O Circuit Torres del Paine

Welcome to Circuito O Torres del Paine

We know that a 8 days hike needs a good planning, that's why a tour briefing (explanation of the tour) is held in person or online. 

In addition, a few days before your arrival in Puerto Natales you will receive an email with instructions on how to pick up your welcome kit (which includes tickets, map, metal bottle...) and resolve any last minute doubts you may have.

Puerto Natales - Bus Station

On the first day of the circuit you will have to go to the bus station in Puerto Natales to take the bus to Torres del Paine at 7:00 am. This bus will take you to the Laguna Amarga gate, where you will register as a visitor and enter the park.

Welcome Center Torres del Paine

After checking in, you will take a minibus that in just a few minutes will take you to the Welcome Center of the Cerro Paine Reserve. The route begins! Get ready to start enjoying the spectacular views of Torres del Paine and the Almirante Nieto Massif from there.

Beginning of the O Circuit Patagonia

You will pass by the central refuge to pick up your lunchbox and start the 8.70 mi. (14 km.) route to the Serón campsite. The route can be divided into 3 parts: the initial ascent of 820 ft (250 m.) in the first 3.72 mi. (6 km.). This section goes through a huge Lenga Forest covered with lichens, also known as "old man's beard". When you reach the highest part you will have a view of the valley crossed by the Paine River.

You will continue the route downhill for 1.86 mi. (3 km.) until you reach 2.48mi. (4 km). flatland at the bottom of the valley, a huge meadow full of daisies where you will find horses in freedom.

Finally, you will arrive at the Serón Sector, where the only accommodation is the premium campsite, equipped with everything you need so that you can rest directly. The facilities have a shower and a common dining room where dinner and breakfast are served and you can have a drink to celebrate your first day on the road.

Camping Serón - Paine Lake

The day starts with breakfast around 8:00 am in the dining room, the exact time is always indicated during check-in. You will pick up your lunchbox to eat during the route and start the day. 

This route is divided into two sections. It begins with a flat 1.86 mi. (3 km.) along the Paine River accompanied by a stretch of 2.48 mi. (4 km). in which you ascend and descend 656 ft (200 m.) up and down the slopes of Mount Paine right on the stretch that borders Paine Lake. This will give you a panoramic view of the lake with its light blue color typical of glacial lakes and the Paine Massif in the background.

Paine Lake - Dickson

The second part of the route begins, practically flat with small ups and downs. Shortly after descending from the slopes of Cerro Paine, you will find a CONAF (park ranger) post and a restroom, which are not usually abundant on the route. 

This second part of the route runs close to the Paine River and is usually a very hot and humid area, so you will likely encounter many mosquitoes. You will cross a stretch of walkways installed to prevent erosion of some wetland areas. Finally, you will arrive at the Dickson Sector, equipped with camping and a lodge with a small dining room, cozy rooms, and very good showers.

💙 Howlanders Tip

When you get to the Dickson Sector we recommend you go to the beach a few meters away. This is a glacier beach next to the lake with the Dickson Glacier in the background. It is usually a very quiet area and perfect for relaxing.

Beginning of the Los Perros Trek

Breakfast, lunchbox and start the day. This is one of the quietest routes of the entire O circuit, with just over 7.76 mi (12.5 km) and no major slopes. Little by little you will ascend to Los Perros campsite. After a small initial ascent, you will find yourself immersed in the Lenga Forest, which you will be crossing for almost the entire route. The density of the forest prevents the sun from entering with all its splendor, creating a shady environment that makes it the perfect habitat for countless birds. 

Take the day easy, the route is short and undemanding, so enjoy the stops and if you like bird watching this is the perfect day for you. In some sections the route approaches the slopes next to the river, where some viewpoints are formed that all travelers take advantage of to relax, since inside the forest there are usually mosquitoes.

Los Perros Glacier

In the final section of the route we cross a couple of wooden bridges and make a small ascent of 330 ft (100 m) up the moraine of the glacial lake until we reach the Los Perros glacier. 

This is one of the best moments of the route since you are ascending and because of the slope, you do not see what is in front of you until suddenly you reach the top and before you find the lake with the glacier hanging in the background. A magical moment!

