Chile: Torres del Paine O Circuit Tour
- Home
- Destinations
- Let’s go to Chile
- Chile: Torres del Paine O…
Trek through some of Torres del Paine’s most challenging and beautiful terrain on this epic 10-day hiking adventure on the O Circuit, also referred to as the “Paine Circuit”. Steep inclines meet stunning vistas, and Chile’s vast, untamed wilderness comes alive along the circuit’s rocky trails. Witness the iconic Paine Massif and Grey Glacier, trek the famous John Gardner Pass and spend each night sleeping under the star-filled Chilean sky. Patagonia’s O Circuit is a must-do for any serious trekker.
- 10 Days/09 Nights
- November to March
- Moderate


Travel Program
Day 1: Arrive in Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile on the flight of your choice. Transfer into town independently, and explore this quaint, adventure-based town on your own before settling in for a restful evening.
Overnight
Hotel
Flight
Arrival to Chile.
Drive
2 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
1 Hour approx.
Meals
-/-/-
Day 2: Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park
Enjoy a quick breakfast before meeting your transfer north toward the iconic Torres del Paine National Park. Stop en route for lunch in the small, yet lively town of Puerto Natales before continuing onward toward the prehistoric cave of Cueva de Milodon. Our day concludes with our eventual arrival at Torre Central Camp, where we will set up tents within view of the mesmerizing Torres.
Overnight
Hotel
Drive
5 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
1 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/-
Day 3: Camp Dickson
Awaken with the sunrise at Camp Torre, mentally preparing for your first day of hiking. The trail to Dickson Lake follows the eastern bank of the Rio Paine, a scenic, yet challenging trail that culminates with a breathtaking view of Lago Paine. From the lookout, we descend across open grasslands to our campsite nestled in the valley of Dickson Lake. Settle in at camp, basking in the tranquility of the valley and the immensity of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The impressive Dickson Glacier and parts of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field loom large in the distance. Enjoy a hot shower and a nutritious dinner after a long, yet rewarding day of hiking.
- Distance: 18 miles (29km)
- Hiking time: 11 hours
- Highest point: 984 feet (300m)
Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
6 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D
Day 4: Los Perros Glacier | Camp Perros
Today’s route continues along the Los Perros river, and as we near Laguna Los Perros we will cross through some of the most wild and remote parts of the circuit. Our challenging path first passes under the Loss Perros Glacier before coming to a small lake, whereafter we will hike onwards through an ancient beech forest before arriving at our scenic campsite. After setting up camp at Los Perros, settle in and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars.
- Distance: 5 miles (9km)
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Highest point: 1640 feet (500m)
Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
6 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D
Day 5: John Gardner Pass | Camp Grey
Today we embark early on a demanding ascent through the famed John Gardner Pass, climbing to 4,000ft and the highest point of the O Circuit. From here, we will experience an unforgettable view of the magnificent Grey Glacier. This massive natural ice construction comprises part of the Patagonian Ice Field, and is a worthy reward after the challenge of John Gardner Pass. Continue onwards through forested slopes and dramatic views of Grey Glacier before arriving at Grey Campground along the shores of pristine Lake Grey.
- Distance: 14 miles (22km)
- Hiking time: 12 hours
- Highest point: 3937 feet (1200m)
Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
1 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D
Day 6: Pehoe Lake
Enjoy a leisurely morning along the shores of Lake Grey this morning, reveling in the chance to rest and rejuvenate after yesterday’s strenuous hike. Behold the wonder of Grey Glacier’s drifting icebergs as we make our way along the glacier’s eastern shore, moving at a steady pace as the trail levels out. Our arrival at Lake Pehoe is marked by a gentle desenct towards the lake’s bright turqoise waters. Settle into camp and rest for the evening.
*Optional Kayaking around Glacier Grey: This excursion starts at 9:00am and lasts 2.5 hours. You will have the opportunity to discover the amazing glacier and kayak around floating icebergs, towards the east side of the glacier to get closer to the giant ice wall. Min. age is 15 years old / Max. age is 65 years old. (Note: Kayaking option is only available until March 19th)
- Distance: 7 miles (11km)
- Hiking time: 5hr
- Highest point: 1312 feet (400m)
Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
5 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D
Day 7: French Valley
Our morning begins with a challenging trek to the French Valley, following a vertical trail leading straight into the heart of Paine Massif. Our day largely depends on the group’s pace and hiking rhythm, with a swifter pace leading us to the French River’s beautiful hanging bridge. From here, we will be treated to spectacular views of the valley below before continuing with our ascent toward the upper section of the valley. Pause for a rest and a picnic lunch, admiring the valley’s myriad of geological formations. Descend toward Camp Frances to finish an exciting day on the trail.
