Chile

Torres del Paine O Circuit Self Guided

Hike the Paine Massif Circuit on an organized 7-day self-guided trip. Enjoy the best of Torres del Paine, including the breathtaking views at Dickson, the dreamy forest in Valle Los Perros, the singular Los Perros Glacier, and the mythical John Garner Pass.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park - Base Torres viewpoint

At 7:00 AM, leave for Torres del Paine National Park by regular bus.

Arrive at the main entrance of the park, where you register with Conaf (park rangers). Then, take the park transfer called “Transporte Las Torres” to the Welcome Center, and register in the Cerro Paine Reserve.

After checking in, begin your first walk to the Base Torres Viewpoint. The walk begins through the Ascencio Valley, which meanders through windswept hills and huge forests.

During the final ascent, you cross an immense rocky terrain to reach one of the most emblematic landscapes in the world, the Base of Las Torres.

At a height of 900m, you'll marvel at the sheer granite walls of the towers (north, central, south) and the brilliant turquoise glacial lagoon. Take pictures and eat lunch before heading downhill to the Central Refuge.

Distance: 14 miles / Time: 8-10hrs / Difficulty level: Difficult / Accommodation: Camping Central / Meals: Box lunch & dinner.

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Considered one of the easier hiking days in the Circuit, the trail to Serón offers many amazing landscapes, showing off the untamed side of Torres del Paine Park.

The trails go through a vibrant green carpet of trees, continuing along a pleasant slope that descends towards an endless pasture. From there, it's a relatively flat path alongside crystal clear streams towards the Serón campsite.

After settling at the campsite, there's a bit of time to enjoy the immense size of the land before dinner, which is served in the small but cozy dining room of Serón.

Distance: 5.6 miles / Time: 4-5hrs / Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate / Accommodation: Camping Serón / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner.

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Today's hike begins through undulating hills and humid swamps into the interior of the park. Snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, and vast expanses of grassland provide the backdrop as you explore the north side of the park. You'll also get amazing and imposing views of the Dickson Glacier, Cerro Cubo, and other rugged peaks that mark the border between Chile and Argentina.

Once you reach the Dickson area, you check-in. During the afternoon, take a walk along the rocky shore of Lake Dickson before a delicious dinner at the Refuge.

Distance: 11 miles / Time: 6-7hrs / Difficulty level: Moderate / Accommodation: Camping Dickson / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner.

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Today's hike takes place in the most remote area of the park, amid lush green vegetation. Feel the wind blowing through the bushes and listen to the pleasant sound of the Magellanic woodpeckers as you walk.

Bordering the Los Perros River, you go up a large moraine. Expect to be speechless when you see another picturesque mountain as a backdrop—the wonderful Los Perros Glacier and its greenish-blue lagoon.

Continue along a rocky path before reaching the Los Perros campsite, where you overnight. Rest well tonight—the next day is a long one.

Distance: 5.6 miles / Time: 5hrs / Difficulty level: Moderate / Accommodation: Camping Los Perros / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner.

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Take a breath and prepare for the most demanding and rewarding day of the Paine Circuit.

After early morning breakfast at the campsite, make your way through gnarled tree roots and large mud puddles under the green canopy of the trees. Leave the forest and begin to ascend through worn and loose rocks (sometimes snow) until reaching the highest point in the Paine Circuit, the famous John Gardner Pass (1,200m). Wrapped by the strong Patagonian winds, you´ll be impressed with the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and its marvelous resplendent carpet.

Your descent is alongside a giant wall of ice, with the trail continuing through Camping El Paso. Cross the exciting suspension bridges before arriving at the Grey Shelter for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Distance: 14 miles / Time: 10-12hrs / Difficulty level: Difficult / Accommodation: Camping Grey / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner.

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Enjoy breakfast at the Grey Refuge before experiencing more spectacular landscape views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the icebergs of Grey Lake.

Continue to ascend through a mountainous forest until reaching the sometimes (very) windy viewpoint of the Grey Glacier. Keep going until you reach the Laguna de Los Patos, where you begin the descent through a narrow and windy valley that takes you directly to the Paine Grande Refuge.

*To kayak to Grey Glacier or Ice Hike (extra activities), message your Host after booking.

Distance: 7 miles / Time: 4-4.5hrs / Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate / Accommodation: Paine Grande Camping / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner.

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Start early for a whole day of walking towards the heart of Torres del Paine Park. It's a day of landscape views of the jagged mountains of Patagonia.

You walk through the arid landscape and along the shore of the wonderful blue waters of Lake Skottsberg. After approximately 2.5hrs, you´ll arrive at the El Italiano campsite, where the ascent towards the Valley begins.

Climb through the immense rocky terrain and follow the edge of the treetops until reaching the Plató (French lookout). The reward is the impressive landscapes of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and great hanging glaciers that fall in the form of waterfalls on the east face of Paine Grande (3,050m). If lucky, you´ll hear the roar of falling water and ice; it´s a point where avalanches can commonly be seen.

Take your lunch and some pictures before descending and starting the return to the Paine Grande Refuge. Then, board the Catamaran Hielos Patagónicos for the trip back to Puerto Natales.

*It's important to calculate your hiking time correctly to catch the Catamaran. You need to be there 30mins before the boat's departure at 6:30 PM.

