Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek
Experience Overview
Gazing upon the towering, steeple-like peaks of Patagonia’s Cordillera del Paine for the first time, you’d swear they were lifted straight from The Lord of the Rings movie. But these massive rock formations are very real. Built for physically-active travellers, not hardcore mountaineers, this trip brings you to remote, lesser-visited sections of the Torres del Paine National Park and the truly unimaginable scenery to be found here. With top-notch mountain guides at your side, you’ll be able to concentrate on spotting condors in flight instead of staring blankly at a map.
Highlights
- Soak up the stunning scenery of Torres del Paine National Park
- Watch the ice floes of the Grey Glacier
- Trek through incredibly diverse scenery
Trip Details
Product Code: 2749
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Van, hiking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: SCFT
Starts: Puerto Natales, Chile
Finishes: Puerto Natales, Chile
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Challenging
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Camping and hiking excursion of the full circuit through Torres del Paine National Park with porters (9 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (2 nts), camping (8 nts).
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Transport
- Van, hiking.
Group Leader
- Specialist mountain guides in Torres del Paine National Park.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,069 ($552 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Natales
Arrive at any time. If arriving into Punta Arenas in Chile, it is recommended to arrive prior to 14:00 to allow enough time to transfer to Puerto Natales for the welcome meeting. If arriving to El Calafate in Argentina, you will need to get there a day before and then take the bus to Puerto Natales today.
Day 2: Puerto Natales/Laguna Azul Camp
Embark on a 9-day excursion within Torres del Paine NP, hiking the full Torres del Paine circuit known as the O circuit. Start the 130km (80.7 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.
The group will enter the park through the main entrance of Amarga Lagoon. The trail begins with a slope and a side view of the imposing Ascencio Valley and the river with the same name, passing through the famous “Windy Pass” to get to the first official stop at Refugio El Chileno.
From there the group will continue towards a forest of native Lenga trees before arriving to the glacial moraine. Here the last, and hardest, part of the trail starts as we will be gaining 300m of altitude in the last kilometer. Please note this last kilometer is steep and rocky, carrying hiking poles (available for rent in Puerto Natales) will really help make this section of trail more manageable. The last km takes around 1 hour, but it is SO worth it! The spectacular view of the three granite towers will be waiting at the top, where we will have lunch with a view! Return along the same trail and meet our driver who is going to take everyone to the first campsite, Laguna Azul.
Day 3: Torres del Paine/Camp Serón
Transfer by van to the Las Torres area. Today we start our trek around the Paine Massif. Head out across ancient glacial moraines on the way to camp Serón. The trail goes through Lenga forests where we can spot some wildlife. The hike today will be around 5 hours. Arrive to Camping Serón where the group will have dinner and rest up for tomorrow.
Day 4: Camp Serón/Lake Dickson Camp
Eat an early breakfast before the hike to Lago Dickson, a glacial lake on the edge of the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap. Hike past bright blooming Notro bushes and cross a stream along the lake. A beautiful, leisurely hike that will take around 6 hours today. Arrive at Camping Dickson and opt for a hot shower and a beer as a reward.
Day 5: Lake Dickson Camp/Los Perros Camp
Continue along the north side of the park to an incredible lookout point of Lake Dickson and the surrounding valley. Follow the trail through the tall forest to reach another lookout for Perros Glacier, well worth the climb.
Pack up and head out through pristine, old growth beech forest. Look and listen for the red-headed Magellanic woodpecker. Just before we arrive to camp, trek past the Perros glacier and enjoy fantastic close-up views of the ice and the lake. Spend the night camping at the base of Paso John Garner at Los Perros.
Day 6: Los Perros Camp/Grey Glacier Camp
Today is the toughest day of the O trek, start with an uphill climb for 2-3 hours, passing over the highest point. The beginning of the trail is through forest, but once you reach 800m of altitude, the path starts to get rocky and may become a little slippery. Take in the first view of Grey Glacier and gaze into the distance to take in its 270km² (104 mi²) spread. Climb vertical ladders and pass a suspension bridge en route to Grey Camp.
This is the biggest day yet as we climb over Paso John Garner and hike down through thick forest directly above the massive Grey Glacier. Once on the pass, look out over rugged, glaciated peaks, and the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap – a view not to be missed! The glacier stretches out below like a giant white highway. To get to the Grey Glacier Camp, there is a big descent of approximately 1700m through the forest.
Day 7: Grey Glacier Camp
Enjoy the day exploring Grey Lake and Grey Glacier. The spectacular scenery is a highlight of the trek with the back drop of snow-capped mountains and floating pieces of piercing blue glacier. The afternoon is free for resting and exploring the area. Opt for a short trek along the west side of the Grey Glacier.
Day 8: Grey Glacier Camp/Paine Grande Camp
Head out on an optional morning kayak on the coast of Lake Grey with amazing views of Grey Glacier and its icebergs. Later, hike along Lake Grey to appreciate different viewpoints of the glacier. Hike to join the famous W Trek and end at Lake Pehoé. Relax at Paine Grande Camp and share trekking stories with the other hikers.
