O Trek Patagonia: 9-Day Guided Torres del Paine O Circuit
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TripsChilePatagonia

O Trek Patagonia: 9-Day Guided Torres del Paine O Circuit

Chile
8 Nights·9 Days
PatagoniaCamping & Wild Camping

Overview

The O Trek in Patagonia is a complete 9-day guided circuit that spans 124.1 km around the Paine Massif in Chile. This immersive journey leads hikers through remote environments, introducing them to natural landmarks early on the route, including the serene Lake Paine and Paine River viewpoints, eventually arriving at the beautiful Los Perros Glacier.

Trekkers also ascend to the John Gardner Pass, at an altitude of 1,364 meters. From this elevation, the path descends toward the massive Grey Glacier and the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoé. The trail then weaves through the heart of the massif into the French Valley, passing the dramatic granite peaks of Los Cuernos and the winding shoreline of Lake Nordenskjöld. Finally, the circuit culminates with a steep climb up a rocky moraine to the iconic Base of the Towers.

The tour’s accommodation model unites a deep immersion in wild nature with well-deserved comfort. Hikers spend the first six nights in reserved campsites, resting in fully equipped tents while a dedicated team of porters transports the heavy gear between stops. The adventure concludes with two nights at EcoCamp Patagonia, an eco-friendly retreat located directly at the foot of the Towers, the first geodesic hotel in the world.

  • Full itinerary: the complete Torres del Paine O Circuit on foot, with the Paine River and Lake Paine viewpoint, Dickson Lake, the Los Perros Glacier viewpoint, John Gardner Pass, Grey Glacier, Lake Pehoé, the French Valley (and the Británico Lookout, conditions permitting), Los Cuernos, Lake Nordenskjöld, and the Base of the Towers.
  • Cross John Gardner Pass at 1,364 m (4,475 ft) and look down on Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
  • Hike the quiet back side of the park, through lenga forest and open valleys along the Paine and Los Perros rivers, where the W Trek never goes.
  • Finish with 2 nights in a heated dome at EcoCamp Patagonia, a camp that draws about 90% of its energy from solar panels and micro-hydro turbines.
  • Reach the Base of the Towers on Day 8 (three granite spires above a turquoise glacial lake).
  • Activities guided by English- and Spanish-speaking trekking guides, with 1 guide for every 6 hikers.
  • All-inclusive experience: transfers to and from Torres del Paine, 6 nights camping with all sleeping gear, 2 nights at EcoCamp Patagonia, meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 9 box lunch, the national park entrance fee, porters, and trekking guides.

  • Please note: Patagonian weather can turn within the hour. Your guide may change the order of the days, shorten a stage, or skip a section for safety, and always decides on the spot whether conditions allow each climb.

Itinerary

Day 1

Puerto Natales / Briefing at EcoCamp Patagonia / Hike to Serón

  • TransferPuerto Natales → EcoCamp Patagonia · 123 km · ~1h50
  • TrekEcoCamp Patagonia → Serón · 13 km (8 mi) · 4 h · +386 m (1,266 ft)
  • OvernightCamping at Serón

Your O Trek Patagonia adventure starts on a Wednesday morning in Puerto Natales, where you spent the night before. A minivan drives you into Torres del Paine to EcoCamp Patagonia for lunch and a detailed briefing. Here the guides hand out two 15 L dry bags and show you how to pack them for the days ahead. The rest of your luggage stays at the camp until Day 7.

In the afternoon, set off on foot from the camp across the Patagonian steppe, over rolling hills and patches of native forest, toward Camp Serón. The highest point of the day is only 392 m—an easy warm-up for the week. On the way, get your first views of the remote back side of the Paine Massif.

