Choosing Your Torres del Paine Adventure
How to Decide Between the “W” and the “O”
“O” Trek = 70+ miles (110km)
“W” Trek = 50 miles (80km)
The “W” Trek and the “O” Circuit are the two most famous hikes in Patagonia. They are located in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile (which has been called Patagonia’s Crown Jewel). Both treks offer an exceptional wilderness experience and incredible scenery. The “W” includes the front side of the trail from Camping Grey to the Base Las Torres Lookout and, true to it’s name, resembles a W. The “O” Trek or “O” Circuit includes and expands on the “W” by adding on the trails around the North side of the Cordillera Paine, and looks like - you guessed it - an O.
So the question you’ll need to ask yourself is which trek is right for you. The “O” Trek is an experience like no other. It was one of the coolest circuits I’ve ever completed, and something I will be doing again in the future. However, it’s not for the faint of heart. Paso John Gardner is no joke, and while there was no technical climbing involved, we ran into lots of deep, fresh snow which added a slightly sketchy twist to an already grueling ascent. And although we never had to use these skills (thank goodness) the fact that we know how to self arrest a fall, use a trekking pole to splint a broken leg, or recover a casualty in a two-man team made use feel a lot better when navigating some of the more dangerous parts of the trail. The “O” Trek also requires lots of long distance days, while the “W” breaks the trail into much smaller chunks. To help you decide which of these fabulous adventures is right for you, I’ve broken down trekking abilities into 3 sections: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Read each description and identify where you think you fall on the scale. Be honest with yourself; only you know exactly what your skills and abilities are, and only you can fully understand your limitations (or lack thereof):
Beginner: You are just starting to appreciate the world of backpacking and distance hiking. You’ve completed plenty of local day hikes, and have camped for a couple nights in one location. You know how to pitch a tent, but it might take you a couple tries to get it exactly right. You have never carried a backpack full of essential gear for more than one day. You have never had to carry all of your food/nutrition with you before, and planning trail meals is foreign to you. You are passionate about mother nature and the outdoors, but have not made the investment into all the gear required. You may or may not have traveled internationally.
Assessment: depending on your level of grit and tenacity, you may be able to complete the “O” Circuit, but I would recommend you choose the “W.” The scenery and experience on both sides of the Cordillera Paine is phenomenal, so don’t feel like you’re missing out. The “W” will give you a chance to get your feet wet in the world of backpacking without having to commit to distances and challenges that might be a little above your experience level. Furthermore, if you have never traveled internationally, finding your way around town and shopping for provisions could prove a difficult task that could cause added stress to your trip and take some of the fun out of the adventure.
Intermediate: You are a seasoned day hiker, camper, and have completed a few shorter thru-hikes or circuit trails. You’re no stranger to pitching a tent or cooking your meals outdoors. You’ve got a nice cache of backpacking gear and you understand navigation and how to read a map. You’re got a major passion and interest for the outdoors, the mountains and the wilderness. You’ve traveled internationally, but may not have done any hiking or backpacking on those trips.
Assessment: The “W” Trek would be about what you are used to and would be very comparable to what you have done before. It would be an enjoyable and fairly carefree experience that you would remember for a lifetime. However, if you are looking for a challenge and would like to step up your backpacking game, try the “O.” It definitely won’t be a walk in the park for you (please excuse the pun…), but it will be achievable. Read lots and lots of blogs, articles, and CONAF information so you can be a prepared as possible, as this will be longer and harder days than what you’ve completed in the past.
Advanced: You’re bored reading my blog because you already know EVERYTHING in here. You’re an avid distance backpacker and thru-hiker. You have completed hundreds or thousands of miles on the trail and across multiple continents. You may have spent more nights sleeping in your tent than in your actual bed. When planning meals and provisioning for hikes, you calculate the cals/oz on every item before it goes in your pack. You’re no stranger to dealing with intense weather. You can read a map and compass better than you can read a book. You’ve been to dozens of countries and are possibly fluent in another language.
Assessment: The “O” Trek was made for you! The “O” will be just challenging enough to keep you engaged, but less difficult than other circuits you’ve completed in the past. You’ll have plenty of time each day to take in the amazing scenery and enjoy the every changing terrain. In your position, I wouldn’t even consider the “W” unless you will not have enough time to complete the “O.” This is nothing against the “W,” but it just won’t be enough to satisfy your insatiable thirst for outdoor adventure.
