I have an upcoming trip to Chile in mid-November for about 2-3 weeks. I have Santiago, Easter Islands and Southern Patagonia on my list.

I need some help sorting out my trekking/camping options for Torres del Paine. I will be traveling solo and would have ideally preferred to join a group but the outfitters I have come across so far do not organize groups hikes/camping (Inca Trail style) but offer the option of guides. This does make the trip a little more expensive but oh well...

The outfitters I've looked up so far are: Vertice Patagonia and Fantastico Sur. Anyone have recommendations on either or any other?
Which circuit should I pick for my trek - the W circuit, O circuit? I am flexible on the length and duration of the hike and I think I can handle strenuous hikes as well. Also, refugios vs camping - any thoughts? I know this is a personal preference but just wanted some insight.

Thanks!

Up until a few short years ago, Torres del Paine was a park which only trekkers really used. The refugios were set up as places to spend the night whilst multi-day trekking in the park. The refugios on the east side of the park have always been run by Fantastico Sur and Vertice covering the ones in the west. So bookings are done through them unless you are using a tour operator.

There is no need for a guide unless you have a specific interest: you want to have the flora and fauna explained to you, for instance. But most people just book the lodging they want and follow the well marked trails. Natural groups form as people meet on the trails or in the refugios or campgrounds.

Bookings open in May and are snapped up quickly. A lot of them by agencies. Some of these are cancelled later in the year, opening up spaces. Because the park has experienced a boom, and many are not trekkers but people who want to drive around the park rather than walk, things have gotten complicated. You now need to pre-book any refugio or camping spot you want. Some have a one night limit.

The refugios can do full board and you can book some or all meals even if camping. The websites of the two companies have prices etc. You should look at them now and see what is available. Fantastico Sur does have a W program which is independent and comes out at the same, or very similar, cost as booking it yourself and can include transport from/to Puerto Natales. I would definitely consider this as you are so late with booking and it lets them sort the refugios for you. If you want to do the full circuit you need to book all the necessary free campsites (you can sleep in a refugio every night on the W but not so the O) with CONAF, who manage the national parks, in Puerto Natales. I think the W os going to be easier for you to book. The O takes more planning and time to set up.

Flights will get more expensive as your dates draw near. You want to fly into either Punta Arenas and bus to Puerto Natales and then on to the park or fly into Puerto Natales, though these flights may not be available every day and may just be available from December. Check SKY and LAN.

Thanks Huentetu! That's about the most helpful information I've come across so far.
Another question, does it make a difference whether one goes from the east towards the west or vice versa? Is one "better" than the other?
Thanks again!

I have only ever done east to west, so can't compare.

West to east is with the wind.

Logistics across Lago Gray need to be factored, though. Some people just do the west leg out and back to Paine Grande, so you get the wind either way.

Thanks Huentetu and mlgb!