At a Glance
Explore the very best of the world famous Torres del Paine O Trek and discover the magnificent Grey Glacier in the breath-taking Torres del Paine National Park.
Arrive in Puerto Natales for a pre-walking brief with expert guides. The following day stop off at the natural Monument Milodon Cave before beginning your adventure through Torres del Paine National Park. Take a catamaran across Lake Pehoe to your campsite and experience a half day hike to look out over Lake Gray and Glacier Grey among the Patagonian ice field. Over your 10 day journey enjoy hiking among the Valle del Frances, Lake Nördenskjold backdropped with impressive granite walls, Ascencio Valley, the Three Towers and Glacier Grey. Expect to walk through several amazing scenic landscapes from mountains, scrublands, magellan forests, icy fields, hanging ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Experienced and certified mountain guide
- Trekking poles if required
- Entrance, camping & park fees
- Camping/ cooking equipment: 4 Season tent, sleeping pad, stove, cooking utilities
- Sleeping bag hire
- All meals along the O Trek. Breakfast included at Puerto Natales hotel
- Transportation to/from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine National Park
- One nights 4 star pre-tour accommodation in Puerto Natales
- Private airport transfers from Puerto Natales. *Pickup and dropoff Punta Arenas, El Calafate or other areas is also available at additional cost
- 7 nights camping along the O Trek, group gear (tents, stove & cooking equipment, sleeping pad) provided
- Catamaran Navigation Grey III on Grey Lake at the end of the trek
- Porter service (can carry 15 kilos of weight) for 2 people to share
Itinerary
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Private transfer from Puerto Natales airport to accommodation. There is a walking brief at 5pm (Gear check and itinerary review). * The starting and finishing point of the tour is Puerto Natales. We can also arrange private pickup and drop off Punta Arenas, El Calafate or other areas. Additional charge applies. Please contact us to tailor your itinerary. |
Weskar Lodge
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Difficulty: Easy After breakfast your private transportation will take you to Torres del Paine National Park. On the way we stop at the spectacular Natural monument Milodon Cave. This location is the site of 3 natural caves where the remains of the very large Patagonian land sloth was found and has now been turned into a very important scientific and paleontological site, with a visitor center. The museum here shows how the caves were formed thousands of years ago, and why this place is so important for the history of the region. We walk for 45 min through the main cave while the guide explains all the details of the caves and the area. You then go for 1 hour driving to the southern entrance of the National park and make our way to Pudeto. Here we take a catamaran across Lake Pehoe to the Paine Grande Lodge/ Campsite - our first camp spot. With a beautiful view of the popular Cuernos mountains. In this area you can also experience some of the strongest wind in the park, blowing through the campsite. After having set up our tents we prepare ourselves for a half day hike up to the lookout of the Lake Grey and some previews of Glacier Grey and the southern Patagonian ice field. |
Paine Grande CampsiteLunch, Dinner |
Difficulty: Medium On this second day, we make our way to the beautiful Valle del Francés (French Valley). After 3 hours hiking to the Italian Campsite, we drop our big backpacks at the ranger station and we prepare our small daypacks to go up into the valley. The first section of the trail is steep and narrow. It takes one hour to arrive at the first viewpoint were you can enjoy the view of the hanging glacier coming down from the largest mountain in the park, the Paine Grande. From here it is another 1.5 hours hiking in the forest to get to the second viewpoint “Británico”. This forest hike is easier and very relaxing, getting to a boulder field and finally the last lookout. With good weather and enough time, we can enjoy the amazing 360° view of the valley and the surroundings. After the hike down, we pick up our backpacks again and finish the day with another 1.5-hour trek to our campground for the night at Campsite Francés. |
Francés CampsiteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Difficulty: Medium After breakfast, we start hiking one of the most beautiful trails from the national park. We will cross pebble beaches, cover steep inclines and descent and have wide open views overlooking the big Lake Nördenskjold. Everything back-dropped by the impressive granite walls of the “Cuernos” and the “Almirante Nieto” mountain. Having arrived at our campground “Las Torres”, you will find yourself at the bottom of the Base Torres trek. From here we will already be able to see two of the three towers. |
Central CampsiteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Difficulty: Medium/Hard Today, we spend the day hiking up into the Ascencio Valley, towards the famous Torres del Paine. Leaving the big backpacks at the campsite, small daypacks make the hike feel much easier than expected. We will go through all the different categories of vegetation: the Patagonian Steppe, the Pre- Andean scrublands, the Magellan forest and the Andean desert. All of this, to get to one of the most majestic lookouts of the national park. The three towers standing in front of a glacial lake, is the highlight of the “W” trail. It is a long and hard day of trekking, but it will definitely be one of your favorite days in the while trip. |
Central CampsiteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Difficulty: Medium Today we go into the backside of the mountain, what is known as the “Full circuit” trail. This area has a one-way trail, so there is less people around, giving the sensation of real wilderness. This day will bring us over forest hills, open grasslands and the view of the mountains that once were explored by the natives of the region. It is a 4-5 hour hike so there is enough time to go slow and enjoy the day. The next camping ground, “Campsite Serón” is in the complete openness of this enchanted valley, giving us the opportunity to see wildlife, especially birds. |
Seron CampsiteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Difficulty: Medium We leave camp in the morning, walking over small hills and streams. The hike to Campsite Dickson is a long day with a challenging uphill known as the “Paso del viento” (pass of the wind). The view on “Paso del Viento” is unforgettable and literally breathtaking. We can see the mountains that are shared with Argentina on the southern Patagonian icefield. From this mountain pass we descend into the wetlands, passing close to the River Paine until we arrive at Refugio/campsite Dickson. This is one of the most remote and beautiful camping areas in the National Park, with the view of lake Dickson, and the whole mountain range. |
