Treks

The O Circuit vs. The W Trek: Which to choose?

After deciding to trek in Torres del Paine your next step is to decide which trek to do, the W Trek or the O Circuit. This blog will explore the similarities and difference between the two treks so that you can choose which one is the best fit for your Patagonian adventure. Park Geography: Torres del Paine National Park spans over 180,000 hectares and lies 112 km north of the coastal city, Puerto Natales. The granite pillars, Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine), are found on the east side of the park while Glacier Grey and John Gardner Pass are found on the west side. Los Cuernos del Paine (The Horns of Paine) are to the south just above Lake Nordenskjöld.


Categories: Patagonia, Treks

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What to Pack? Trekking in Patagonia

What should I pack? Did I pack too little? Did I pack too much? These are questions that swim through our heads while preparing for any trek and here is what you need to have in mind for trekking in Torres del Paine. It’s important that while you are packing for your trip, you remember that you will be the one carrying your own backpack. A 35 – 40 liter rucksack should provide you with the right amount of space to carry what you will need for the W trek and 40 – 45 liter for the O Circuit. Be careful not to over-pack, because lugging around a heavy backpack could make your Patagonian adventure a lot less enjoyable.



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Physical Training for Trekking in Patagonia

While trekking in Torres del Paine is not particularly strenuous, we do suggest you take some time to prepare yourself physically so that you have an enjoyable trek. A little preparation goes a long way. For the Classic W Trek, you will trek about 5 to 8 hours a day. For the O Circuit, you can count on trekking anywhere between 4 to 10 hours a day. Fortunately, Torres del Paine provides low altitude treks so there is no need to worry about altitude sickness. The trails are relatively flat, but can be steep in some areas.



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Why it's Important to Book your Patagonia Trek in Advance

The Patagonia Region is one of the most sought after trekking destinations in the world. Nestled in a very remote location in the southern part of South America, more and more visitors are finding it easier to make the journey to see the “8th Wonder of the World”. As you can imagine, with over 250,000 visitors a year, the limited number of accommodations during the main summer trekking season fill up very fast. The park authorities are strict, and once the lodges and campsites are fully booked, they will not allow any additional trekkers to sleep inside of the national park. With this in mind, it’s important to know when to book and how far in advance you would need to plan your trip. .


Categories: Patagonia, Treks

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Patagonia: Guided vs. Self-Guided Treks

When trekking in Torres del Paine National Park you can choose to do both the O Circuit and the W Trek either with or without a guide. Unlike other famous trekking destinations, trekkers have the freedom to choose. When choosing between the guided and self-guided options we recommend thinking about what sort of experience you want to have on your trek.


Categories: Patagonia, Treks

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