spot that offered both a great view and shelter from the wind. We eventually found one after some searching!
For our final night, we stayed at Hostel Central, which is conveniently located near the bus stop—perfect for heading back to Puerto Natales the following morning.
We booked a shared room with 8 bunk beds, and I have to say, compared to many other refugios, this one really stood out—not just for its pretty facade but for its comfortable, clean, and spacious accommodations. The rooms were large, the beds comfy, the toilets clean, and the dining area was spacious and welcoming. We also enjoyed a delicious dinner here!
Since we planned to do the night hike up to the Mirador Torres del Paine, we pre-ordered a lunch pack instead of breakfast, which turned out to be the perfect option.
Fun fact: It was right next to this campsite that we had an unforgettable moment—we saw a puma, casually strolling by, completely unbothered and majestic as ever.
Day 8
Torres Central & Norte - Mirador Torres del Paine - bus to Puerto Natales
Today we did a night trek to the Mirador Torres del Paine.
The best way to experience this iconic viewpoint is to reach the top by sunrise, when the peaks are bathed in a warm orange glow—an absolutely unforgettable sight. But to make that happen, you need to start hiking around 2 a.m. Of course, the timing depends on your pace and fitness level. We walked at a pretty fast pace.
Headlamps are essential—don’t forget them!
We packed our main backpacks and left them in the hostel's storage room, taking only small daypacks with snacks and hot tea. Since you’ll be hiking in the dark, be prepared for cold, damp conditions. In our case, we even had a bit of rain. So make sure to bring warm, waterproof clothing, including a hat and gloves. It's better to take off layers later than to freeze early on.
About halfway to the top, you’ll pass Chileno Camp. Just before it, you’ll go through an exposed windy pass where we were hit with a brutal blast of cold air. But once you reach Chileno, you can stop inside to warm up, sip your tea, grab a snack, and use the toilet.
The main part of the ascent winds through forest, but the final stretch is over a rocky scree (kurum). Be extra careful here—the stones can be slippery from a nearby stream. Good footwear is a must.
As the sun rises, the trail rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks slowly lighting up in soft golden hues. It’s truly magical. I can’t recommend this route enough—getting to the lake for sunrise is an unforgettable highlight of the O Trek.
Pro tip: Hiking at night means you'll avoid the crowds. When we started our descent around 8–9 a.m., we passed a steady stream of people heading up. Starting early gave us the rare chance to enjoy the lake almost in solitude.
Torres Central & Norte - Mirador Torres del Paine - bus to Puerto Natales
- elevation gain 965m
- elevation loss 240m
- 20km
Today we did a night trek to the Mirador Torres del Paine.
The best way to experience this iconic viewpoint is to reach the top by sunrise, when the peaks are bathed in a warm orange glow—an absolutely unforgettable sight. But to make that happen, you need to start hiking around 2 a.m. Of course, the timing depends on your pace and fitness level. We walked at a pretty fast pace.
Headlamps are essential—don’t forget them!
We packed our main backpacks and left them in the hostel's storage room, taking only small daypacks with snacks and hot tea. Since you’ll be hiking in the dark, be prepared for cold, damp conditions. In our case, we even had a bit of rain. So make sure to bring warm, waterproof clothing, including a hat and gloves. It's better to take off layers later than to freeze early on.
About halfway to the top, you’ll pass Chileno Camp. Just before it, you’ll go through an exposed windy pass where we were hit with a brutal blast of cold air. But once you reach Chileno, you can stop inside to warm up, sip your tea, grab a snack, and use the toilet.
The main part of the ascent winds through forest, but the final stretch is over a rocky scree (kurum). Be extra careful here—the stones can be slippery from a nearby stream. Good footwear is a must.
As the sun rises, the trail rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks slowly lighting up in soft golden hues. It’s truly magical. I can’t recommend this route enough—getting to the lake for sunrise is an unforgettable highlight of the O Trek.
Pro tip: Hiking at night means you'll avoid the crowds. When we started our descent around 8–9 a.m., we passed a steady stream of people heading up. Starting early gave us the rare chance to enjoy the lake almost in solitude.
Start planning your trip!
- Accommodation. From cosy guesthouses in the mountains to lavish hotels, there’s plenty of accommodation options to suit every style of traveller and budget. Check accommodation rates here!
Feel free to contact me
