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Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine

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Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine
From $2,195USDBook Now
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7 days from $2,195USD
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Paine Big Circuit 1
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Complete the best bits of the classic O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine. This 7-day, self-guided trekking tour is an entrancing experience in Chile’s most famous National Park. Trek more than 100 km surrounded by granite mountains and countless hanging glaciers.

As you hike at your own pace between base camps, you’ll witness spectacular views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, where mountains, lagoons, rivers, and endless panoramic landscapes abound. Experience the highlights of this world-class trekking paradise as you hike the French Valley, trek to the base of the Towers, ascend the John Garner Pass, and stand in awe of Grey Glacier. This is the trekking experience that should be on every backpackers bucket list!

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of hiking without a group and guide, as you set your own pace to experience the wonders of Patagonia over 7 incredible days.

Chile, South America
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Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine

Trek the famous O Circuit in Torres del Paine at your own pace
4.60
(73 reviews)
7 days from $2,195USD
Easy quote
Duration
7 days
Season
Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec
Activity
Trekking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Campsites, Refuges
Difficulty
Hard (4/5)
From $2,195USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
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Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Paine Big Circuit 1
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Complete the best bits of the classic O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine. This 7-day, self-guided trekking tour is an entrancing experience in Chile’s most famous National Park. Trek more than 100 km surrounded by granite mountains and countless hanging glaciers.

As you hike at your own pace between base camps, you’ll witness spectacular views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, where mountains, lagoons, rivers, and endless panoramic landscapes abound. Experience the highlights of this world-class trekking paradise as you hike the French Valley, trek to the base of the Towers, ascend the John Garner Pass, and stand in awe of Grey Glacier. This is the trekking experience that should be on every backpackers bucket list!

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of hiking without a group and guide, as you set your own pace to experience the wonders of Patagonia over 7 incredible days.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Discover the surreal landscapes of wild Patagonia as you hike surrounded by jaw dropping peaks and hanging glaciers.

Embark on backpacking adventure of a lifetime as you trek the famous circuit around the Paine Massif.

Take in the wonders of Lake Dickson, Glacier Los Perros, Grey Lake, the John Garner Pass, and so much more.

Recharge each night in cozy base camps, sleeping in tents or upgrading to refugios.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine and Hike to the Towers Lookout
The adventure begins right away this morning as you head to the bus terminal in Puerto Natales at 6:45 am sharp. From here, you’ll whiz past peaceful landscapes covered in flat pampas and dotted with authentic estancias as you transfer to Torres del Paine National Park (2 hours). Keep your eyes peeled during the ride, as you’ll have the chance to spot Chilean pink flamingos and black-necked swans along the way. On arrival at Laguna Amaraga, you’ll show your park pass to board a shuttle to Refugio Las Torres. Following your arrival at Refugio Torres, you’ll suit up and prepare to embark on the first highlight of this magical trek – the hike to the Three Towers Lookout! Grabbing your box lunch and leaving your pack at the camp, you’ll trace the Ascencio River, heading down into the valley to. Continuing the trail, you’ll hike through rich beech forests to finally ascend the impressive moraine which leads to the world-famous look out point. Stand in awe as you look out over the towers from 900 m above sea level. Enjoy lunch here and of course lots of photos before descending the same path back to the refugio where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and a good night’s rest.
Distance 8-10 hours, 22km
Overnight Location Campsite or Refuge at Torres
Included Meals Lunch, dinner
Day 2
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Trek Lush Beech Forests from Las Torres to Serón
Enjoy breakfast at Refugio and request your packed lunch before setting out for the day. Your path takes you through a very old forest of beech trees where you may hear woodpeckers or find fresh puma tracks. Today’s 9 km hike (5.6 miles) is the Circuit’s easiest and takes you along a well-marked, slightly sloping trail. Along the way, an exceptional view of Paine Chico Mountain will accompany you. Your destination is Serón Campsite, where you’ll set up camp and enjoy a replenishing dinner.
Distance 4-5 hours, 9 km
Overnight Location Serón Campsite
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3
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Peaks and Wildflowers on the trek to Dickson
Depending on the season, today’s leg shows off the Park’s gorgeous floral delights, as orchids, calceolarias, violets, and oxalis flower. Circling Paine Lake, several impressive mountain views will appear, such as Cerro Escudo and Cerro Cabeza del Indio (in which the profile of an Indian is seen as if carved into the rocks). At the beginning of the Paine River, you’ll see the curved peak of Cerro Cubo, as well as Lake Dickson (a lake straddling Chile and Argentina). Tonight, you’ll set up camp at Dickson Campsite.
Distance 6-7 hours, 18.5 km
Overnight Location Dickson Campsite or Refuge
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4
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Trek Dickson to Los Perros
Today is a day to please your senses, filled with beautiful sights and textures. Often touted as one of the most beautiful sections of this wilder side of Torres del Paine, you’ll hike through ancient beech forests, wander undulating trails, and follow Los Perros River. Mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation will never be far away, as the trail crosses the river via a suspension bridge and arrives at the base of a second terminal moraine; this time belonging to Glacier Los Perros, a hanging glacier that feeds the crystalline lagoon at its base. A final half-hour hike takes you to today’s destination, Los Perros Campsite. Tonight’s campsite is the only one along the Circuit without hot showers and standard bathroom facilities such as flushing toilets.
Distance 5 hours, 9 km
Overnight Location Los Perros Campsite
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5
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Trek Los Perros to Grey via the Famous John Garner Pass
The most strenuous day of the Paine Circuit has arrived, bringing demanding trails and variable weather conditions. Of course, your efforts will be more than rewarded with some of Torres del Paine’s most heart-stirring landscapes, experienced by very few visitors to Torres del Paine. You’ll begin along a clear trail through forests, then make your way through a swamp-like section before beginning your ascent to the John Garner Pass. At this Pass, 1,200 meters (3,937 ft.) above sea level, Patagonia’s famous winds are strong, and the views across Grey Glacier and of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field’s still unexplored peaks are astonishing. The trail now takes you alongside the glacier, ascending and descending through forests of fallen trees and beneath the imposing, almost muscular granite walls of Cordon Olguín. As you come closer to Grey Glacier, you may see an ice calving (where chunks of ice break off a glacier’s edge). Tonight, you’ll recharge at Grey Campsite.
Distance 10-11 hours, 22 km
Overnight Location Grey Campsite or Refuge
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6
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Grey to Paine Grande with Optional Ice Hike or Kayak
Your morning begins slowly, resting and stretching around camp. Depending on your energy levels, you can choose from several options this morning. Walk to the Grey Glacier’s lookout point and watch for ice calvings on its massive walls; complete an ice hike with the aid of crampons; or kayak on Grey Lake, paddling around icebergs and in front of the glacier. Later, you’ll have lunch at the Refugio and hike to Pehoe Lake. (Ice hike and kayaking expedition at an additional fee, advance booking required, please inquire for more info).
Distance 3.5 hours, 11 km
Overnight Location Paine Grande Campsite or Refuge
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7
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Trek the French Valley and Bus to Puerto Natales
Today’s destination, the French Valley, is a spectacular natural basin surrounded by peaks and hanging glaciers. This is a return hike, so you will be able to leave your pack behind and trek lightly. You start by walking around Paine Grande, the highest peak in Torres del Paine, through native Patagonian firebush and evergreen beech forests. At the suspension bridge over the French River, the arresting hanging glacier atop the valley will come into sight. From here, you’ll walk for another hour, ascending 300m (984 ft.) through a dreamlike Japanese garden landscape before arriving at the lookout point (the “Plateau”). Your reward is a heart-stirring bird’s-eye view of granite peaks and hanging glaciers. To one side, the French Glacier and Paine Grande (3050 m); while to the other, La Espada, La Hoja, La Máscara, and the main and north “horns” of Los Cuernos arch upwards. In the upper section of the Valley, Cerro Catedral and Cerro Fortaleza loom like turrets above the landscape. Take your time to have lunch at the viewpoint, surrounded by these imposing peaks and open skies. Your return hike is along the same track, and the catamaran will take you back across Pehoe Lake to meet your Bus, that will take you safely back to Puerto Natales.
Distance 7-8 hours, 17 km
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch

