November in frozen Canada makes me start dreaming of another hiking trip to Patagonia.
Best hike?
One of the best for sure is the Paine Circuit in Chile.
Some call it the “O” trek as contrasted with the shorter “W” trail.
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Table of Contents
When to Go
The best — and only — time to complete the O Circuit is in the Chilean summer, from late November to mid-March. …
The O Trek is a 7-night route that covers roughly 80 miles with roughly 13,000 feet of elevation gain. …
Accommodations and Food
At every stop along the O Trek there are “refugios” — think mountain huts and small ski lodges with bathrooms and small markets attached. Each site has a base price for folks who plan to set up their own tent and cook their own meals. Enclosed cooking huts are provided.
From there, hikers can upgrade and rent pre-erected tents, domes, hostel beds, and more depending on each site. Sleeping bags can also be rented at refugio sites. …
Our total booking cost was $507 for two people and 7 nights of camping.
This cost did not include groceries and food, our park pass, or travel to, or accommodations in, Puerto Natales.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to camp.
Booking last minute is possible, but there may only be expensive lodging options (like a hostel bed) left. …
Guide to the ‘O Trek’ in Los Torres National Park
Grey PassCheck our Paine Circuit information page.
