Overview
Trek the Patagonia O Circuit in Torres del Paine
Take on one of the world’s great wilderness treks on our fully guided 11-day Patagonia O Circuit, completing a full circuit of the spectacular Paine Massif – a dramatic crown of granite towers, glaciers, and turquoise lakes at the heart of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.
Over nine days of trekking, you’ll journey beyond the busier W Trek into the quieter northern reaches of the park, hiking through ancient forests, open Patagonian valleys and glacier-carved landscapes before crossing the John Gardner Pass (1,200m) above the immense Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest non-polar ice masses on Earth.
The route then joins the famous W Circuit, taking you through the French Valley, beneath the towering Cuernos del Paine, where hanging glaciers sparkle above the trail, before culminating at the base of the park’s namesake Torres del Paine – three soaring spires that provide the perfect finale to this legendary Patagonian journey.
This isn’t a high-altitude trek, but it is a proper physical challenge. Expect long days on the trail, unpredictable Patagonian weather and up to 11 hours of hiking on the toughest day. You’ll also carry your own personal gear throughout the circuit, so training and careful packing make a big difference.
Accommodation on the trail is in serviced campsites, with your tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat provided at each camp, so you don’t need to carry camping equipment.
For an extra adventure, you can also choose to kayak on Lake Grey or hike on Grey Glacier during our stay at Sector Grey.
Patagonia O Circuit Highlights
Complete the full O Circuit
Trek right around the Paine Massif, including the famous W Trek and the much quieter northern side of Torres del Paine.
Cross the John Gardner Pass
Reach the highest point of the trek at 1,200m, with incredible views across Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Walk alongside Grey Glacier
Descend from the John Gardner Pass with the enormous Grey Glacier stretching out below you, crossing suspension bridges as you make your way towards Sector Grey.
Explore the French Valley
Hike into a dramatic natural amphitheatre surrounded by granite peaks and hanging glaciers.
Reach the Torres del Paine
Finish the trek with one of Patagonia’s most famous views: the three granite towers of Torres del Paine rising above a glacial lake.
Experience Patagonia beyond the W Trek
The O Circuit takes you into parts of Torres del Paine that many visitors never see, with quieter trails and a real feeling of being immersed in the wilderness.
Add a Grey Glacier adventure
Choose an optional guided ice hike or kayaking excursion at Grey Glacier during the trek.
Patagonia O Circuit Cost & What’s Included
The total trip price is shown above.
Just pay a €399 deposit to secure your place. A part-payment of €1,000 is due six months before departure, with the remaining balance due three months before departure.
You can choose to pay the balance in instalments or in full.
Before You Go
- Pre-departure training weekend in Wicklow, Ireland
- An Earth’s Edge jacket, buff and cap for you to keep
- Ongoing pre-departure support from the Earth’s Edge team
- Advice on training, equipment and preparing for the trek
In Patagonia
- Highly experienced and certified local wilderness guide
- Hotel accommodation in Puerto Natales before and after the trek, based on twin sharing
- Camping accommodation throughout the O Circuit, based on twin sharing
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat at each campsite
- All meals and drinking water (except in Puerto Natales where accommodation is based on B&B)
- Torres del Paine National Park entrance fees and permits
- Planned group transport throughout the trip
- Airport transfers that match our recommended flights
- Celebratory dinner at the end of the trek
Flights
Flights are not included in the expedition price.
Travelling from Ireland? We’ll send you our recommended flight timings approximately 10 months before departure. These are designed to connect with our complimentary group airport transfers.
You’re welcome to choose alternative flights, but we recommend speaking to us before booking so we can make sure your arrival works with the expedition schedule. It’s particularly important that you arrive in Puerto Natales in time for the expedition briefing on Day 1.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Puerto Natales
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Arrive in Puerto Natales and meet your guide and fellow trekkers for a full expedition briefing.
We'll run through the route, equipment and conditions before making our final preparations for the trail.