Distance: 12.5 miles / Time: French Lookout: 6-7hrs / Difficulty level: Demanding / Meals: Breakfast & box lunch.

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What's Included

Included
  • Briefing talk.
  • 7 days & 6 nights of camping accommodation.
  • Pitched tent, sleeping bag & mat in each camp.
  • Ticket for the catamaran.
  • Regular return transport from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine.
  • Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine Park.
  • Connection transport between Laguna Amarga & Sector Las Torres.
  • Meals on full board.
Not Included
  • Accommodation in Puerto Natales.
  • Drinks during the trip.
  • Travel & accident insurance.
  • Flights.
  • Ice Hike (US$264).
  • Kayak Grey Lake (US$187).
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

FAQs

Before you go

Once you've booked your space, your local Host will send you a complete list of all the necessary equipment.

To complete the O Circuit in Torres del Paine, it's necessary to prepare and have a good level of fitness. Although the hike doesn't involve any specific technical aspects (river crossings, glacier crossings, climbing, etc.), it's considered demanding due to the weather conditions in the area, the long distances (an average of 9 miles per day), and the weight you have to carry for several days. It's physically exhausting! Prepare both physically and mentally.

Ice hiking or kayaking among the icebergs at Glacier Grey is highly recommended! After booking, message your Host from your dashboard to add extra activities.

The price of this program is based on double occupancy (two people sharing a tent). If you're traveling alone, you'll need to pay a single supplement of an additional US$389. If your program falls on Christmas or New Year, there is an additional supplement of US$95 for a special dinner.

On your trip

This program is self-guided, so you will walk individually and autonomously along the park's trails. This does not mean you will be alone. There are always people on the circuits, and all the park's trails are properly marked. Additionally, the day before starting the circuit, you will receive a technical briefing where we will provide you with all the necessary documents and a detailed explanation of the park and your program's route.

Yes, you do need to carry all of your own kit on this trip - there is no porter and no luggage transportation. Every night you stay at a different campsite, so it's not possible to leave your stuff in camp either. Note that you only need to carry your personal belongings, clothing, lunch, snacks, and water (see packing list). The local Hosts will set up camp for you every night and provide a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat. They also provide all your meals each day.

- Breakfast consists of coffee, tea, milk, bread, eggs, cheese, ham, jam, juice, and fruit. - The box lunch is typically a cold sandwich with a cereal bar, chocolate bar, dried fruits, and fruit. - Dinner is a set menu with an appetizer, main course, dessert, and water. Important: All meals are prepared in the kitchens of the shelters located in each campsite, following all the standards required by the Ministry of Health of Chile.

The programs are between the months of November to March. This is when the wind blows strongly in Patagonia, leading to very changeable days where you can experience all four seasons in one day. In a single day, there can be sun, clouds, rain, snowstorms, and wind. Therefore, we recommend always being prepared for any type of weather. It's important to always protect yourself from solar radiation with sunscreen, clothing, and sunglasses.

Day 1: Meet at 7:00 AM at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal (arrive at least 10mins before at the bus terminal). Day 7: Arrive at 9:00 PM at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal.

Yes, along all the trails you will have access to drinkable water, which comes from the park's natural springs. IMPORTANT: Pay attention to signs of farm animals (e.g., horses) that could contaminate some areas.

Yes, in the common areas of the refuges there are outlets to charge your electronic devices. Remember that in Chile, 220V and 2-pin are used. We recommend bringing a power strip to share the charge of devices with your friends.

Absolutely! Trekking poles are a fundamental tool for multi-day hikes. If you don't want to use them, don't use them, but take them with you for when you need them. *Trekking poles can be rented in Puerto Natales.

The campsites are generally associated with a shelter and a restaurant, where meals are prepared. They have bathrooms with hot water, internet, and grocery store.

The program based on camping includes: Pitched tent, sleeping bag, and mat in each camp (you don't carry the equipment).

In most of the circuit, there is no coverage. Only in some specific points of the park (which you will identify immediately), there might be some signal. However, all refuges offer satellite internet service for an additional cost, which can vary from CLP$ 10,000 for 1 hour, and is paid with a credit card.

The briefing talk takes place the day before you depart to Torres del Paine. You'll meet the local Hosts at their offices in Puerto Natales.

Other FAQs

The single supplement cost only applies to individuals traveling alone. It is a fee that you need to pay to use a double tent spot by yourself. Single supplement: US$389.

Yes, we sure do. You can join a small-group trek led by an expert local guide. Check out the trip link here: https://www.skyhookadventure.com/trips/guided-torres-del-paine-o-circuit

Yes! The base reservation is for camping, and after purchasing, you can upgrade to a Refuge (shared rooms, with sleeping bag and pillow). To do this, message your Host after booking from your Skyhook dashboard. *Important: Subject to availability.

The programs for the circuits in Torres del Paine are highly sought after and have limited spaces. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Availability changes minute by minute. Therefore, if you have availability one day, perhaps the next day you won't.

We offer menus adapted for vegetarians, vegans, or celiacs. If you have any food allergies, please indicate them in your Guest Trip Form after booking.

Your head guide is Matías

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Outdoor Index, based in Puerto Natales.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Matías