O Circuit: Ascencio Valley to Chileno

Featuring a good mixture of lake and mountain views, the Ascencio Valley to Chileno segment of the O Circuit Trail is an outstanding adventure. As the second last stage of the famous long-distance route, this segment is a bit short on overall distance, instead preparing you for a spectacular final day of climbing. Even still, you will gain 2247ft of elevation over the course of roughly 8.1mi, providing a decent challenge and some beautiful views.

Setting out from the previous night’s camp at Los Cuernos, you will follow the trail east as it climbs uphill. Here, you will be hiking parallel to the shoreline of Lake Nordenskjöld and will enjoy some epic views across the surface of the large lake.

Keeping left at a series of junctions, the trail will begin to bend to the north as you traverse the lower slopes of Monte Almirante Nieto. Here, the route will steepen and you will enter Ascencio Valley, now following a path that runs parallel to the Río Ascencio below.

After following the river for a short distance, you will descend into Campamento Chileno, where you will rest for the night. The following day, you will set out on the final leg of the O Circuit in order to Climb to Mirador Las Torres.