South America November 30, 2025

Conquering the O Circuit: A Solo Female Trail Runner's Journey Through Torres del Paine

The wind whipped around me, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Ahead, the granite spires of Torres del Paine pierced the swirling mist, a sight that both intimidated and fueled my spirit. This was it: the start of my solo trek around the famed "O Circuit," a roughly 130-kilometer loop through one of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. As a 32-year-old trail runner, I was ready to push my limits, connect with nature, and experience the raw beauty of Patagonia on my own terms. This journey wasn't just about miles and elevation; it was about discovering the strength and resilience I didn't know I possessed. Planning a solo backpacking trip in Patagonia is daunting but incredibly rewarding.

Day 1: Refugio Las Torres to Campamento Serón (13km, 150m Elevation Gain)

The first day was relatively gentle, a warm-up for what lay ahead. The trail wound through open grasslands, offering panoramic views of the Paine Massif. I settled into a comfortable rhythm, my Hoka Speedgoat 5 trail shoes eating up the miles. These shoes have really proven themselves to be perfect for the terrain. I was also getting used to the weight of my Salomon ADV Skin 12 hydration pack, which carried all my essentials. Campamento Serón was a welcome sight after a day of hiking. It was filled with anticipation as hikers prepared for the days ahead.

Day 2: Campamento Serón to Refugio Dickson (18km, 200m Elevation Gain)

This was where I began to incorporate some trail running, especially on the flatter sections between Campamento Serón and Refugio Dickson. The Patagonian steppe stretched out before me, vast and seemingly endless. Wildlife spotting in Torres del Paine is a highlight of any trip. Guanacos grazed peacefully in the distance, their silhouettes stark against the golden grass. I felt a surge of adrenaline as I picked up the pace, pushing my endurance and enjoying the freedom of movement. This is a must for trail running specific sections of the O Circuit.

Day 3: Refugio Dickson to Campamento Los Perros (12km, 400m Elevation Gain)

The landscape began to change as I approached Campamento Los Perros. The trail became steeper, winding through lush forests and alongside glacial rivers. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. I started to feel the strain on my legs, but the anticipation of the challenges ahead kept me going. The O Circuit trail running guide recommends using trekking poles, but I found my trail running experience was enough.

Day 4: Campamento Los Perros to Refugio Grey via Paso John Gardner (22km, 1200m Elevation Gain)

This was the day I had been both looking forward to and dreading: crossing Paso John Gardner, the highest point on the O Circuit. The ascent was relentless, a seemingly endless series of switchbacks that tested my physical and mental fortitude. Then, the snow started. At first, it was just a few flakes, but soon it turned into a full-blown snowstorm. Visibility dropped to near zero, and the wind howled like a banshee. I quickly donned my Arc'teryx Alpha SV jacket and insulated pants, thankful for my investment in high-quality gear. Torres del Paine weather survival tips include bringing layers, being prepared for all conditions. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 review Patagonia trekkers often highlight is the life saving text messaging function; I was lucky to have it.

A panoramic view of the Torres del Paine mountains shrouded in mist and snow.

I huddled behind a large boulder, deploying my emergency blanket for extra warmth. Panic threatened to set in, but I took a deep breath and reminded myself of my training and preparation. After what seemed like an eternity, the storm began to subside. The views from the pass were breathtaking, even through the lingering clouds. Descending towards Refugio Grey, I was rewarded with my first glimpse of Grey Glacier, a massive river of ice flowing into the lake below. I made it down safely and was so relieved.

Day 5: Refugio Grey to Campamento Paine Grande (11km, Minimal Elevation Gain)

This day offered a chance to recover and enjoy the stunning scenery around Grey Glacier. I opted for an ice trekking excursion, strapping on crampons and wielding an ice axe as I navigated the frozen landscape. What crampons are best for Grey Glacier ice trekking? It depends on the type of boots you have, but I was lucky to have a pair that worked well. The blue ice was mesmerizing, and the sound of the glacier calving into the lake was both awe-inspiring and humbling. In the evening, I joined a Patagonian asado (barbecue) with fellow hikers at Refugio Grey. The grilled lamb was incredibly flavorful, especially with the chimichurri sauce and a glass of Malbec wine. It was a joyous way to celebrate our shared adventure.

