Overview
Our fully guided 11-day Patagonia O Circuit Trek takes us on a complete circumnavigation of the Paine Massif – a dramatic crown of granite towers, glaciers, and turquoise lakes at the heart of Torres del Paine National Park.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest wilderness treks, this route offers a rare and complete immersion into Chilean Patagonia’s raw, elemental beauty. Beginning in Puerto Natales, the Patagonia O Circuit encompasses the classic W Trek, but ventures deeper into the park’s quieter, wilder northern valleys, where far fewer visitors go.
Over nine days of trekking, we travel north along the Paine River, through ancient lenga and coigüe (beech) forests, cross suspension bridges and glacier-fed rivers, and camp beneath the vast southern sky. Each day offers new perspectives of Patagonia’s dramatic skyline, from the open valleys of the north to the towering ice fields of the south.
The John Gardner Pass (1,200m) marks the high point of our trek, rewarding us with breathtaking views over Glacier Grey and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest non-polar ice masses on Earth. From here, we descend alongside Glacier Grey before continuing south past Lake Pehoé and into the sculpted granite amphitheatre of the French Valley. Our final days lead us 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.
Itinerary
Day 2
Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park (2 hrs), trek to Serón (4hrs)
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Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park and trek for 4 hours along the Paine River.
Day 3
Trek from Serón to Dickson (6 hrs)
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Trek to Lake Paine across ancient moraine valleys with views of the imposing Southern Ice Field.
Day 4
Guided Day Hike to Dickson Glacier (6 hrs)
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A guided day hike to the shores of Lago Dickson and Laguna Quemada, offering an intimate look at the massive Dickson Glacier.
Day 5
Trek from Dickson to Los Perros (4.5 hrs)
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Continue along the circuit through ancient forests, deep into Torres del Paine's valleys to Glacier Los Perros.
Day 6
Cross the John Gardner Pass, trek from Los Perros to Sector Grey (11 hrs)
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The highest point of our trek at 1,200m, the John Gardner Pass provides breathtaking views of Glacier Grey and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Day 7
Trek from Sector Grey to Paine Grande (4 hrs)
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Optional ice-hiking or kayaking at Glacier Grey in the morning. Afternoon hike to Lake Pehoé.
Day 8
Trek from Paine Grande to Cuernos (7 hrs)
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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 Lake Nordenskjöld and climb gently toward Almirante Nieto with sweeping views of the lake and Asencio Valley.
Day 10
Trek from Sector Central to the Las Torres Lookout (5 hrs), transfer to Puerto Natales (3 hrs)
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Ascend to the iconic Las Torres Lookout for spectacular views of the iconic Torres granite towers. Return to Puerto Natales for a celebratory farewell dinner
Facts
Patagonia O Circuit Trek - Costs, Inclusions and Payment Schedule
- Secure your place with a €399 deposit
- A part payment of €1,000 is due six months before departure
- The remaining balance is payable by instalments or in full
- All fees are due three months prior to departure
- Total expedition cost is detailed above
Your Expedition Fees Include The Following:
- Pre-departure training weekend
- Experienced expedition leader
- All accommodation based on twin sharing in hotels in Puerto Natales and tents on the trail
- All meals (except in Puerto Natales where accommodation is based on B&B)
- All group gear including tents, sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- National Park permits and fees
- A celebratory dinner
- All transport throughout the expedition
- An Earth's Edge buff for all participants
Flights
Please consult us before booking alternative flights to ensure you arrive in time for the expedition briefing on the first day. It is essential you do not miss this meeting.
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!