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Dates and prices

This guided trekking tour in Torres del Paine National is run either as a private tour for your group only, or you can join a fixed-departure group to make new friends and save on tour costs. The price also depends on whether you choose to stay in campsites, or upgrade to mountain huts.

  • Group of 2+: $2,195USD per person

Please note that the departure dates are on request.

Payment Terms:

  • Full payment will be required 90 days before the departure
What’s included

Meals

6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights are included (fully-equipped premium camping or upgrade to refugios where available).

Transportation during the Tour

All public transportation according to the itinerary. This includes the shuttle between Laguna Amarga and Refugio Las Torres as well as the catamaran to cross Lake Pehoe. You can also upgrade to private shuttles.

Also Included

  • 4 Season Tent (double occupancy)
  • Entrance Fee to Torres del Paine National Park
  • Maps and trail navigation information

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas if required
  • Accommodations before and after the trek in Puerto Natales
  • Sleeping Bag and Mat
  • Ice Hike or kayak activity on days 4 and/or 5
  • Any alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks at the refugios except for the drinks Included in the menu
  • Porters to carry personal belongings (can be booked on request)
  • Guide services

Optional Extras

  • Upgrade to refugios where available
  • Private shuttle transporation
  • Pre or post trek nights in Puerto Natales
  • Trekking poles
  • Private porter to carry your personal belongings

Accommodation for Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine

This tour provides two options for accommodation during the trek: either campgrounds or refuges. Campsites on this trip are located in the Torres del Paine National Park, and each campsite provides tents, mats, and sleeping bags. Refuges are located in the same campground territories and offer shared dormitory-style spaces. Please note, not all overnight locations are bookable in refuges.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Non-Standard Cancellation

  • 73 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 20% of the total trip cost.
  • Between 54 and 72 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 60% of the total trip cost.
  • 53 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine?

We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour requires continuous days of trekking long distances over challenging terrain and climbing to high altitudes. You stay in basic campsite accommodations, which may not be suitable for some travellers.

Do I need a visa to travel to Chile?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine?

6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.

When is the best time to travel to Patagonia for this trek?

The best time to travel to Patagonia for this tour is November to March.

Can I bring my own tent?

You cannot bring your own tent as the campsites already have the tents set up.

Do I need camping gear for this tour?

Double tents are provided but you need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat.

How do I get to Puerto Natales to start this tour?

Fly into Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) in Puerto Natales to start this tour. A driver will greet you at the airport to take you to your hotel.

Is the Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine in English?

Yes, the self-guided tour materials are provided in English.

Where does the Self-Guided O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine end?

The tour ends upon your return to Puerto Natales where you can book overnight accommodations or continue your journey with onward travel.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Chile?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Chile?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

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