Trek among world-class mountains in Chile on the O Circuit
The O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine National Park is a demanding one-week adventure in Patagonia that will introduce you to some of Patagonia’s most rugged and remote landscapes. On this guided trekking tour in Chile, you’ll explore the most scenic landscapes in the park as you take in Torres del Paine’s most famous sights.
Begin the trek with the awe-inspiring climb to the Three Towers Lookout where you’ll find yourself perched 900 m above sea level with best view in the park. Later, you’ll come to know the epic landscapes of Chilean Patagonia as you trek to Dickson, Perros, Grey Glacier, Lake Pehoe, and the renowned French Valley. You'll wake up at the campsites along the O Circuit trail each morning to witness the park's iconic jagged peaks rising against the backdrop of a colorful Patagonian dawn.
This is truly the trek of a lifetime and the perfect trip for backpack lovers eager to experience the famous loop around the Paine Massif!
Highlights of the The O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine
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The O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer to Torres del Paine and Hike to the Three Towers Lookout
The adventure begins right away this morning as you meet your group and guide at 7:00 am in Puerto Natales. From here, you’ll whiz past peaceful landscapes covered in flat pampas and dotted with authentic estancias as you transfer by vehicle to Torres del Paine National Park (2 hours). Keep your eyes peeled during the ride, as you’ll have the chance to spot Chilean pink flamingos and black-necked swans along the way.
Following your arrival at Refugio Torres, you’ll suit up and prepare to embark on the first highlight of this magical trek – the hike to the Three Towers Lookout! Tracing the Ascencio River and heading down into the valley, you’ll hike through rich beech forests to finally ascend the impressive moraine which leads to the world-famous look out point.
Stand in awe as you look out over the towers from 900 m above sea level. Enjoy lunch here and of course lots of photos before descending the same path back to the refugio where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and a good night’s rest.
Overnight Location: Camping or Refuge at Torres
Distance: 8-10 hours, 21km
Meals: Box lunch, dinner
Day 2 Trek Lush Beech Forests to Serón
Rise to one of the best views in the park this morning as you look out over the towers and prepare for your first hike to Serón. The journey sets out through ancient beech forest today on a gently sloping trail with incredible views of Paine Chico Mountain along the way.
After a nice and easy warm up hike of just 9 kilometers today, you’ll reach Serón campsite where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and your first night beneath the stars at camp.
Overnight Location: Camping at Serón
Distance: 4-5 hours, 9km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 3 Wildflowers and Jagged Peaks on the Trek to Dickson
If you’re lucky enough to be trekking during wildlife season, today’s trail will be painted with violets, orchids and numerous other wildflowers in bloom. The group will set out after breakfast this morning to enjoy impressive mountain views as you circle Paine Lake.
Approaching the Paine River, you’ll note the curvaceous peak of Cerro Cubo up above and Lake Dickson in the distance. On arrival at Camp Dickson, you’ll unwind after a challenging 18.5 kilometers today and will no doubt be ready for a hearty dinner at camp!
Overnight Location: Camping or Refuge at Lake Dickson
Distance: 6-7 hours, 18.5km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 4 Hike One of the Most Beautiful Sections of the O Circuit to Los Perros
For many hikers, today is one of the most beautiful sections of the circuit as you leave Lake Dickson bound for Los Perros.
The trail is characterized by rushing waterfalls, towering peaks and enchanted beech forests, all making for a real-life fairy tale that unfolds before your eyes. The trail later crosses a suspension bridge en route to the base of the second terminal moraine – that of Glacier Los Perros. A final push brings you to Los Perros campsite where you’ll spend the night.
Please note, Los Perros is the only accommodation without hot showers and flushing toilets on the circuit.
Overnight Location: Camping at Los Perros
Distance: 5 hours, 9km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 5 Trek the Famous John Gardner Pass to Grey
Today will be the most challenging day of the trek, so make sure to fuel up with a good breakfast as you set out for the John Gardner Pass.
After a pleasant start on a forest trail, you’ll press on through a swampy section before ascending the famous John Gardner Pass. 1200m above sea level, the pass is known for wild winds and unparalleled views across Grey Glacier. You’ll continue, spurred on by your group and guide to Camp Grey where you’ll have a change to recharge after a formidable, but likewise incredible day on the trail.
Overnight Location: Camping or Refuge at Grey
Distance: 10-11 hours, 22km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 6 Hike Lake Grey to Paine Grande
With a busy last few days on the O Circuit, this morning you’ll have the chance to rise at your own pace and enjoy a relaxing morning at Camp Grey.
A few adventures are on the table this morning! Following breakfast, enjoy a short hike to Grey Glacier’s lookout point, kayak (not included) or ice hike (not included). After lunch at the Grey refuge, you’ll set out on the short 11 kilometer hike to Paine Grande.