Meals included: Lunch / Dinner

Wide valley view on the O trek in Patagonia showing sharp granite spires rising behind rolling autumn-toned lenga forest, with snow-capped peaks and a glacier visible to the left under a blue sky streaked with cirrus clouds
Colorful dome tents scattered across a dry grassland campsite on the o trek in patagonia, with warm pink and orange clouds streaking above a range of rounded mountains at dusk

Day 2

Paine River / Lake Paine Viewpoint / Dickson

  • TrekSerón → Dickson · 18.7 km (11.6 mi) · 5.5 h · +622 m (2,040 ft)
  • ViewpointLake Paine
  • OvernightCamping at Dickson

The Torres del Paine circuit heads into its northern side. The trail follows the Paine River through broad valleys and open grassland, with a stop at a natural viewpoint over Lake Paine.

The day ends in the Dickson Valley. The campsite sits beside Lake Dickson, ringed by snow-capped peaks and native forest, with views toward Dickson Glacier, considered by many as one of the finest camping spots in the area.

Meals included: Breakfast / Box lunch / Dinner

Two backpackers with large packs walk along a wooden boardwalk trail through lenga shrubland on the o trek in patagonia, with snow-dusted granite peaks and rolling mountains rising under a cloudy sky
A calm glacial lake reflects grey skies in front of a massive snow-capped peak streaked with rust-red and green lenga forest, with a small cluster of wooden lodge buildings nestled on a forested peninsula — a scene from the o trek in patagonia's remote northern circuit.

Day 3

Los Perros River / Los Perros Glacier Viewpoint / Los Perros Camp

  • TrekDickson → Los Perros · 12.9 km (8.0 mi) · 5 h · +373 m (1,224 ft)
  • Glacier viewpointLos Perros Glacier and its small glacial lake
  • OvernightCamping at Los Perros

This is one of the wildest sections of the O Trek. Follow the Los Perros River through native lenga forest, the southern beech that covers the slopes of the park, and climb gently to a maximum of 584 m.

Before camp, stop at the Los Perros Glacier viewpoint, where the ice ends in a small glacial lake. Los Perros is the most isolated campsite of the trek, with basic mountain facilities and cold-water showers.

Meals included: Breakfast / Box lunch / Dinner

A lone hiker with a backpack stands at the rocky shore of a milky green glacial lake on the o trek in patagonia, facing a glacier that descends between dark, cloud-wrapped mountains
A blue glacier tongue descends between rocky Patagonian peaks on the o trek patagonia, framed by a small autumn-red lenga beech shrub and a boulder-strewn valley floor under a partly cloudy blue sky
A powerful waterfall cascades over dark rocks into a churning glacial river on the o trek in patagonia, flanked by lenga beech trees showing early autumn colour

Day 4

John Gardner Pass / Grey Glacier Views / Grey Camp

  • Early startBefore sunrise, for the pass
  • John Gardner PassHighest point · 1,364 m (4,475 ft) · +984 m (3,228 ft)
  • TrekLos Perros → Grey · 17.3 km (10.7 mi) · 12 h

The longest and most demanding day of the Paine Circuit. Set off before sunrise to climb to John Gardner Pass, the highest point of the loop at 1,364 m. From the top, the view opens over Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

The descent runs down steep forested slopes and panoramic trails, with the glacier below you most of the way. The stage ends near the shore of Lake Grey, after around 12 hours on the trail.

Meals included: Breakfast / Box lunch / Dinner

A lone hiker stands on a rocky moraine in front of a vast glacial ice field on the O trek in Patagonia, with a blue glacier tongue and snow-dusted peaks rising behind
Two trekkers with heavy packs pick their way up a snow-dusted boulder field on the o trek in patagonia, with a thin waterfall threading down the rocky gully and a jagged summit ridge rising into a pale grey sky above

Day 5

Grey Glacier Viewpoints / Lake Grey / Paine Grande

  • ViewpointsGrey Glacier · Icebergs near the shore
  • TrekGrey → Paine Grande · 11 km (6.8 mi) · 5 h · +243 m (797 ft)
  • OptionalGrey Glacier kayaking · ~2.5 h · Extra cost

Spend time at the Grey Glacier viewpoints near camp, where icebergs often drift close to the shore. If you booked the optional kayak outing, paddle among floating icebergs toward the glacier’s eastern side from about 8 AM.