Lamb
Chorizo
Chimichurri Sauce
Malbec Wine

Day 6: Campamento Paine Grande to Campamento Británico (10km, 600m Elevation Gain)

From Paine Grande, I took a kayaking trip on Lake Pehoé. Lake Pehoé kayaking guide usually recommends going in the morning because the waters are calm. The strong winds and choppy waters made it a challenging but exhilarating experience. The turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé reflected the mountains, creating a postcard-perfect scene. In the afternoon, I hiked towards Campamento Británico, the gateway to the French Valley.

Day 7: Campamento Británico to Hotel Las Torres (11km, 200m Elevation Loss)

The final day of the O Circuit was bittersweet. The trail led me through the French Valley, offering stunning views of the granite towers of Torres del Paine. The descent towards Hotel Las Torres was gentle, allowing me to reflect on the incredible journey I had just completed. Reaching the finish line, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Solo female hiking Torres del Paine safety tips are essential to remember. I had pushed my limits, faced my fears, and emerged stronger and more confident than ever before.

Alex standing at the base of the Torres del Paine, smiling and covered in mud, with the iconic towers in the background.

The Puma Encounter

One early morning, while trail running a section of the trail near Refugio Grey, I had a heart-stopping encounter. The light was low, casting long shadows across the path, when I spotted it: a puma, its sleek body blending seamlessly with the surroundings. It was a safe distance away, but the adrenaline surged through me. The puma watched me for a moment, then gracefully disappeared into the brush. Dealing with puma encounters in Torres del Paine requires awareness and respect; keep your distance and don't make sudden movements.

Fueling the Adventure: High-Calorie, Lightweight Hiking Food

Energy Gels: Science in Sport (SiS) gels provided a quick and sustained energy boost during long days on the trail. Science in Sport gels review for trail running emphasize they are easy to digest.
Energy Bars: Clif Bars were my go-to snack, offering a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber to keep me feeling full and energized.
Dehydrated Meals: Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef was a satisfying and easy-to-prepare dinner after a long day of hiking. Best lightweight hiking food for multi-day treks includes options that are easy to prepare.

Safety Precautions for Solo Female Travel

Safety is paramount when trail running alone in a remote area. Before embarking on the O Circuit, I took several precautions:

Garmin inReach Mini 2: This satellite communicator allowed me to send messages and SOS alerts in case of an emergency.
Itinerary with Park Rangers: I left a detailed itinerary with the park rangers, including my planned route and estimated arrival times at each campsite.
Emergency Plan: I had a detailed emergency plan in case of injury, including contact information for local rescue services and a list of my medical conditions and allergies.

Final Thoughts: The Rewards of Solo Female Travel

Completing the O Circuit as a solo female trail runner was an experience that changed me in profound ways. It was challenging, yes, but also incredibly rewarding. I discovered a newfound sense of independence, resilience, and appreciation for the power of nature. The sense of accomplishment after completing the O Circuit is unmatched; it is something I will never forget. If you're considering a solo adventure in Torres del Paine, I highly recommend it. Just be prepared, be smart, and be open to the unexpected. You might just surprise yourself with what you're capable of.

Viral Video Concept: O Circuit Adrenaline Rush

HOOK: A rapid GoPro POV shot of trail running shoes pounding a dirt trail as a guanaco suddenly darts across the path, nearly tripping the runner. (SURPRISE, CLARITY, EMOTION - adrenaline, surprise).

SCENE: Cinematics, golden hour lighting, filmed at 60FPS for slow-motion. Show Alex trail running across the Patagonian Steppe during sunrise. The camera uses smooth orbit shots around Alex as she runs, and dramatic close-ups of her face showing determination.

TWIST: Suddenly, the video cuts to Alex at the finish line of the "O Circuit," raising her arms in victory, covered in mud, but beaming with joy, with the iconic towers of Torres del Paine in the background. The camera then dramatically zooms out to a wide shot. (EMOTION - joy, accomplishment, VISUAL STYLE: cinematic 4K, professional).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Shot with a GoPro HERO11 Black (POV shots) and Sony Alpha 7 IV (landscape shots). Golden hour lighting, dramatic shadows, low-angle shots to emphasize the scale of the landscape. Edited in Adobe Premiere Pro.

PACING & STRUCTURE: The video starts in medias res with the guanaco encounter (hook in 1-3 seconds). Use action words like "rapidly," "bursting," and "suddenly." The twist is explicitly shown at the end. Focus on the single idea of conquering the O Circuit as a solo female trail runner. Music suggestion: Upbeat, inspirational electronic music with a driving beat.