Lengas forest

Through the forest you will find one of the endemic species of the region, the Magellanic Woodpecker. On the way, spend some time enjoying one of the best areas for observation. It is located in a small clearing in the Lenga Forest, where you can see all the glaciers that surround the area. You won't regret it!

Camping Los Perros

A few more minutes walk and you will arrive at Los Perros campsite. This is the most isolated and difficult-to-access campsite, so there is no lodge. The showers are cold water and the food is more basic.

Southern Ice Field

We recommend you start the day early, as it is going to be a long day and it is very important to calculate well the walking times. In fact, at the Los Perros camp itself, they will tell you that the latest departure time is 8 in the morning. This is undoubtedly the most challenging route of the O Torres del Paine Circuit and our favorite. Every effort has its reward and on this route, you will experience it firsthand.

The route is divided into 3 parts. In the first part, you will leave the Lenga Forest where Los Perros is located, and ascend to the John Gardner pass: 3.10 mi. (5 km.) with a drop of 562 meters. It is very common to find areas of snow on the part, which is why some travelers decide to wear gaiters. In addition, it is also very common that the clouds accompany you in the high part: keep your raincoat handy.

John Garner Pass

Little by little you will ascend and suddenly you will be at the top of the John Gardner Pass. You will have in front of you what for us are the best views of the whole circuit: the South Patagonian ice field, the different glacier tongues, the Grey glacier, and likely a rainbow over it. We can only say one thing: enjoy!

Grey Glacier

The second part of this stage begins with the descent from Gardner Pass to the trail that runs near the glacier. This section is especially difficult both for the slope and the type of terrain: stone and a lot of aerial roots that slow you down and force you to be very aware of the path. 

This second part ends with the arrival at a CONAF camp known as "El Paso" where many travelers take the opportunity to eat a lunch box.

Grey Sector

The third part of this stage will follow, always with the Grey glacier on your right, giving you spectacular views. In addition to the views and the fact that it is flat, what you will enjoy most in this section are the 3 suspension bridges that you will cross to finally reach the Grey Sector. The perfect moment to have a drink at the large bar or terrace.

Activity on Grey Glacier

As always happens in the great circuit of Torres del Paine, after a difficult stage comes a much easier one. The route between the Grey and Paine Grande Sectors is especially easy, in fact, many travelers take the opportunity to do one of the two optional activities that can be done on the glacier: kayaking or hiking on the ice. 

These activities are done during the morning, as the route that day will only take you between 3 and 4 hours, so you will have time for everything. It is an impressive experience to be able to kayak near the glacier, surrounded by small icebergs, or walk with crampons on the Grey Glacier itself.

👉This activity is not included in the price, if you want to do it you just have to select it as an extra during the booking process.

Trekking in the Paine Grande Sector

The route itself will be short, only 6.83 mi. (11 km.) It will start with a flat stretch and will be gradually followed by a climb of about 656 feet (200 m) of elevation gain in which the forest will open up. It will end with a descent to reach the Paine Grande Sector. 

The most beautiful thing about this day will be that the views are incredible on both sides. On your right, you will be accompanied by Lake Grey with the glacier in the background, from which you will gradually move away. To your left, you will have the Paine Massif with the Cerro Paine Grande, the highest peak with more than 9185 feet (2800 m) of altitude.

Lake Pehoé - Paine Grande Sector

In the last stretch, already downhill, the trail will separate from Grey Lake and head towards the Paine Grande Sector, located right in front of Pehoé Lake. This sector is one of the largest in the park. It has a large, well-equipped refuge and a bar that is usually one of the liveliest.

To be taken into account

To understand this route we must clarify that there is a part of it that is optional. The section that ascends to the French or British viewpoints can not be done if you do not consider it appropriate and go straight to your accommodation, subtracting 8 mi (13 km.) from the route and almost all the slope.

On the other hand, the assigned accommodation can be located in Francés Sector in Cuernos, which is 2.48 mi. (4 km.) away from each other. Now, let's get started!