Later, hike south along Lake Grey and join the classic W Trek trail, with fewer climbs and a shorter distance than Day 4. Finish at Paine Grande, on the turquoise water of Lake Pehoé.

Meals included: Breakfast / Box lunch / Dinner

Two travellers standing at the base of a massive blue iceberg on the o trek patagonia route, with snow-streaked Andean peaks rising through cloud in the background
Three kayakers in orange and red kayaks paddle across a glacial lake on the o trek in patagonia, with a large blue iceberg and rugged mountain slopes visible behind them
A vivid blue iceberg floats on a calm glacial lake at sunset during the o trek in patagonia, with a large glacier face stretching to the left and snow-dusted rocky peaks glowing amber under orange-tinged clouds

Day 6

French Valley / Británico Lookout / Francés or Los Cuernos

  • TrekPaine Grande → French Valley → Francés or Los Cuernos · 13.2 km (8.2 mi), up to 20 km (12.4 mi) · 8 h
  • ClimbFrench Glacier viewpoint · +753 m (2,470 ft) · max 800 m (2,624 ft)
  • OvernightCamping at Francés or Los Cuernos

Day 6 of the O Trek in Patagonia takes you into the French Valley, the heart of the Paine Massif. After roughly 7 km (4.3 mi), the trail turns steeper toward the French Glacier viewpoint, between hanging glaciers and granite walls. Look for the rock formations named Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), and Espada (Sword).

How far the group climbs depends on the weather, the time, and everyone’s energy. If your guide judges the conditions right, you continue to the Británico Lookout, which takes the day to 20 km. Then, descend to camp at Francés or Los Cuernos.

Meals included: Breakfast / Box lunch / Dinner

Snow and glacier ice cling to steep dark granite peaks on the o trek in patagonia, framed by green lenga beech trees in the foreground under a blue sky
A hiker with a large red backpack and blue jacket walks a rocky trail on the o trek in patagonia, surrounded by golden autumn lenga beech trees and jagged snow-dusted peaks rising into a partly cloudy sky
A rooftop-style tent on a raised platform with a ladder, set among bare-branched lenga trees on the O trek in Patagonia, the forest floor carpeted with autumn leaves

Day 7

Los Cuernos / Lake Nordenskjöld / EcoCamp Patagonia

  • TrekLos Cuernos → EcoCamp Patagonia · 16 km (9.9 mi) · 7 h · +181 m (594 ft)
  • Lakeside trailLake Nordenskjöld
  • OvernightStandard Dome at EcoCamp Patagonia

A less strenuous day on rolling ground. Following the shoreline of Lake Nordenskjöld, the Cuernos path offers a gentler hike. Towering above the water, the Paine Massif reveals the iconic Cuernos, with its dark slate horns cresting dramatic grey granite peaks.

There is time to contemplate the flowers, birds, and lake views, as well as have lunch on the trail. In the afternoon, reach EcoCamp Patagonia, where a welcome drink, appetizers, and a three-course dinner await. After 6 nights in tents, it’s time to sleep in a heated dome and join the evening activities in the camp’s bar and yoga dome.

