Hiking the Torres del Paine O Trek in Patagonia

Things to know

• Covid measures in Torres del Paine

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Torres del Paine, please refer to the Chile Reports and Official Chilean Government (Spanish only) websites.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • A professional bilingual guide
  • All camping equipment (including sleeping bags)
  • Refugio or campsite reservations
    
  • Full meal service at refugios (meals purchased separately)

  What’s not included:

  • Hiking poles
  • Hiking boots or shoes
  • Meals and snacks
  • Bus transportation to and from Puerto Natales (approx. $24 per person for the round trip)
  • Catamaran transportation to Pudeto on the final day ($34 per person)
  • Hotel accommodations before and after the tour
  • International and domestic flight costs
  • Park entrance fees (to be paid in cash at the park entrance)

  Other than dinner on day 8, all meals for the duration of the trip can either be individually purchased in the refugios, or be included as part of your reservation on request.
  If you wish to include meals, private transport, or upgrade your accommodation, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• How fit do I need to be?

  In order to participate in this guided hiking tour of the Torres del Paine O trek, you need to be a trekker with hiking experience or a physically-fit adventurer willing to practice hiking on trails with occasionally demanding conditions. You’ll be hiking for 8 days, 3.5-11 hours per day, covering 6.8 miles-13.7 miles (11-22 km). You’ll hike across slippery roads and swampy terrain, and there will be steep climbs and descents, as well as some arduous ascending on rocky paths. Keep in mind that you’ll be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
    • Hiking poles — optional
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Spare clothes for layering
    • Waterproof rain jacket with hood
    • Warm jacket
    • Rain poncho
    • Rain pants
    • Waterproof trekking boots
    • Sandals
    • Synthetic t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
    • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, and socks
    • Fleeces
    • Scarf, beanie/toque, and gloves
    • Thermal clothing (especially for sleeping)
    • Hat or cap
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruit, muesli, etc.)
    • Medical kit
    • Small towel or sarong
    • Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
    • Sunglasses
    • Binoculars — optional
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • This trip can be arranged for up to 15 people. A minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to run.
    • Cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
    • If joining alone, you’ll be placed with peers that share a similar level of experience.

  Hiking the Torres del Paine O trek in Patagonia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Torres del Paine O trek, most people fly into Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago and then catch a flight to Puerto Natales, 1 hour away from Torres del Paine. The day before your adventure begins, you’ll arrive in Puerto Natales. You have to be at the Rodoviario de Puerto Natales (bus station) at 6.30 to take the bus leaving at 7:00 am to the Torres del Paine National Park.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you will meet your guide at a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

  At the end of your adventure, you’ll return to the Central Sector where you’ll take a bus at 7:00 pm that will take you back to Puerto Natales.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Your guiding service’s terms to confirm a trip reservation are to take a deposit up-front to secure the trip; a deposit can be between 20–50% of the trip value, depending on the complexity of the trip and the resources required.

  A deposit is due once a trip plan has been agreed in full by both parties, and the trip balance should be paid in full at least 5 weeks prior to trip departure to ensure all resources are secured & finalized for the trip before a pre-agreed departure date

  Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies:

  • • Trip Cancellation Fee: $50 (plus any trip resource costs already paid & any bank charges that are incurred for a refund) and then:
    • 69 – 50 days prior to arrival: 70% refund of total trip price (if paid in full, or else prorated for a deposit payment)
    • 49 – 31 days prior to arrival: 50% refund of total trip price
    • 30 – 8 days prior to arrival: 40% refund of total trip price
    • 7 – 0 days prior to arrival: 0% refund of total trip price

  NOTE: Refund percentages are based on 100% of the trip price. Please note that flight purchases are not included in the above table and the refund of any flights is subject to the cancellation/refunds policy of the individual airline, nor are any other non-refundable resources purchased as part of the trip. If circumstances beyond the control of the traveler prevents the traveler from participating in the tour, the tour’s normal cancellation terms shall still apply.

  You can get credit for future travel as a means of replanning your trip in the event of unforeseen circumstances (travel that is impacted by pandemias, travel bans etc.) that delays your arrival, requires postponement for a short period or will require entirely changing the dates of your trip for another year.