a popular backpacking trail forming a large O through TDP... one of my favorite loops i have ever backpacked. there are refugios to refuel, little kitchen areas, amazing people, and unforgettable views along the way. make sure to get your reservations made ahead of time!
katherinebeard
Torres del Paine National Park
arrive at the welcome center where you will check in and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
the first day starts with a 9.3 mile hike from the base area to your first camp! the refugio here sells snacks, pizzas, bottles of wine, and more. there is a small indoor area for cooking as well.
hike 11.2 miles to your next camp along lake dickson. it is a primitive campsite with a small indoor area for cooking and buying snacks.
this murky, blue lake is beautiful once the skies open up. the campsites are right along the beaches, so it is nice to go sit by the water. remember, you are not allowed to swim in TDP!
the shortest day on the trail yet at 7.3 miles! it leads you to a primitive campsite, the "least equipped" out of all of them. one of my favorites, as it is nestled into the trees.
you'll get your first glimpses of los perros as you head to this campsite.
there is a mandatory departure time of 7:00 a.m. from los perros. this may be the hardest and most beautiful day of the trek. go up and over john gardener pass before descending to your next campsite.
take your time hiking down, taking in the unreal views of glaciar grey from all angles.
after 9.3 miles, this refugio is a dream! the interiors of this refugio are amazing & so modern. there are campsites as well as hostel-style accommodations here.
admire the blue waters from above and don't forget to go over to the beachy area to enjoy the crashing waves and glacier views.
hike 6.8 miles from grey down to paine grande campsite. this is where the O trek links up with the more popular W trek... the campground is poppin! it'll feel like a city compared to the quieter sites along the backside.
something we did not do, but wished we had! kayak alongside towering glacial walls that you hiked along for miles on this excursion.
at paine grande, you will be staying at the shores of lago pehoé. the sunsets here are dreamy.
before arriving at the mirador británico, this is a great spot to stop for a sip and a snack!
Hike 6.4 miles up a steep gradient to this incredible lookout over all of the surrounding chilean mountains of TDP. truly special on a clear day!
definitely a trek, you'll pass by other refugios along the way, and 15.8 miles will get you down to cuernos. easily my favorite refugio, this quaint spot has a little bar and snack shop inside. tents are placed on stilts and platforms amongst the rolling hills and trees near the coast of the lake. truly so cozy!
on your way to the final campsite, you'll get amazing views of this lake.
walk along the shores and soak in the last views of torres as you hike down... 75 miles later!
7.6 miles from cuernos, this is your last campsite! this was definitely not my favorite, but there is a bathroom and picnic areas for cooking. it is not too far from the hotels at the base so you can stop in for snacks or a real bite there too if you have had enough of backpacking food. (you'll have to back track for the mirador las torres hike or you can opt to stay in chileno)
tack on an extra 13 miles at the end of an epic backpacking trip with a morning hike up to the "mirador las torres." this was easily one of my favorite hikes! pro tip: get up at sunrise to enjoy the towers' alpenglow!
on your way up you'll see this refugio where you can stop for a bite, break, or even stay in the night before! it'll make the hike up easier in the morning but the day before longer...