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Another beautiful hike in Patagonia ❤️ by Vashti Warning
The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable, even in the summer. Be prepared for rain, wind, sleet, and snow, even on a day that starts sunny and beautiful. Pack appropriate layers. Overview This hike is part of the O trek in the Las Torres National Park in Chilean Patagonia. The O trek completes the bottom of the W trek into a circle. The total mileage for the W trek is 50 miles. The total mileage for the O trek is 68 miles. The Central Sector is a common starting place for the O Trek.
After a wonderful 4 days hiking the W Trek, we had one day left to hike before we caught the bus back to Puerto Natales. Starting from Refugio Central, we headed Northeast towards Seron, a serviced campground which is the typical end of day 1 for the O trek. Seron is 8.7 miles from Refugio Central. Our only goal on our last day in Las Torres del Paine National Park was to enjoy more of beautiful Patagonia, and this section of the trail did not disappoint! Around every bend were fantastic views of Las Torres, Lagos (Lakes) Nordenskjold and Sarmiento, and the valley beyond. We were also treated to a rainbow of wildflowers. ❤️?? The trail overall is rather flat. The initial ascent out of the Central Valley is gradual and follows a dirt road. After half a mile or so, the trail departs the road and heads off North into the wilderness. The terrain is easy, starting at first in the prairie and then heading up a bit and into a Lengua forest. The trail goes in and out of the forest. We stopped for lunch at a second water crossing. Such a beautiful area! We saw no one all morning, but while we stopped for lunch the group of O trekkers were dropped off to start their hike, and they headed down the trail. We went from complete solitude to seeing 60+ backpackers! ?? Some I think have never been backpacking before ever, as they were sporting backpacks like I had never seen. Some towered above their owners' heads by 2 feet or more. It was quite the spectacle! Everyone we met was friendly and in good spirits. I am glad we had solitude on the trail for the first half of the hike and through lunch. On our way back, we continued to see backpacker traffic for the next 2-3 miles. Despite this, it was a very enjoyable day hike! We stopped on our hike back to take lots of wildflower pictures. A very enjoyable day hike! :) Water Sources There are two large shallow creek crossings on the route posted. Either would be easy to get water at. Camping Camping is allowed at the beginning and true end of this hike (Seron), but only by reservation. In addition to camping, there is a Refugio and a hotel at Central, as well. Refugios are full-service Hostels with beds. Reservations must be secured in advance. There is a minimart, showers, and food available for purchase. At large camping is not allowed. Note that this hike as shown in the posted official route is only halfway through the first day of the O Trek. This hike is an out-and-back day hike from the Refugio Central. Note A ticket is required to enter Las Torres National Park. This trail is in the interior of the park, and a ticket is required upon entry Check out the Official Route and Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