Dickson CampsiteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Difficulty: Medium Today we hike through one of the oldest native forest of the national park. This forest is home of the Magellanic woodpecker - the largest woodpecker living in South America. Walking through this area of trees really gives a peaceful and relaxing example of Patagonian pristine nature. After 4 to 5 hours hiking, we find the view of Glacier Perros, one of the hanging glaciers in the mountain range Paine. We arrive at Camping los Perros, located in the middle of the forest, and next to the river. |
Los Perros CampsiteBreakfast, Lunch |
Difficulty: Hard This is the day of the famous John Garner Pass trek. A mountain pass next to the Southern Patagonian Ice field. Weather changes often in this area and the Patagonian winds can make this an unforgettable day. Together with the breathtaking views of the mountains and Glacier Grey, we also get views of the outskirt of the Southern Patagonian Ice field. This is one of the most spectacular views in the park. Once over the pass we head to “Campsite Paso”. After a break to recover some energy, we start the second part of our day trekking next to Glacier Grey. We cross three beautiful hanging bridges while passing view after view of the glacier beside us. It will take us a full 9 hours getting to “Camping Grey” for our last night in the park. |
Grey CampsiteBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Difficulty: Easy This is the day of the famous John Garner Pass trek. A mountain pass next to the Southern Patagonian Ice field. Weather changes often in this area and the Patagonian winds can make this an unforgettable day. Together with the breathtaking views of the mountains and Glacier Grey, we also get views of the outskirt of the Southern Patagonian Ice field. This is one of the most spectacular views in the park. Once over the pass we head to “Campsite Paso”. After a break to recover some energy, we start the second part of our day trekking next to Glacier Grey. We cross three beautiful hanging bridges while passing view after view of the glacier beside us. It will take us a full 9 hours getting to “Camping Grey” for our last night in the park. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Min. 2 people for a guaranteed departure. Max. 6 people per group. Daily departure is available on request only from October to April.
More Info
Puerto Natales
The starting and finishing point of the tour is Puerto Natales, Chile.
Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) is an airport serving Puerto Natales.
LATAM Airlines Chile is the only carrier to serve Puerto Natales and has scheduled the service to connect conveniently with international flights. LATAM operates flights between Santiago de Chile (SCL) and Puerto Natales (PNT).
LATAM Airlines Chile flight LA001 departs Santiago at 11:05, arriving in Puerto Natales at 14:25, with a journey time of 3 hours 20 minutes. The return flight (LA002) departs Puerto Natales at 15:00 and arriving in Santiago at 18:25, with a journey time of 3 hours 25 minutes (all times local).
In November, December and March, LATAM operates two weekly frequencies (on Tuesday and Saturday); and in January and February, it operates four flights per week (on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).
*Note: please refer to the airline websites for updated information to schedule your flight.
Connecting to Other Locations
Pickup and dropoff Punta Arenas, El Calafate or other areas is also available on request. Additional charge applies.
Punta Arenas: 3hrs Drive from Puerto Natales
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez International Airport (PUQ) is an airport serving the city of Punta Arenas. 9 routes from Punta Arenas International Airport (PUQ) connects to 9 different cities in 3 different countries:
1. Santiago International Airport, SCL, Santiago, Chile
2. Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport, PMC, Puerto Montt, Chile
3. Capitan Fuentes Martinez Airport, WPR, Porvenir, Chile
4. Concepcion Carriel Sur International Airport, CCP, Concepcion, Chile
5. Guardiamarina Zañartu Airport, WPU, Puerto Williams, Chile
6. Balmaceda Airport, BBA, Balmaceda, Chile
7. Mount Pleasant Airport, MPN, Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
8. Rio Gallegos International Airport, RGL, Rio Gallegos, Argentina
9. Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas International Airport, USH, Ushuaia, Argentina
El Calafate: 3.5hrs Drive from Puerto Natales
Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) is an airport serving the city of El Calafate. 6 different routes from El Calafate International Airport (FTE) connects to 5 different cities in 1 different countries:
1. Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Airport, AEP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas International Airport, USH, Ushuaia, Argentina
3. Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport, EZE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
4. San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, BRC, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
5. Trelew Almirante Marco Andres Zar Airport, REL, Trelew, Argentina
6. Cordoba International Airport, COR, Cordoba, Argentina
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Natales
Day 2: Approximately 13 km, 4-5 hours; Elevation gain: 370m; Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Approximately 21 km, 6-9 hours; Elevation gain: 680m - 950m; Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Day 4: Approximately 19 km, 6-7 hours; Elevation gain: 280m; Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Approximately 24 km, 8-9 hours; Elevation gain: 880m; Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Day 6: Approximately 12 km, 4-5 hours; Elevation gain: 380m; Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7: Approximately 19 km, 7-8 hours; Elevation gain: 300m; Difficulty: Moderate
Day 8: Approximately 11 km, 4-5 hours; Elevation gain: 180-680m; Difficulty: Moderate
Day 9: Approximately 9-10 hours; Difficulty: Hard
Day 10: Glacier Grey Cruise; Difficulty: Easy
The Patagonian Andes is very exposed to winds that circle the Antarctic landmass. In addition, the strong marine influence and the effect of the Southern Patagonia Icefield make the weather hard to predict. In spring or early summer, fine weather may deteriorate almost without warning, bringing rain and even snow. Even in summer (December to March), you should come prepared to find strong cold winds (up to 130 km/hr) and rainfall. The summer’s average temperature is 11ºC/52ºF (24ºC max, 2ºC min). However, just as quickly as the weather turns nasty, it can become lovely and sunny. So come prepared for all types of weather!
The best time to travel to Puerto Natales is between the months of October and April. These months are spring and summer for the southern hemisphere, averaging 16 hours of sunlight with a lesser chance of rain.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
