Torres del Paine O Circuit: The ultimate adventure
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PATAGONIA
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
A guide to the park’s most complete traverse
9 DAYS
Dare to conquer the O Circuit, the wildest and most complete trekking experience in Torres del Paine National Park. This challenging 93-kilometer route will take you through the remote and less traveled north face of the mountain range, and then connect with the iconic valleys of the famous W circuit. Prepare for a total immersion in Chilean
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
From Laguna Amarga to Serón Camp
Your adventure begins in Puerto Natales, from where you will travel about two hours to reach the Laguna Amarga sector of Torres del Paine National Park, where you can register and start the O Circuit.
Keep in mind that it is mandatory to have reservations for all campsites and refugios before entering the park, as you will not be allowed to start the route without them. After registering your entry at the CONAF gate and showing your reservations, you will be ready for the journey.
The first stage is a relatively gentle 4- to 5-hour walk through wind-swept pampas, bordering the Paine River. You will arrive at Serón Camp, your first refuge in nature, to rest and prepare for the trip.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
From Laguna Amarga to Serón Camp
Your adventure begins in Puerto Natales, from where you will travel about two hours to reach the Laguna Amarga sector of Torres del Paine National Park, where you can register and start the O Circuit.
Keep in mind that it is mandatory to have reservations for all campsites and refugios before entering the park, as you will not be allowed to start the route without them. After registering your entry at the CONAF gate and showing your reservations, you will be ready for the journey.
The first stage is a relatively gentle 4- to 5-hour walk through wind-swept pampas, bordering the Paine River. You will arrive at Serón Camp, your first refuge in nature, to rest and prepare for the trip.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Bordering Lake Dickson
From Serón, a longer 6- to 7-hour hike with constant ups and downs awaits you. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains become increasingly spectacular. The day ends when you reach Dickson Refuge, which is in a privileged position on the shores of the lake of the same name, with the glacier in the background.
Photo: Sernatur Magallanes
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Bordering Lake Dickson
From Serón, a longer 6- to 7-hour hike with constant ups and downs awaits you. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains become increasingly spectacular. The day ends when you reach Dickson Refuge, which is in a privileged position on the shores of the lake of the same name, with the glacier in the background.
Photo: Sernatur Magallanes
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 3
Towards Los Perros Glacier
This 4- to 5-hour stretch takes you into ancient Lenga forests. The route follows the Los Perros River until you reach the camp of the same name. A short distance away, you can visit the lagoon and the Los Perros Glacier, an impressive mass of ice that marks the prelude to the circuit’s greatest challenge. Finally, you will arrive at Los Perros Camp to rest before Day 4.
Photo: Sernatur Magallanes
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 3
Towards Los Perros Glacier
This 4- to 5-hour stretch takes you into ancient Lenga forests. The route follows the Los Perros River until you reach the camp of the same name. A short distance away, you can visit the lagoon and the Los Perros Glacier, an impressive mass of ice that marks the prelude to the circuit’s greatest challenge. Finally, you will arrive at Los Perros Camp to rest before Day 4.
Photo: Sernatur Magallanes
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 4
John Gardner Pass
Prepare for the toughest and most epic day of the circuit. A 10- to 12-hour day awaits you, beginning with a steep ascent through the forest and rocks to reach the John Gardner Pass, the highest point of the circuit at 1,200 meters above sea level.
The reward is an unforgettable and breathtaking view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Grey Glacier. The rest of the day is a long and steep descent to Grey Camp.
Photo: @pygmy_elephant
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 4
John Gardner Pass
Prepare for the toughest and most epic day of the circuit. A 10- to 12-hour day awaits you, beginning with a steep ascent through the forest and rocks to reach the John Gardner Pass, the highest point of the circuit at 1,200 meters above sea level.
The reward is an unforgettable and breathtaking view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Grey Glacier. The rest of the day is a long and steep descent to Grey Camp.
