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Overview

Patagonia - The "O" Trek
Torres de Paine, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile
Feb 5 - 14, 2027
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Travel Light
$6,100
Deposit: $1,200

About your trip

Join us for an unforgettable adventure to one of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth: Chilean Patagonia.

This trip is built around the O Trek, the full circuit of Torres del Paine National Park. The O Trek includes the iconic W Trek, but begins with three days in a quieter, lesser-traveled section of the park before joining the W route. Those early days take us deeper into remote valleys where the crowds disappear and the landscape feels especially raw, vast, and humbling—Patagonia at its most wild.

Over 8 days, we’ll hike roughly 80 miles through jaw-dropping scenery—winding past glaciers, crossing rivers and hanging bridges, and walking beneath dramatic peaks. Each day brings a new landscape, a new challenge, and that deep, earned kind of satisfaction you only get from moving through the mountains on foot.

We’ll be accompanied throughout the trek by two expert local guides who know this land intimately. They’ll not only keep us safe and supported, but also help us better understand the geography, wildlife, and history of this incredible place—adding depth and meaning to every mile we walk.

Our journey begins in Puerto Natales, a charming fishing town and the gateway to Torres del Paine. From there, we head into the park to begin our trek, fully immersed in nature for the days that follow.

Each night, we’ll sleep in pre-set tents with a sleeping bag and comfortable foam mat waiting for us—no tent setup required. All meals are provided, so there’s no cooking or food to carry. During the day, you’ll hike with just your essentials: clothes, water, and snacks. It’s a challenging trek, but one that’s thoughtfully supported so you can focus on the experience itself.

After days of effort, laughter, group stretching parties, and shared awe, we’ll celebrate our journey together before heading home—stronger, dirtier, and carrying memories (and friendships) that tend to stick around for life.

Activity level: High. We’ll be hiking on rocky, uneven terrain most days of this trip.

Age Requirement: Must be 21+

Who is this trip for?

  • Nature lovers who want to fully immerse themselves in a wild, remote landscape

  • Hikers comfortable with 10+ mile days on rocky, uneven terrain, with steady ups and downs while carrying a 15-20 lb daypack.

  • People willing to train ahead of time to prepare their bodies for the challenge

  • Those with prior hiking experience (strongly recommended, but you don’t need to be an expert)

  • Adventurers who value community and want to share a meaningful experience with a fun, supportive group of like-minded people

Airports & Arrival: Our trip begins and ends in Puerto Natales, Chile. The closest airport is Puerto Natales Airport (PNT), which has limited flight availability. Most travelers choose to fly into Punta Arenas (PUQ), which offers more frequent and often more affordable flights. From Punta Arenas, it’s an easy ~3-hour bus ride to Puerto Natales, with multiple departures available daily. Melanie will happily help you with travel logistics.

If you love big days, earned views, and the kind of adventure that stays with you long after you’re home—this one might be for you.

What's included

Accommodation

2 nights in Hotels in Puerto Natales, 7 nights camping with pre-set tents, mattress and sleeping bag included

Meals

All Meals starting with dinner on day 1, ending with breakfast on our final day.

Local Guides

We will be accompanied on our trek by two expert local guides

Travel Light Trip Leader

Melanie will be the trip leader

Airport Transfer

Transfer from the Puerto Natales airport or Puerto Natales bus station to our hotel is included for arrivals on February 5th and departures on February 14th or 15th.

What's not included

Airfare

Alcoholic Beverages

Snacks

Bus Ticket

If you fly into Punta Arenas you'll need to take a bus to Puerto Natales.

Tips

Tips for our local guides

Hiking Gear

Day 1 / Feb. 5

Day 1 / Feb. 5 image

Arrival in Puerto Natales

Welcome to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia! Nestled on the Ultima Esperanza Sound, this charming town invites you to explore breathtaking landscapes. With a blend of Patagonian hospitality and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Puerto Natales offers cozy cafes, boutique shops, and artisan markets.

As the main gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, the town provides essential services for seamless exploration. Discover cultural richness at the Municipal Historical Museum, indulge in local gastronomy, and witness stunning sunsets over the fjords.