Day 2
Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park (2 hrs), trek to Serón (4hrs)
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Transfer into Torres del Paine National Park and begin the O Circuit, following the Paine River through open Patagonian landscapes towards Camp Serón.
It's a relatively gentle introduction to the trek, with wide views across the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Day 3
Trek from Serón to Dickson (6 hrs)
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Today we head deeper into the quieter northern side of Torres del Paine.
After a gradual climb through open hillsides, we reach a viewpoint over Lake Paine, with mountains stretching towards the Chilean–Argentinian border. The trail then descends through marshland and ancient glacial moraine before we get our first glimpse of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Our campsite at Dickson sits in a spectacular position close to the lake and glacier.
Day 4
Guided Day Hike to Dickson Glacier (6 hrs)
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Today we leave our heavier packs behind and explore the remote area surrounding Lake Dickson.
Trek through forest towards Laguna Quemada and enjoy spectacular views of Dickson Glacier descending from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Day 5
Trek from Dickson to Los Perros (4.5 hrs)
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Continue through ancient lenga and coigüe forest as we climb gradually towards Glacier Los Perros.
Tonight's campsite lies in one of the most remote sections of the entire circuit, beneath the glacier and surrounding mountains.
Day 6
Cross the John Gardner Pass (1,200m), trek from Los Perros to Sector Grey (11 hrs)
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The toughest — and arguably most spectacular — day of the O Circuit. We climb steadily to the John Gardner Pass (1,200m), the highest point of the trek. From the pass, the enormous Grey Glacier and Southern Patagonian Ice Field open up below us.
From here we descend towards Sector Grey, crossing several suspension bridges along the way.
Day 7
Trek from Sector Grey to Paine Grande (4 hrs)
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Enjoy a slower morning at Sector Grey. Those who want to add another adventure can choose an optional guided ice hike on Grey Glacier or kayaking excursion on Lake Grey.
In the afternoon, continue along Lake Grey towards Paine Grande and Lake Pehoé, with views back towards the glacier and Paine Massif.
Day 8
Trek from Paine Grande to Cuernos (7 hrs)
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Today we enter the French Valley, one of the best-known sections of Torres del Paine. Hike through forests and moraines into the heart of the French Valley for stunning views of the hanging French Glacier ahead and Lake Nordenskjold, Skottberg and Pehoe behind.
Day 9
Trek from Cuernos to Sector Central (4.5 hrs)
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Follow the trail along the southern shores of Lake Nordenskjöld beneath the unmistakable Cuernos del Paine. The trail undulates toward Almirante Nieto with sweeping views of the lake and Asencio Valley.
Day 10
Trek from Sector Central to the Las Torres Lookout (8 hrs), transfer to Puerto Natales (3 hrs)
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Our final trek takes us through the Ascencio Valley towards one of Patagonia's most famous viewpoints: the three granite towers of Torres del Paine rising above their glacial lake.
After taking time to enjoy the view and celebrate completing the trek, we descend to Sector Central and transfer back to Puerto Natales for a hot shower and celebratory farewell dinner.
Day 11
Departure
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Enjoy breakfast before departing Puerto Natales or continuing your travels in Patagonia.
Start Planning Your Journey
Facts
Why We Trek the Patagonia O Circuit
There are several ways to experience Torres del Paine, but the full O Circuit offers something very different from the shorter and more popular W Trek.
The O Circuit includes the famous highlights of the W, including Grey Glacier, the French Valley and Base Torres, but also continues around the quieter northern side of the Paine Massif.
This section takes you deeper into the park, through more remote landscapes around Serón, Dickson and Los Perros before crossing the John Gardner Pass.
It means more time on the trail, fewer people for much of the route and the satisfaction of completing the full circuit around the Paine Massif.
This isn’t the quickest way to see Torres del Paine, and that’s exactly the point.
Why Trek Patagonia with Earth’s Edge?