An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is also available.
- Distance: 15 miles (25km)
- Hiking time: 8 hours
- Highest point: 2250 feet (686m)
Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
5 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D
Day 8: Los Cuernos
Today’s trek takes us along the stunning shores of Lake Nordenskjold. This colorful lake is named after Swede Otto Nordenskjold and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the grazing guanaco. Take time to admire the diverse terrain and learn about Patagonia’s flora and fauna, easing into this less-strenuous part of the trail. Arrive at Camp Torre Central and enjoy a hearty meal, preparing for tomorrow’s challenging day of hiking.
Note: Optional Upgrade to EcoCamp Suite, Superior or Standard Dome
- Distance: 10 miles (116km)
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Highest point: 800 feet (244m)
Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
6 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D
Day 9: Trek to the Towers
Rise early today, gearing up for what will be one of the most memorable, yet demanding days along the trail. Our morning begins with an ascent through beech forests, making our way to Ascencio Valley on the tower’s eastern face. The trail follows winding rivers and streams, with towering mountains looming large in the distance. Challenge yourself further as we cross the steep moraine, a field of massive boulders and glacial debris leading up to the iconic base-view of the Towers. These three gigantic, granite monoliths are recognized around the world for their sheer beauty, and today you have the opportunity to experience them in close proximity. Savor a picnic lunch against this majestic backdrop, giving your legs some much-deserved rest. After refueling, we backtrack through Ascencio Valley and settle back in at Camp Torre Central. Enjoy one final evening under the bright Chilean sky.
Note: Optional Upgrade to EcoCamp Suite, Superior or Standard Dome
- Distance: 13 miles (21km)
- Hiking time: 10 hours
- Highest point: 3000 feet (914km)
Overnight
Camping
Hiking/Tour
8 Hour approx.
Meals
B/L/D
Day 10: Transfer to Punta Arenas
Board an early morning transfer and relax on your drive back to Punta Arenas. Catch an evening flight to Santiago, or continue onward with your travels.
Overnight
Hotel
Drive
6 Hours approx
Hiking/Tour
1 Hour approx.
Flight
Go back home by plane.
Meals
B/-/-
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
What's Included
Services included in the prices:
- 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 8 Dinners, 8 Box Lunches
- 9 Nights Accommodations
- Accommodations as listed
- Ground transportation as listed
- Activities as listed
- Meals as listed
- Gear Rental: Camping Gear (except mat and sleeping bag, please bring own)
- Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park.
Not included:
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Flight costs (please request a quote)
- Additional excursions during free time
- Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
- Internal Flights: Santiago – Punta Arenas – Santiago
What to Bring
What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition
This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, mountaineering or mountaineering is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
Hiking backpack for hiking 30 to 40 liters
Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)
Medium weight socks
Sleeping bag (-10º to 15ºC)
Small daypack for one day hiking 20 liters
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes
Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
Rain poncho (or rain gear)
Long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
Lightweight pants
Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Water bottle for hiking or trekking
Strong waterproof duffel bag
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit
Regular and long underwear
Knife or multi-tool
Light cap and wool hat
Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips
The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike
Grooming and personal hygiene kit
One Hiking Buff per person
Technical Equipment for High Altitude Expedition Mountains
3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person
We recommend 2 ice screws for each client
1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person
2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company
1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains
2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)
Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters
Harness, we recommended GRIVEL company
Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress
Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company
Walking sticks (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company
Down Jacket for expedition
Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification
First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients
Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things
Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair
Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.
In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.
Prices & Dates
FROM/TO
PRICE (USD)
TRAVEL STATUS
–
FROM/TO
PRICE (USD)
TRAVEL STATUS
–
FROM/TO
PRICE (USD)
TRAVEL STATUS
–
FROM/TO
PRICE (USD)
TRAVEL STATUS
–
» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays
Prices (per person):
1 PAX | 2 PAX | 4 PAX | 6 PAX | 8 PAX | 10 PAX | 12 PAX | 14 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
— USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD |
Deposit for reservations: — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: *Available
Trip-code: Number ►CH-101
Duration: 10 days
Participants: Minimal: 4 Maximal: 12
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: II & III Región of Chile
Mountain Guide: Eric Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2023
Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.

Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions
- WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
- E-Mail: [email protected]
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.
Suggested FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.
Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.
Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.
For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.
Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.
Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.
If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.
If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.
We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide
In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Can I join a group?
We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.
Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.
In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .
For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What happens in the event of bad weather?
About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066