Route to Campamento Italiano

This route can be divided into 3 parts. The first will be a 5.59 mi. (9 km.) stretch of almost no slope until you reach a CONAF camp (park rangers) known as the Italian camp. Shortly before arriving, you will find the intersection that takes you directly to Francés or Cuernos. However, it is worth the effort to climb at least to the French viewpoint. If you take the road up to the viewpoints you will soon arrive at Campamento Italiano, where we recommend you take advantage of the nursery to leave your backpack, take only a small backpack for water, snacks, and something warm, and thus climb lighter.

💬 Nursery “Guarderia”

The nurseries or guarderias in Torres del Paine are located at strategic points along the route and are places where you can leave your backpack so as not to carry it and pick it up on your return since the road will pass through the same point again.

French and Birtanic viewpoints

The second part of this stage begins, crossing the French valley to reach in just 1.55 mi. (2.5 km.), with 984 ft. (300 m.) of elevation gain, to its viewpoint overlooking Mount Paine Grande and its hanging glaciers. If you are lucky, you will even hear some cracking of the ice as it breaks off. 

This second stage continues with the ascent to the British viewpoint: 2.48 mi. (4 km.) with 918 ft. (280 m) of elevation gain. Finally reaching the viewpoint, where large rocks crowded together serve as a lookout with a panoramic view of 360 degrees. Just look at the photo, it speaks for itself...

Return to Francés Sector - Cuernos

You will start your descent along the same path. When you arrive at the Italian hut to pick up your backpack, you will see that the travelers who have not had lunch at the viewpoints do it in this place. From here you will continue about 1.55 mi. (2.5 km.) to the Francés Sector and 2.48 mi. (4 km.) more, walking along the Nordenskjold Nordenskjöld Lake and even its beaches, if your assigned accommodation is Cuernos.

☝ Accommodations Francés Sector - Cuernos Sector

Both Francés and Cuernos are sectors with the smallest and coziest accommodations in the park, as they are not easily accessible. The Chileno Sector is assigned when the Francés Sector is full, especially if you are traveling in high season. The Chileno Sector only has camping and has an additional cost.

Francés Sector - Cuernos

As we have already said, after a hard day comes a softer day. So you can take this day easy. It is an easy route, with only a small initial slope of 655 ft. (200 m) when leaving the Cuernos Sector. 

The rest of the day is very flat until you reach the small descent that takes you to the Central Sector. Enjoy the day and the views of the Cuernos del Paine on one side and the Nordenskjöld Lake on the other.

Central Sector

When you reach the Central Sector you will notice that both the campsite and the refuge are larger, similar to the Paine Grande Sector. Both sectors are the entrance gates to the park. You will have the chance to meet many travelers, enjoy the large common areas, and of course, once again, one of the liveliest bars on the route.

Ascencio River Valley - Paso de los Vientos

This is undoubtedly the most popular route in Torres del Paine. We divide it into 3 sections. During the first 1.25 miles (2km) you will walk with little elevation gain, and cross the river valley. During the next 1.86 mi. (3 km.) you will ascend along a path without the lodge of trees to the Paso de los Vientos and its panoramic views.

Lenga Forest - La Morrena

The next 2.48 mi. (4 km.) will be a stretch with very little slope, you will pass in front of the Chileno Sector and little by little you will enter the Lenga Forest until you reach the Moraine. An area of large boulders that we consider the beginning of the third section and the most difficult and technical of the day.

Base Torres Viewpoint

For almost 1.24 mi. (2 km.) you will have to find your way between the large blocks of rock that are on the slope, a stretch with quite a slope that will take you to the reward: The Base Torres viewpoint. Its glacier lake is crowned by the three granite towers that give the park its name. Relax, take a few pictures, have lunch with the best views, and of course, enjoy!

Return to Central Sector

Start your way back by walking along the same trail that has led you to the most iconic views of the park. When you arrive at your lodging in Sector Central or Chileno, you will take your backpack to the Welcome Center. Here, you will take the minibus that will take you to the park entrance, Portería Laguna Amarga. From there, you will take the bus to Puerto Natales at approximately 21:30, ending this incredible adventure in the O Circuit Patagonia.