Check into our hotel and rest up. Transfer together to our welcome dinner at the stunning Singular Hotel.


Meals provided: D

Day 2 / Feb. 6

Day 2 / Feb. 6 image

Welcome to Torres del Paine! Hike to Seron

Morning transfer ~2 hours from Puerto Natales to the national park.

The world renowned Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most spectacular protected areas in South America. Snow-capped mountains, cascading rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and mirrored lakes, in all respects Torres del Paine deserves its reputation.

This 2,240 sq. km. area, due to its importance, was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1978. And lately, in the Netflix series ‘Our Great National Parks’, narrated by Barack Obama, Torres del Paine National Park was described as the most important of a number of national parks that together creates one of the largest conservation areas in the world.

Depart Las Torres through the grassy foothills to the east where horses graze, and follow the winding trail along the Rio Paine. The Seron Campsite, located 4 hours from the central area, marks the beginning of the O Circuit.

Seron offers camping facilities with a dining area, bar, WiFi for purchase and bathroom facilities including showers with hot water.


Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

8 miles (13 kilometers)

Gain: 1000 ft.

4 hours hiking

Meals Provided: B, PL (Packed Lunch), Dinner

Day 3 / Feb. 7

Day 3 / Feb. 7 image

Hike to Dickson

Today we officially begin to feel how wild and remote the O Trek really is. Leaving Serón behind, we hike through open pampas and rolling terrain before gradually entering quieter valleys where the landscape feels bigger and more raw with every step.

As the day unfolds, the scenery shifts—wide grasslands give way to rivers, forests, and distant glacier views. This is a steady, satisfying hiking day that gives you time to find your rhythm, connect with the group, and fully settle into life on the trail.

We end the day at Dickson Camp, tucked near a glacier-fed lake with dramatic mountain backdrops—a peaceful, awe-inspiring place to rest, refuel, and soak in the fact that you’re deep inside Torres del Paine National Park, far from the outside world.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

11.5 miles (18.5 kilometers)

Gain: 1,600 ft.

5-6 hours hiking

Meals Included: B, PL, D

Day 4 / Feb. 8

Day 4 / Feb. 8 image

Hike to Los Perros

The trail from Dickson Lake to Los Perros campsite in Torres del Paine National Park offers a challenging yet rewarding trek through remote and scenic landscapes. The terrain is rugged and varies from rocky slopes to forested areas of southern beech (Nothofagus) trees.

Hikers on this trail are treated to spectacular views of glaciers, including the Glacier Los Perros, and the rugged beauty of Patagonian landscapes. The trail offers opportunities to witness diverse flora and fauna endemic to the region.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

8 miles (13 kilometers)

Gain: 1,600 ft.

4 to 6 hours hiking

Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 5 / Feb. 9

Day 5 / Feb. 9 image

Hike the John Gardner Pass

This section of the trek is characterized by rugged terrain, steep ascents and descents, and rocky paths. The trail ascends steadily towards John Gardner Pass, which is the highest point of the trek at around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level.

Hikers on this trail are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field. John Gardner Pass offers stunning vistas of surrounding peaks, including the iconic Paine Massif, glaciers, and possibly wildlife such as Andean condors soaring above.

After the pass we will cross a series of suspension bridges with jaw-dropping views. These are such a fun part of the adventure!

Completing the trek from Los Perros Campsite to Grey Campsite via John Gardner Pass typically takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on hiking pace, weather conditions, and stops for rest and sightseeing. We will start early in the day to allow ample time for the challenging ascent and descent, while also enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

11 miles (17 kilometers)

Gain: 3,000 ft.

8-10 hours hiking


Meals Included: B, PL, D

Day 6 / Feb. 10

Day 6 / Feb. 10 image

Hike to Paine Grande

The hike from Grey Sector to Paine Grande offers a diverse and captivating experience. The journey provides panoramic views of the iconic Paine Massif and the impressive Grey Glacier, with floating icebergs adorning Grey Lake.