Overnight Location: Camping or Refuge at Paine Grande
Distance: 3.5 hours, 11 km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Day 7 French Valley Trek and Transfer to Puerto Natales
Some will say the best has been saved for last on the O Circuit Trek as you traverse the stunning French Valley today. Setting out to walk around Paine Grande, you’ll traverse Patagonian firebush and beech forest to reach a suspension bridge above the French River.
Some light scrambling across a boulder field will be rewarded with views of the hanging glacier perched atop the valley as you make your way to the “Plateau” (viewpoint). From here you’ll spot the French Glacier and Paine Grande (3050m) off to one side and the horns of Los Cuernos rising on the other. Enjoy lunch with this spectacular view before returning the same way to reach the catamaran (35 minutes) that will take you back across Lake Pehoe. Once on the other side, a private transfer (2 hours) will take the group back to Puerto Natales where your O Circuit Trek concludes.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 7-8 hours, 17km
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
The O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine Price and Dates
This guided trekking tour in Torres del Paine National is group tour and the price depends on the final group size, as well as whether you choose to stay in campsites, or if you would prefer an upgrade to sleep in refuges.
- Group of 2: from $4,195 USD*
- Group of 3: from $3,695 USD*
- Group of 4-8: from $3,195 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Important: This tour is a subject to non-standard payment and cancellation terms.
- Full payment will be required 73 days before the departure
Accommodation on The O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine
This tour has two options: for the trekking days, you can either choose to stay in campsites, or pay a supplement to upgrade your stay to refuges (except of nights 2 and 4, where only camping accommodation is available). Mountain huts on this trip are of dormitory style.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
While single rooms in mountain huts are not possible (due to accommodation being dormitory-style), those who choose the tent accommodation can opt-out to sleep in single tents for an additional charge (please enquire for more information).
Camping Accommodation:
Central Campsite Las Torres, Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy a night beneath the starts at camping central where you’ll enjoy a good night’s rest in 4-season tents on a twin-share basis.
Serón Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
Located at 4 hours trek from Las Torres sector, it is the eastern side of the National Park and at the beginning of the Paine Massif Circuit. It features shared bathroom facilities and showers.
Dickson Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
Camping Dickson features an exceptional location on the edge of Lake Dickson with wonderful views over the mountains. It is a must-stay-spot for the Paine Massif Circuit. Camping features shared bathroom facilities and hot shower.
Los Perros Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
The most basic campsite of Paine Massif Circuit. It is located in the beautiful southern beech forest. Facilities are limited, camping only features one cold shower.
Grey Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
Just outside of the Refugio is a designated camp are surrounded by Lenga trees.Camping Grey is also part of the W Circuit and Paine Massif Circuit.
Paine Grande Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
Located on the edge of Lake Pehoé, with beautiful views to Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande Mountain, Camping Paine Grande is the starting or ending point for Glacier Grey and French Valley trails, as well as part of the W Circuit and Paine Massif Circuit.
Refuge Accommodation:
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Torres Central and North, Torres del Paine National Park
Find yourself at the base of the hike to the Three Towers Lookout as you spend a comfortable night in 6-bed dormitories.
Serón Campsite, Torres del Paine National Park
Located at 4 hours trek from Las Torres sector, it is the eastern side of the National Park and at the beginning of the Paine Massif Circuit. It features shared bathroom facilities and showers.
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Lake Dickson, Torres del Paine National Park
Stay in this cozy dormitory-style mountain hut in at stunning Lake Dickson.
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Grey, Torres del Paine National Park
Spend the night tucked in a forest of Lenga trees at this cozy camp and refugio on the shores of Lake Grey.
Mountain Lodge (Refugio) Paine Grande, Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy the comfort of this modern refugio set on the shores of beautiful Lake Pehoe. Enjoy a full service bar and comfortable night’s sleep in 6-bed dorm rooms.
What’s Included in The O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 7 box lunches, and 6 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included (fully-equipped premium camping or refuges, depending on the option chosen).
Transportation during the Tour
All private transfers according to the itinerary including catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe.
Also Included
- English speaking guide
- Porters to carry camping gear and food
- Tent at campsites (4-season/double occupancy)
- Entrance fees to Torres del Paine National Park
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Accommodations before and after the trek in Puerto Natales
- Ice Hike or kayak activity at Grey Glacier
- Porters to carry personal belongings, (available upon request & must be reserved in advance)
- Any alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks at the refugios except for the drinks included in the menu
- Gratuities for guide and chauffeur (optional)
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat rental
- Hiking poles rental
- Public bus between between Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales
Frequently Asked Questions about The O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine
Map of The O Circuit in Torres del Paine Tour
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