Heading to Chile for the W or O Circuit Trek? ¡Vamos! Get ready for an epic adventure in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on Earth. The ‘W Circuit’ and ‘O Circuit’ are two incredible hiking circuits that will take you through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet. Here’s what you need to know.
All images below are from our nemo’s Keira during her time living in South America.
This is the shorter route so it’s a great option if you’re a little more strapped for time! Some people do it in 4 days, but to make the most of the experience we would suggest a minimum of 5 days. You’ll hike in a W form between the valleys separating the incredible Paine Massif. See the park’s highlights, with jaw-dropping views of the iconic Base Torres, French Valley & Glacier Grey. You can hike from East to West, or West to East. Please note, if you wish to do the ‘W’ in winter it is subject to weather conditions and can only be done with a certified guide.
Now, if you’re up for the “O,” you’re in for the full Patagonian experience! It’s the extended version that loops around the Paine Massif and lets you revel in the wilderness for a bit longer. Prepare to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty and feel like a true explorer. Here you’ll be treated to spots where you can hike without spotting another person for hours, see campsites that aren’t accessible from any other part of the park (like the beautiful campsite Dickson), and experience the breathtaking John Garner pass. For this circuit, you must start anti-clockwise and first begin your journey from Hotel Las Torres, heading towards your first camp, Serón. For this circuit, we recommend 10 days. Please note this circuit is closed in the winter season.
Whichever circuit you choose, be ready to lose yourself in the wild, befriend interesting characters along the trail, and be in awe of glaciers, emerald lakes, and jagged peaks – here you truly do feel at the end of the world. Torres del Paine is a nature lover’s playground, and the “W” and “O” Circuits are your backstage passes to its wonders. Speak to one of our amazing travel experts to find out more detailed information about these circuits, or an alternative route to seeing the wonders that this park offers.
But before you embark on this journey, you’ll need to pack your bags with the essentials and a sprinkle of adventure spirit. Here’s your guide to packing for this unforgettable experience.
Essentials:
– Rucksack
– Camping gear: bring a good quality tent, sleeping bag, and mat for the nights. The weather can be unpredictable, so make sure your gear is suitable for cold and windy conditions. (you can also choose to rent tents and sleeping mats from each refugio as you make your way around – nice little advantage as you won’t have to carry this kit with you!)
– Pack lightweight and non-perishable food items. Cooking is usually done with portable stoves, as open fires are prohibited. Carry a sufficient amount of fuel for your stove. Along the ‘W route’ you can also opt for hot meals in the refugios.
– Comfortable hiking boots (if doing W trek, rocky areas so preferably ankle support)
– Patagonia is all about layers – 4 seasons in 1 day!
– 1x coat
– 1x fleece
– T-shirt (synthetic, avoid cotton)
– Quick-dry trekking trousers/leggings
– Base layers
– Buff
– Warm hat, also cap
– Socks, warm socks for colder days/evenings
– Gloves
– UV protection sunglasses
– Hiking poles (at least 1, trust me if it’s wet and you need to cross some streams this is very useful! Also a lifesaver for the knees when carrying such a heavy pack!)
Other:
– Sun cream (even if it’s cloudy, trust me, put on the suncream! The windburn is real here)
– Lip balm
– Reusable water bottle – no plastic!
– Take a bag for your rubbish – leave no trace!
– Head torch
– Flip flops/sandals for relaxing around the camp and for showers, let those hiking boots dry!
– First aid kit – remember in the national park there are no pharmacies. Camps will also have a basic first aid kit.
People usually fly to Punta Arenas, however now you can also get a flight straight to Puerto Natales. From there, you can take a bus or arrange a shuttle to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine – our amazing travel specialists can organise all of the internal travel arrangements for you.
More than 250,000 people visit Torres del Paine National Park every year, and as you can imagine a lot of those visitors want to do the famous circuits. Each year, the campsites get fully booked earlier than the year previous, and booking is not easy, the campsites are owned by 3 different companies – luckily for you, our travel experts work with local partners on the ground to get this all booked in for you.
Leave No Trace
Follow the principles of “Leave No Trace.” Take all your rubbish with you and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Trail Etiquette
Stay on designated trails to minimise environmental impact. Give way to uphill hikers and be respectful of the flora and fauna.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not feed animals and respect their natural behaviours.
Weather Considerations
Check the weather forecast before your trip and be prepared for sudden changes. Patagonian weather is unpredictable – layers are your best friend… as are decent waterproofs!
Guided Tours
If you’re not an experienced camper or hiker, consider joining a guided tour.
Camping not for you? Don’t worry – speak with our experts who can tell you how to experience the wonders of Patagonia but without the tent!
From dry desert landscapes to rugged peaks and untamed wilderness, this trip immerses you in Chile's diverse extremes. Spanning from the otherworldly Atacama Desert in the north to the pristine wilderness of Patagonia at the end of the earth, this is an adventurer's dream!
12 nights+