A key point along the route is the Grey Glacier viewpoint, allowing hikers to marvel at the glacier's immense size and stunning blue hues.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

7 miles (11 kilometers)

Gain: 1,200 ft.

4-5 hours hiking


Meals Included: B, PL, D

Day 7 / Feb. 11

Day 7 / Feb. 11 image

Hike Through the French Valley to Cuernos

The journey begins at Paine Grande Campsite, situated on the shores of Lake Pehoé and offering spectacular views of the Paine Massif. From here, we embark on a memorable trek through some of Patagonia's most dramatic landscapes.

The first leg of the journey takes us from Paine Grande to Campamento Italiano, nestled in the French Valley. The trail winds alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé before veering into forested areas and open plains with occasional glimpses of the towering peaks ahead. Campamento Italiano serves as a welcome rest spot, where we will refuel, drop our backpacks, and prepare for the ascent into the French Valley.

Continuing into the heart of the French Valley with small daypacks, the trail ascends gradually amid towering granite peaks and hanging glaciers. Panoramic vistas of the Valle del Francés unfold, showcasing the raw beauty of Patagonia with each step. The valley is alive with the echoes of avalanches and the serene tranquility of its remote surroundings.

After soaking in the majesty of the French Valley and Britanico Lookout, the trail descends towards Cuernos Campsite, where the iconic Cuernos del dominate the skyline. The final stretch offers views of Lake Nordenskjöld and the rugged terrain that defines this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

14+ miles (22 kilometers) incl. Britanico Lookout

Gain: 3,000 ft.

10-11 hours hiking

Meals Included: B, PL, D

Day 8 / Feb. 12

Day 8 / Feb. 12 image

Hike to Chileno

Today we embark on a captivating journey from the Cuernos Sector, where the stunning vistas of the Cuernos del Paine create a dramatic backdrop. The trail meanders along the northern shores of Lake Nordenskjold, showcasing the lake’s striking turquoise waters as they reflect the surrounding peaks.

As we progress towards Chileno, the landscape transforms, revealing a rich tapestry of dense forests, open meadows, and rugged terrains. The path offers glimpses of unique flora and fauna native to this remarkable region.


Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation

10 miles (16 kilometers)

5 hours hiking

Meals Included: B, PL, D

Day 9 / Feb. 13

Day 9 / Feb. 13 image

The Towers at Sunrise

By this point in the trek we will be feeling strong and ready to confindently hike to the Towers, the most famous viewpoint of the trek.  We rise in the dark and use our headlamps to light our way. We arrive to the Towers as the sun starts to rise and enjoy one of the best views on the planet.  This will be a proud moment of celebration shared by all.

Return to the entrance of the national park and relax on the van ride back to Puerto Natales. Share your highs and lows of the trek with the group. Clean up and enjoy one last feast in Puerto Natales.

Approximate Hiking Distance + Elevation:

14 miles (16 kilometers)

Gain: 2,300 ft.

7 hours hiking

Meals Included: B, PL, D

Day 10 / Feb. 14

Day 10 / Feb. 14 image

Departure from Patagonia OR Optional Add-On

Enjoy one last breakfast with the gang.  Private transfer to airport or bus station.


Meals Included: B

Optional Add-On

Visit a traditional Patagonian ranch to see how people have lived in this region for centuries. Choose between horseback riding or hiking on the property.  Lamb BBQ lunch. See their working dogs and sheep shearing. Hotel in Puerto Natales included with this add-on.

Meals Included w/ add-on: B, L

Day 11 (add-on) Feb. 15

Day 11 (add-on) Feb. 15 image

Departure day if you chose the add-on

Departure day if you chose the add-on. Private transfer to PNT airport or Puerto Natales bus station.


Meals provided: B

Location

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1. Torres de Paine, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile

Torres de Paine, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile

About your organizer

TL
Travel Light
Travel Light is a community of dreamers. We are the ones who cannot settle for the ordinary; we want more out of life. We crave adventure and connection with like-minded souls. We want to experience all that the world has to offer and learn from each other. We value experiences over things and seek to expand our worldview by being immersed in other cultures. We live simple yet incredibly rich lives. We Travel Light.

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