8 Days / 7 Nights
If challenges are your thing, this program is for you.
This 8 days / 7 nights camping or refuge program offers a unique experience in which you can appreciate the natural beauty of Chilean Patagonia, with impressive landscapes, turquoise lakes, glaciers and abundant flora and fauna.
Circuit O generally takes around 8 to 10 days to complete, depending on pace and weather conditions. It is physically challenging and requires adequate preparation, as it involves walking long distances on uneven terrain and facing variable weather conditions.
Available November to March.
These are the highlights you will see on your tour
Dickson Refuge and Camping
Los Perros Glacier
John Gardner Pass
Las Torres Base
| Kind of trip | Crossing |
| Coordinates | S50º 57.968′ W72º 52.011′ |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Distance | 71 km aprox |
| Maximum altitude | 1201m |
| Duration | 8 Days |
Previous
Next
We want to advise you. We want your experience visiting Torres del Paine to be memorable and that’s why we have a team of professionals who are here to help and advise you on your trip.
In the box on the left you can find some of the alternatives we have to make the famous trekking of the O, within the Torres del Paine National Park. We invite you to review the different options and if you have any questions or want to see other alternatives you can contact us here.
We have options: lodging only in campsites, only in shelters and combining both. The W Circuit is much better prepared, always giving the option of sleeping in shelters or well-equipped cabins. There are restaurants, small shops, WIFI and first class cabins.
Differences between the W and the O?
If you check the maps of each circuit you will see that the W is also part of the O Circuit, so if you dare to do the latter you will do both circuits. In the W Circuit you visit the main attractions of Torres del Paine National Park, it is less time and bearable than the O. Review here the options of the O Circuit that we have for you. This circuit is more advanced and you will need a higher physical demand, but without a doubt it is an unforgettable experience.
We want to talk to you, get to know you, know what you need and thus be able to help you choose the best alternatives for your trip. In this great adventure you will get to know the hidden face of the Park, however, you will need time and physical preparation to complete it. This trekking is a mental and physical challenge, in which nature will seize your senses, is what makes the difference of the W Circuit, the most traveled. The O Circuit is done in 8 days, however, we have the “express” version of 6 days. You can choose to stay in campsites or shelters, here you will find all possible combinations to launch yourself into a unique experience in the world.
The O Circuit is one of the most surprising and extreme trekking circuits in the world. It is the complete tour of the Paine Massif (known as the “O” circuit because of its shape), where the force of nature invites you to challenge your body and mind. There are more than 130 kilometers through the magical and incomparable landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, which we will travel with GreatChile, our official tour operator, during eight intense days. Where besides knowing the attractions that also form part of the W circuit (Grey Sector, French Valley and Base Towers), you will be able to visit other equally spectacular points such as Dickson Lake, Los Perros Glacier and John Garner Pass, the latter with movie views towards Grey Glacier.
Together with GreatChile, our official tour operator in Torres del Paine, we will travel together for 6 or 8 days about 70 kms of intense trekking. You can choose to sleep in the comfortable refuges if you want to meet and share with other tourists, or if you are an adventurous tomo y lomo, stay in the campsites under the starry mantle of Patagonia.
Before leaving you must take into account your luggage: the best thing to do is to walk with a comfortable and light backpack, with only what is necessary for the long walks during the 6 or 8 days. Once here, let yourself be carried away by the adventurous spirit that is breathed in Torres del Paine and get ready to know the Eighth Wonder of the World like never before.
If we talk about basic equipment for months like July, August or September we recommend the following:
Circuit O Available November to March
ACCOMMODATION IN REFUGE
✓ Self-guided program
✓ 8 days/7 nights
✓ Starting point: Puerto Natales bus station
ACCOMMODATION IN CAMPING FULL EQUIPMENT
✓ Self-Guided Program
✓ 8 days/7 Nights
✓ Start Day: Monday to Sunday, depending on availability.
✓ Starting point: Puerto Natales bus station
INCLUDES:
✓ 7 nights of accommodation in a refuge or camping full equipment
✓ Tickets to Torres del Paine National Park.
✓ Transportation by regular bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine round trip.
✓ All meals (breakfast, box lunch and dinner). Includes box lunch for the first and last day.
* The place of accommodation for the 5th night will be in the French or Cuernos sector, depending on availability at the time of making the reservation.