Adventure changes lives. At Earth’s Edge, we believe how you experience Patagonia matters just as much as reaching the famous viewpoints.
Our approach is built around preparation, expert support, responsible travel and a strong sense of community.
Our Patagonia treks are led by professional, certified wilderness guides who know Torres del Paine, its trails and its notoriously changeable weather. They manage the group on the trail, set the pace and make decisions based on the conditions each day.
Before departure, you’ll also have the opportunity to join our training weekend in Wicklow, giving you the chance to test your kit, train with your backpack and meet some of the people you’ll be travelling with.
There is no Earth’s Edge expedition doctor on the Patagonia O Circuit, as this trek does not involve significant altitude.
Preparing for Your Patagonia O Circuit Trek
How Difficult Is the Patagonia O Circuit?
We classify the Patagonia O Circuit as a Level 3 expedition. There is no technical climbing and the highest point is only 1,200m, so altitude is not a significant factor.
However, you’ll spend nine days trekking and there are some long days on the trail. The toughest day involves approximately 11 hours of trekking while crossing the John Gardner Pass.
The terrain can be uneven, and Patagonia is famous for strong winds, rain and rapidly changing weather.
You should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable walking for several days in succession. The best preparation is regular hillwalking alongside cardiovascular and strength training in the months before departure.
Your training weekend in Ireland will also give you a chance to test your fitness and equipment before you travel.
Do I Have to Carry My Own Gear?
Yes.
On the Patagonia O Circuit, you carry your own personal gear throughout the trek.
We recommend keeping your backpack to approximately 10kg or less, so packing carefully is important.
You don’t need to carry your tent, sleeping bag or sleeping mat. These are provided at the camps along the route.
Personal porters can be hired at an additional cost if required, but they are expensive and must be organised in advance. Please contact us for the latest availability and cost.
We strongly recommend training with the backpack you intend to use before travelling.
What's the Accommodation Like?
You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in Puerto Natales before and after the trek. During the O Circuit, we stay at established campsites throughout Torres del Paine National Park.
Your tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat are provided at each camp, so you don’t need to carry your own camping setup.
Facilities vary between campsites. Most have toilets and showers, while more remote camps such as Los Perros are considerably more basic.
What Are the Optional Activities at Grey Glacier?
During our stay at Sector Grey, you can choose to add either a guided glacier hike or a kayaking excursion.
The glacier hike takes you onto Grey Glacier with specialist guides and technical equipment provided.
The kayaking excursion takes place on Lake Grey, paddling among the glacial landscape beneath the surrounding mountains.
Both activities are optional, cost extra and are subject to weather and availability. They must be booked in advance.
What Is the Weather Like in Patagonia?
Patagonia is famous for unpredictable weather. It’s possible to experience sunshine, rain and strong winds in the same day, even during the summer trekking season.
Temperatures are generally milder than on our high-altitude expeditions, but wind and rain can make conditions feel considerably colder. Good waterproof clothing and a flexible attitude are essential.
What Should I Pack for the Patagonia O Circuit?
Because you carry your own personal gear, packing light is particularly important on this trek.
You’ll need suitable waterproof clothing, trekking footwear, warm layers and your personal trekking equipment.
Your tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat are provided at the camps, so you don’t need to bring or carry these.
See our full Patagonia O Circuit packing list.
When Is the Best Time to Trek the Patagonia O Circuit?
The main trekking season in Torres del Paine runs through the Patagonian summer, generally from November to March.
These months offer longer daylight hours and generally milder temperatures, although Patagonia’s weather remains unpredictable throughout the season.
Our departures are scheduled during this main trekking period.
Want more information about our Patagonia O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine?
- Download our detailed Information Pack including day-by-day itinerary
- Book your free 15-minute trip consultation with one of the team to have all of your questions answered - we can help you make sure this expedition is for you!
Want to be the first to hear about new dates added, or to join the waitlist for an existing date? Contact us on support@earths-edge.com!