Photo: @pygmy_elephant
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 5
Resting next to the Grey Glacier
After the great effort, this day is shorter. A 3- to 4-hour hike awaits you, bordering Grey Lake, offering continuous views of the ice floes that break off from the glacier. You will arrive early at Paine Grande Refuge, which will give you time to rest and admire the imposing face of the Paine Massif.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 5
Resting next to the Grey Glacier
After the great effort, this day is shorter. A 3- to 4-hour hike awaits you, bordering Grey Lake, offering continuous views of the ice floes that break off from the glacier. You will arrive early at Paine Grande Refuge, which will give you time to rest and admire the imposing face of the Paine Massif.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 6
French Valley
From Paine Grande, you will walk to the Italian Camp for about two and a half hours. There, you will leave your large backpack to enter the French Valley with only the essentials. The ascent will take you between hanging glaciers and granite peaks, until you reach the British Viewpoint, considered by many to be the heart of the park. In total, it will be about 7 or 8 hours of trekking.
When you return to pick up your backpack, you will settle in to spend the night in the same Italian Camp or, if your reservation indicates, you will walk a little further to the French Camping or Dome for your accommodation.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 6
French Valley
From Paine Grande, you will walk to the Italian Camp for about two and a half hours. There, you will leave your large backpack to enter the French Valley with only the essentials. The ascent will take you between hanging glaciers and granite peaks, until you reach the British Viewpoint, considered by many to be the heart of the park. In total, it will be about 7 or 8 hours of trekking.
When you return to pick up your backpack, you will settle in to spend the night in the same Italian Camp or, if your reservation indicates, you will walk a little further to the French Camping or Dome for your accommodation.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 7
Cuernos del Paine
A short and beautiful 2- to 3-hour walk will take you from the French Valley sector to the Los Cuernos Refuge. Here the trail borders Lake Nordenskjöld, of an intense turquoise color, and is located just below the iconic Cuernos del Paine, being one of the most photographed points of the circuit.
Photo: @maurizio.derosa2
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 7
Cuernos del Paine
A short and beautiful 2- to 3-hour walk will take you from the French Valley sector to the Los Cuernos Refuge. Here the trail borders Lake Nordenskjöld, of an intense turquoise color, and is located just below the iconic Cuernos del Paine, being one of the most photographed points of the circuit.
Photo: @maurizio.derosa2
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 8
Towards the base of the final challenge
The penultimate day prepares you for the grand finale. A 4- to 5-hour hike will take you from Los Cuernos to Chileno Camp, ascending through the valley of the Ascencio River. This camp is the ideal starting point for the final ascent to the park’s most famous viewpoint.
Photo: Sernatur Magallanes
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 8
Towards the base of the final challenge
The penultimate day prepares you for the grand finale. A 4- to 5-hour hike will take you from Los Cuernos to Chileno Camp, ascending through the valley of the Ascencio River. This camp is the ideal starting point for the final ascent to the park’s most famous viewpoint.
Photo: Sernatur Magallanes
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 9
Base Torres Viewpoint
On the last day, you will culminate your adventure with the ascent to the Base Torres Viewpoint. From Chileno Camp, a two-hour hike will take you through the forest, the Torres Camp and a steep rocky moraine until you reach the foot of the granite towers. After enjoying the view, you will begin a four-hour descent to leave the park and return to Puerto Natales.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 9
Base Torres Viewpoint
On the last day, you will culminate your adventure with the ascent to the Base Torres Viewpoint. From Chileno Camp, a two-hour hike will take you through the forest, the Torres Camp and a steep rocky moraine until you reach the foot of the granite towers. After enjoying the view, you will begin a four-hour descent to leave the park and return to Puerto Natales.
What you should know
How to get there by air
You can fly to the Puerto Natales Aerodrome (PNT) or to the Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ), which has a higher frequency of flights. From Punta Arenas, it is 3 hours by bus or vehicle to Puerto Natales, the base city for exploring the park.
How to get there by land
From Puerto Natales, you must travel about 115 kilometers to the park entrance in Laguna Amarga. From there, a connecting bus will drop you off at the starting point of the trail. We recommend hiring a tour for a more relaxed trip.
Climate and clothing
The climate is extreme and unpredictable. It is mandatory to dress in layers (thermal, fleece, waterproof) and wear high-cut trekking shoes. Hat, gloves, sunscreen and glasses are essential at all times.
Must-Know Tips
It is essential to book all campsites and refugios well in advance, 6 months or more. You cannot do the circuit without reservations. It is a route of high physical demand that requires excellent condition and previous experience.