Cross a high plateau overlooking Grey Lake and see icebergs and views across Grey Glacier on the way to Lake Pehoé. Pehoé means "hidden lake" in the Tehuelche language. The afternoon is free to relax at Lodge Paine Grande and enjoy the area. At night, enjoy a pisco sour cocktail in the bar overlooking Paine Grande & Los Cuernos mountains.
Day 9: Paine Grande Camp/Cuernos Camp
Hike to the French Valley lookout to see the mountain range spread across the national park, take in the contrasting greens and greys of the landscape.
Continue the trek to the French Valley. Surrounded by hanging glaciers and an amphitheater of granite walls and spires, this is the most beautiful valley in the park and one of the most unique in the world. After, trek out of the valley to the extraordinary turquoise Lake Nordenskjold. After six to eight hours, end the day at Cuernos Camp for dinner and sleep.
Day 10: Lake Nordenskjöld/Puerto Natales
The concluding day of the O circuit continues along Lake Nordenskjöld. Take in the final views of Torres del Paine, reflect on the last nine days and relish in the sense of accomplishment before heading back to Puerto Natales.
Trek along Lake Nordenskjöld and below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto, to the reach Hosteria Las Torres, where our van awaits us. Transfer to Puerto Natales.
Day 11: Puerto Natales
Depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Nicholas H. - Traveled, March 2024
A truly amazing way to appreciate the beauty of Patagonia in the wild.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Matthew D. - Traveled, February 2024
I have been on two past G Adventures trips; the Inca trail in Peru and Mt. Toubkal in Morocco. On both occasions I paid a premium to book with G Adventures, and on both occasions felt like I received a premium service in doing so.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2024
Michael J. - Traveled, February 2024
Very expensive tour. Good route. Great guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Mary W. - Traveled, January 2024
Great leaders, porters and a wonderful walk - some hard days and some easy. The top of the O was the highlight, once the W was joined it became a LOT busier and less varied. Campsites varied considerably, some definitely need to sort out their sanitati...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
David M. - Traveled, January 2024
Overall, I very much enjoyed my trip. The guides, activities, and trek were generally enjoyable. I'd recommend anyone wishing to partake in one of these journeys to check out G adventures offerings.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Sean W. - Traveled, January 2024
One of the best trips we have taken. However, the porters should be provided tents and food just like the guides. Treating employees differently is not acceptable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Angelique W. - Traveled, February 2024
When you choose an epic destination like Patagonia, you already know that your trip is going to be spectacular. When you add the Gadventures Trifecta (excellent guides, seamless coordination, and professional customer service) you have a recipe for perf...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Helene D. - Traveled, December 2023
I have done quite a few long distance hikes abroad, solo as well as in groups. The beauty of the O-trek was the most wow of all the hikes I have done. The passion of the guides and porters and their interaction with the group of hikers will always be rem...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Christopher P. - Traveled, December 2023
Where do I begin?! The last 16 days have been incredible and will be etched in my mind forever.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Marquerite O. - Traveled, December 2023
Definitely a hike that I would recommend to anybody! We had an awesome time. For South Africans, the fee is quite steep, since our 'Rand' value is poor. But it was worth the saving up!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Moses C. - Traveled, December 2023
Epic views, Epic Guide and Epic Adventure
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2023
Michael R. - Traveled, December 2023
The information provided online in advance of the tour needs to be updated. For example it would be nice to know in advance that sleeping bag liners were provided to us. We were asked to bring cash for the optional day trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Sylvia F. - Traveled, December 2023
EPIC - no wonder Torres del Paine O Circuit is the 8th wonder of the World - thanks to G.Adventures!! From your Admin to CEO’s boots in the ground … I’d do it all over again :). I have two surreal pics if you’re interested for media purposes?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
David R. - Traveled, November 2023
Fabulous
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Anne W. - Traveled, November 2023
Amazing! I loved the guides, itinerary, and people I met on the trip. One of my most favorite vacations of all time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Kathleen K. - Traveled, November 2023
This was an amazing trek. The guides, porters, and group members were all fantastic. The scenery was spectacular. It was a fabulous physical and mental challenge and loads of fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Teresa N. - Traveled, November 2023
Great trip and experience overall. Everything was well thought out. Food was plenty especially given the very physical itinerary. Excellent guides that truly cared for the safety of the team.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2023
Melissa R. - Traveled, June 2024
Absolutely loved it. The guides, the people, the terrain. A beautiful part of the world! The trek is challenging and rewarding. Patagonia is a must for hikers!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2024
Debbie C. - Traveled, April 2024
The experience was really made excellent by the guides XuXu and Nico. XuXu is enthusiastic and passionate about wildlife and the mountains. Nico is a calm and kind wealth of knowledge about flora, indigenous and spiritual aspects of the mountains.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2024
Irina F. - Traveled, April 2024
Honestly, I cannot recommend this incredible experience enough! Everything from organization, accommodation & food, superb knowledge of the area of all 3 guides and the magnificent views were impeccable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Karen H. - Traveled, April 2024
Phenomenal! One issue that was not great, you had the cost of the glacier hike as 90000 CP, I budgeted $130 CDN and it cost me $180USD! Also the weight noted for dry sacks in itin said 6.5 kg including sleeping bag.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
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