Self-Guided O Circuit
Base Torres • Dickson • John Gardner Pass
MOST POPULAR PROGRAM
Starting price per person $3,796
You focus on the experience. We handle the logistics.
Trip overview
The O Circuit is the most complete trekking route in Torres del Paine National Park, following the full loop around the Paine Massif.
This self-guided program is designed for experienced hikers who want to complete the full circuit with accommodation, meals, park logistics, and route planning arranged before arrival.
Covering approximately 120 kilometers, the route connects the remote northern valleys with the John Gardner Pass, Grey Glacier, French Valley, and the Towers viewpoint, combining quieter sections of the park with the most iconic viewpoints of the W Trek.
Inside the Experience
A visual glimpse of the landscapes, trails, and moments that define this Patagonia experience.
O Trek 10-Day itinerary
A clear daily overview of your Patagonia experience, including activities, logistics, meals, and overnight stays.
Welcome to Patagonia! We pick you up at the airport or bus terminal and transfer you to your hotel. At your accommodation you’ll receive a clear briefing for the trek and final checks. Free time to rest or explore town.
No meals included
Begin the day with an early transfer to Torres del Paine National Park. Once at the Welcome Center, complete your registration and start the hike toward Base Torres through the Ascencio Valley, passing forest, mountain terrain, and the final boulder field before reaching the iconic Towers viewpoint. After your box lunch, return along the same trail to Central Camping.
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours • Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles • Elevation Gain: ~700 m / 2,300 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch & dinner
After breakfast, begin the hike from the Central / Torres Sector toward Serón Camp, the first step into the northern side of the O Circuit. This is one of the gentler hiking days on the circuit, following sections of native beech forest, open Patagonian grasslands, and views along the Paine River. Continue toward Serón, where you will spend the night before entering the more remote northern sections of Torres del Paine.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours · Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles · Elevation Gain: +300 m / +984 ft approx.
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included
Today’s hike takes you deeper into the northern side of Torres del Paine, across rolling hills, open grasslands, and wet meadow sections. The route offers views of snow-covered mountains, blue lakes, Dickson Glacier, Cerro Cubo, and rugged peaks near the Chile-Argentina border. After arriving at Dickson Camp, check in and enjoy time near the shore of Lake Dickson before dinner.
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours • Distance: 18 km / 11 miles • Elevation Gain: ~250m / 820 ft
Meals: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner
Hike from Dickson Camp to Los Perros Camp through one of the most remote sections of the O Circuit in Torres del Paine. The trail follows the Los Perros River through native forest and lush vegetation before climbing toward the moraine viewpoint of Los Perros Glacier and its blue-green lagoon. Continue along a rocky trail to camp and rest before the John Gardner Pass crossing.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours • Distance: 12 km / 7 miles • Elevation Gain: ~400 m / 1,310 ft
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
Cross the John Gardner Pass, the highest and most demanding section of the O Circuit in Torres del Paine. The trail begins through forest, mud, roots, and rocky terrain before climbing toward the pass at 1,200 m / 3,937 ft. From the top, weather permitting, you’ll have sweeping views of Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field before descending toward El Paso and continuing to Grey Camp.
Hiking Time: 8–9 hours • Distance: ~17 km / 10.6 miles • Elevation Gain: ~800 m / 2,624 ft
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
Optional add-ons: Grey Glacier ice hike $365 or Grey Lake kayak $289 per person.
Hike from Grey Camp to Paine Grande along the western side of the W Trek in Torres del Paine. The trail offers continued views of Grey Lake, floating icebergs, and the surrounding mountains before passing through forested sections and open viewpoints toward Grey Glacier. Continue past Laguna Los Patos and descend through a windy valley toward Paine Grande, one of the main refugio sectors in the park.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours • Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Elevation Gain: ~200 m / 656 ft
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
Optional add-ons: Grey Glacier ice hike $365 or Grey Lake kayak $289 per person.
Start early for one of the most scenic sections of the W Trek in Torres del Paine. From Paine Grande, hike toward Italiano and continue into the French Valley, where the trail climbs through rocky terrain and forest toward the French Plateau viewpoint.
From the viewpoint, you’ll have views of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and hanging glaciers on the eastern face of Paine Grande. Depending on conditions, you may hear glacier movement or see ice calving from a safe distance before descending back toward the main trail and continuing to your overnight sector at Francés or Cuernos.
Hiking Time: 8–9 hours • Distance: 19 km / 12 miles • Elevation Gain: ~690 m / 2,264 ft
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included.
Hike from Francés or Cuernos toward the Welcome Center, following the trail east along Lake Nordenskjöld and the base of Mount Almirante Nieto. This final section of the O Circuit offers open Patagonian landscapes, rolling terrain, windswept forest, turquoise lake views, and hanging glaciers above the valley.
After reaching the Welcome Center / Central sector, take your transfer back to Puerto Natales after completing the full Torres del Paine circuit.
Hiking time: 6–8 hours · Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles · Elevation Gain: +150 m / +492 ft approx.
Meals: Breakfast and box lunch included
Breakfast included
Depending on your departure time, our driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport or bus station on time for your next journey. For now, we say goodbye and hope to see you again in the future.
Breakfast included
What’s included in this experience?
Accommodation
Everything arranged before your arrival.
- 2 hotel nights in Puerto Natales (with breakfast)
- 7 campsite nights in Torres del Paine
- Pre-set camping gear
Logistics
Transportation and park coordination.
- Round-trip airport & local transfers
- Entrance fee
- Secure luggage storage in Puerto Natales
Field Support
Local expertise throughout your journey.
- Pre-trek briefing with a local specialist
- All meals included as per itinerary
- Complimentary trekking poles
Camping: Camping includes a two-person tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag.
Refugios: Refugios have shared rooms. Some include sleeping bags and pillows, while others include sheets, blankets and pillows.
International and domestic flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, gratuities, and services not specifically listed in the itinerary are not included.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers about logistics, accommodation, hiking difficulty, and how the experience works inside Torres del Paine.
When is the best time to do O Circuit Trek?
November through March offers longer daylight hours and more comfortable temperatures. December-February has warmest weather but typical strong Patagonian winds. November/March have fewer crowds but potential snow on John Gardner Pass.
What is included in the price?
The program includes accommodation, meals during the trek, all transfers, camping equipment, hiking poles, and on-the-ground support by a local team based in Puerto Natales.
Travel insurance are not included.
What fitness level is required for this trek?
The O Circuit Trek is physically demanding, requiring 8 days and 120+ kilometers of hiking. Best suited for experienced hikers due to challenging terrain and John Gardner Pass crossing at 1,200m elevation.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Puerto Natales. We coordinate airport or bus station transfers, hotel nights in town, and all transportation to and from Torres del Paine National Park.
How should I prepare for the O Circuit Trek?
Train with regular hiking carrying a loaded backpack, build cardiovascular fitness, and gain multi-day trekking experience. We provide camping equipment, but you need personal hiking gear. You’ll receive a complete packing list and pre-departure gear check from our team.
Start planning your Patagonia trip
We usually reply within 24 hours with a personalized plan and availability.