NOT INCLUDED:
✓ Guide in self-guided program
✓ Services not indicated in the program
✓ Overnight in Puerto Natales
✓ Excursions or additional activities
✓ Medical or travel insurance
✓ Drinks and water for the journeys
✓ Day 1: Transportation to Torres del Paine, walk and lodging in camping in Sector Serón.
Welcome to the eighth wonder of the world!
We will go to the northern sector of the park to the Serón sector, one of the starting or ending points of route O. We will cross a beautiful landscape, with green hills and panoramic views of the park. We will observe some species of the Patagonian fauna, such as guanacos and condors.
✓ Day 2: Trekking to Dickson, lodging in Sector Dickson.
During this 18 kilometer trek, we will enjoy beautiful views of green hills, rivers, forests and, in the distance, glaciers. We will also have the opportunity to spot the local fauna, such as guanacos, condors and other birds.
We will walk on well-defined trails, but also on steeper and rockier sections. It is important to be physically prepared and wear suitable footwear for long walks and uneven terrain.
The estimated time to complete this stage of the trek can vary depending on your pace and weather conditions, but generally it takes between 6 and 8 hours.
✓ Day 3: Trekking to Los Perros, lodging in camping in Los Perros Sector.
We will enter a beautiful lenga forest and enjoy panoramic views of hanging glaciers and mountain peaks. The Paso de los Perros offers an impressive scenic experience and the opportunity to be surrounded by the majesty of nature.
The estimated time to complete this stage can vary depending on your pace and the conditions of the terrain, but generally it takes between 4 and 6 hours.
The terrain on this section of the trek can be challenging, as it involves crossing a mountain pass known as the “Paso de los Perros”. The pass is steep and rocky, with some slippery sections. Some level of fitness and experience hiking over difficult terrain is required.
✓ Day 4: Trekking to Paso John Gardner and Lago Grey, lodging in Sector Grey.
We will enjoy impressive views of the Gray Glacier and its imposing icebergs. We will also appreciate the majestic landscape of surrounding mountains and valleys. This section offers you a unique experience in which you will be able to contemplate the beauty and grandeur of the Patagonian glaciers.
The terrain is challenging, as it involves ascending John Gardner Pass, which is a high-altitude mountain pass. The path can be steep, rocky and exposed to strong winds. A good level of physical condition and experience in hiking in difficult terrain is required.
The approximate distance between Los Perros and the John Gardner Pass is around 17 kilometers.
✓ Day 5: Trekking to Paine Grande, lodging in Paine Grande Sector.
We will witness impressive landscapes, including the glacier, the lake and the surrounding mountains. We will also appreciate the rich flora and fauna of the region, such as the subpolar forest and endemic birds.
The terrain in this section of the trek is varied, as it traverses a combination of rocky terrain, well-defined paths, and suspension bridge passages. Throughout the tour, you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of Gray Lake and the imposing glacier that surrounds it.
The approximate distance between the Gray Glacier and the Paine Grande Lake is around 11 kilometers.
✓ Day 6: Trekking to Valle del Francés, lodging in Sector Francés or Cuernos.
The valley is characterized by its imposing mountains, waterfalls, lakes and forests. The French Glacier is one of the main attractions, offering a spectacular view of blue ice and deep crevasses.
The terrain on this section of the trek is varied and challenging. It includes steep trails, rocky paths and suspension bridges. As we ascend towards the Valle del Francés, we will enjoy panoramic views of the Francés Glacier and the surrounding granite peaks.
The approximate distance between Paine Grande and the French Valley is around 10 kilometers.
✓ Day 7: Trekking to Central Sector, lodging in Central Sector.
We will appreciate the majesty of the famous Torres del Paine and other mountain peaks. In addition, we will enjoy the beauty of the lakes and rivers that are along the way, as well as the rich flora and fauna of the park.
The terrain on this section of the trek is varied, including well-defined paths, rocky terrain, and some areas with moderate slopes. The approximate distance between the Valle del Francés sector and the central sector is around 13 kilometers.
✓ Day 8: Trekking to Base Torres, return to Puerto Natales.
We will enjoy impressive panoramic views of the lakes, valleys and mountains that surround the area. The final reward is reaching the Base of the Towers, where you can see the famous Torres del Paine, three impressive granite towers that rise above the landscape.
The terrain on this section of the trek is challenging and steep. The path includes steep ascents, rock steps and uneven terrain. As you get closer to the Base of the Towers, the terrain becomes more rocky and steep.
The approximate distance between the central sector and the Base of the Towers is around 11 kilometers one way and 11 kilometers back.