Meals included: Breakfast / Box lunch / Dinner

Illuminated geodesic welcome dome at EcoCamp Patagonia with the granite towers of Torres del Paine glowing deep orange at sunset behind snow-dusted peaks, part of the O trek in Patagonia
Dense lenga beech forest covering a steep hillside in full autumn colour, ranging from gold to deep rust, with a snow-dusted rocky peak rising above the treeline under a clear blue sky on the o trek patagonia circuit
A narrow dirt trail winds through low Patagonian scrubland along the o trek patagonia route, with a turquoise glacial lake visible to the left and massive snow-dusted granite peaks rising into cloud above

Day 8

Ascencio Valley / Base of the Towers

  • TrekEcoCamp Patagonia ⇄ Base of the Towers · 22 km (13.7 mi) · 9 h
  • Climb+1,023 m (3,356 ft) · max 897 m (2,943 ft) · Steep final moraine
  • PicnicAt the Towers viewpoint · Farewell dinner at camp

The last trekking day of the O Trek in Torres del Paine climbs to its most famous view. Walk up the Ascencio Valley, past mountain streams, lenga forest, and ridgelines, then tackle the steep final moraine, a huge slope of boulders.

At the top stand the three granite Towers above a turquoise glacial lake—the remains of a great cirque carved away by glacial ice. Have a picnic and time at the viewpoint, then return on the same trail to EcoCamp Patagonia for a farewell dinner with the team.

Meals included: Breakfast / Picnic lunch / Dinner

A large group of hikers posing on rocky moraine beside a turquoise glacial lake at the Base of the Towers, with the iconic granite spires of Torres del Paine rising sharply against a clear blue sky on the o trek patagonia circuit
Fiery red and orange lenga beech trees in autumn colour blanketing a rocky slope on the o trek in patagonia, with jagged granite peaks partially veiled in cloud rising above the scree
A lone hiker walks a gravel trail above a glacial valley on the O trek in Patagonia, with lenga beech trees blazing orange and red in autumn, a rushing stream below, and snow-capped peaks under heavy cloud in the distance

Day 9

EcoCamp Patagonia / Transfer to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas

  • TransferEcoCamp Patagonia → Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas · Leaves 7:30–9:30 AM
  • DeparturePunta Arenas airport (PUQ) · ~1–1:30 PM
  • OptionEl Calafate (Argentina) · Leaves 6:15–6:45 AM

After breakfast, the regular transfer leaves the park with a box lunch. It reaches Puerto Natales airport (PNT) between 9:30 and 11:30 AM, Puerto Natales hotels between 10 and 12 AM, and Punta Arenas airport (PUQ) between 1 and 1:30 PM. The O Trek in Patagonia officially ends on arrival.

If you continue to Argentina, transport to El Calafate can be arranged: an early pickup at camp, a tourist bus, and a shared van, arriving between 2 and 2:30 PM.

Meals included: Breakfast / Box lunch

Two geodesic dome shelters with wooden bases at EcoCamp Patagonia, with the granite towers of Torres del Paine glowing deep orange at sunset behind a forested hillside on the o trek patagonia circuit

What is Included

  • Round-trip transfer (Puerto Natales ⇌ Torres del Paine; Day 9 drop-off in Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas), on the regular transfer schedule
  • 8-night stay: 6 nights in reserved campsites on the circuit + 2 nights in a Standard dome at EcoCamp Patagonia
  • Meals (full board, from Day 1 lunch to Day 9 box lunch)
  • Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee
  • Fully equipped tents, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and sleeping bag liner
  • Porter service: tents, sleeping gear, and your dry bags carried between camps
  • Two 15 L dry bags, handed out on Day 1
  • All ground transportation in the itinerary
  • Guided tours (the full O Circuit on foot, including John Gardner Pass, Grey Glacier, the French Valley, and the Base of the Towers)
  • English- and Spanish-speaking trekking guides, shared with the group (up to 12 hikers, 1 guide for every 6)

Not included

  • Flight tickets
  • Hotel night in Puerto Natales before Day 1
  • Health and travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Optional activities, including Grey Glacier kayaking
  • Dome upgrades on nights 7 and 8, the refugio upgrade during the trek, and the single supplement
  • Tips for guides, porters, and staff
  • Extra drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and personal expenses
  • Laundry, visas, and airport departure taxes
  • Medical, hospitalization, and evacuation costs
  • El Calafate airport drop-off fee

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$ 4,359/ per person