Why hike the O Circuit

  • The O Circuit, also known as the Full Circuit (or even the Torres del Paine Loop) is one of the best multi-day hikes in Patagonia for experienced hikers
  • Make a complete loop around the Paine range, visiting all the national park’s highlights as well as some beautiful hidden gems
  • Explore beyond the busy trails of the W Trek by continuing into the quiet of the national park's stunning northern sector
  • Take on the challenging John Gardner Pass, to be rewarded by breathtaking views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field stretching into the distance
  • Camp with a view at some of Torres del Paine’s most secluded campsites, hugging close to the mountains

The O Circuit: The Route

Hiking to the Towers

Hiking to Glacier Grey

The French Valley hike

The O Circuit follows an anticlockwise loop around the Paine Massif, starting at Refugio Torre or Paine Grande. It visits the three valleys of the W Trek, as well as taking in the quieter trails in the northern part of the park. The main highlights of the O Circuit are:

  • Ascencio Valley This is the first leg of the W Trek, which kicks the trek off with a hike to the Base of the Towers, the immense granite peaks that are the icons of Torres del Paine.
  • Dickson Lake The hike to this beautiful glacial lake runs through thick forests and alpine slopes dotted with alpine flowers, leading to a tranquil campsite with views of the Dickson Glacier.
  • Perros Glacier The hike crosses the Los Perros River to reach the hanging Perros Glacier that feeds into a crystalline lagoon at its base, with a nearby campsite.
  • John Gardner Pass The most challenging day of the hike involves a stiff climb over this pass, to be rewarded with truly jaw-dropping views of the icecap. The 3900 feet (1200m) pass is one of the highest points in the park
  • Glacier Grey The trail descends to the side of Glacier Grey, following its icy tongue until you reach the shores of Lago Grey. There is often the option to hike on the glacier itself or kayak among the icebergs on the lake.
  • French Valley The hike through this valley is the last stage of the O Circuit, following a trail past the hanging Francés Glacier and views of the iconic Cuernos peaks.

The O Circuit operates a 7-9 day guided camping trip for experienced hikers. Those looking for even more of a challenge can add in the tough but spectacular Oggioni Pass, which lies just off the O Circuit's main trail

The O Circuit - Route and Elevation Map

The O'Circuit

Distance:

112km | 69.5 miles

Time:

7 days

Elevation gain: +13,618ft/4,151m

Elevation loss: -13,945ft/4,250m

Swoop Says background image

Nicolas says

The O Circuit takes you through every type of landscape that Torres del Paine has to offer, but the view of the icecap from the John Gardner Pass is truly out of this world. It's a reason in itself for doing the trek.

Nicolas Sorhaburu Patagonia Sales Consultant

Preparing for the O Circuit

Gear & Equipment for the O Circuit

Whatever the time of year, dress for four seasons in a single day, with a windproof and waterproof jacket and warm layers including a warm hat, neck gaiter (buff) and windproof gloves. Waterproof hiking boots that support your ankles are a must,  

Your backpack must be large enough to fit in your sleeping bag and sleeping mat as well as your personal items (tents are provided in the campsites on guided trips). Trekking poles are strongly recommended. 

You can rent gear for your trek (including waterproofs and trekking poles) in Puerto Natales

Two hikers in the Ascencio Valley

Hiking up the Ascencio Valley

Fitness for the O Circuit

The O Circuit is aimed at experienced trekkers with a high level of fitness. You’ll need to be prepared to carry a rucksack under a variety of different (and often harsh) weather conditions, walking around 12 miles (19 km) a day over a week.

The John Gardner Pass in particular can be a challenging ascent. The optional Oggioni Pass extension to the circuit is a very tough hike that should only be considered by those with a very high level of fitness.

As a whole, the walking is not technical, but there are steep climbs to the Mirador Torres and French Valley viewpoints. The first day of the hike to the Base of the Towers involves an ascent of around 3000 feet (900 m).

Hiker on aridge crossing near John Gardner Pass on the O Circuit

Bridge crossing near John Gardner Pass

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Swoop says

One of the great rewards to reaching Glacier Grey the long way round on the O Circuit is the treat of experiencing it from another angle: ice hiking on its back or paddling to it face in a kayak

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What Our Customers Think of The O Circuit Trek

The O Circuit Trek trips scored 4.2/5 from 205 reviews

The guides and the circuit itself were amazing. The refugios were organized and though camping is not my ideal type of accommodation, it was necessary to access this wonderful environment. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Ivey Bueno - USA

The trek led through very diversified and unique landscapes. I was in a good company of two great professional guides, Mauricio and Juaquin and enjoyed time with complete strangers, who very soon became good friends. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Krystyna Tatarkiewicz - USA

Amazing nature, good hiking experience, camp sites are great, food arrangements (except lunch sandwiches) are amazing. Guides & porters were super friendly. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Prasad Sudhakar Deshmukh - USA

The trail is stunning, the logistics were smooth and the guides and group was superb. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Helena Atkinson - South Africa

I’m so glad we did the O Circuit rather than the W, I really enjoyed the peace around the back of the trail. The trail itself was as described and amenities were fantastic Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Kim Heighway - New Zealand

You can't describe it any other way than just breathtaking and amazing. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Robert Gung - USA

Everything was seamless once we arrived and well organised before. The guides were excellent; well informed, friendly and went the extra mile at every occasion. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Nicholas Hops - South Africa

The route was breathtaking around the circuit. The days were long and challenging but well worth it. It is great to do the O circuit on the quieter and more remote trails before joining up with the W which is a lot more busy. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Nicholas Hops - South Africa

I was definitely tired and cold. I remember seeing the group resting and waiting for me to come up over the pass. When I reached them I couldn’t contain my emotions. I burst into tears. It was so unbelievably beautiful. How lucky I was that I was physically able to see this wonder. So many people will never get get the chance to experience this… and I counted my blessings and thanks. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Cortney Peterson - USA

This circuit was unbelievable and exceeded all of my expectations! It was amazing and I highly recommend this circuit. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2022

Marissa DeKraker - USA

Most memorable was walking over the John Gardner pass in 100km an hour winds on the O Circuit and seeing Grey Glacier. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Melanie Ford - UK

It was honestly so amazing to be out there without any distractions, doing something I never thought I’d be able to do. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Amy Hoffmann - USA

All I can say is O.M.G! If you ever thought hiking was redundant, do this trek! Every day brought something completely different from hiking up to peaks, through the forest, following the valley, along watersides, you name it - it was on this circuit. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2022

Amy Hoffmann - USA

Guide and porters were super. O trek is an incredible journey; scenery can’t be beat. Trip of a lifetime. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2022

Barbara McCleary - USA

Difficult to put into words but it's was almost like the French Valley and Towers were the 'dessert courses' of this trek whereas the main course was in the previous days... with the more challenging terrain, weather and a glimpse of the vast expanse of ice which contributes to the uniqueness of this part of the world. So for me I came away feeling thoroughly sated... like this trek had given me a taste of the full menu! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2022

Nick Partridge - UK

The first viewpoint on day 2 really blew me away. I saw a glacier calve at Perros Camp which was unreal. Obviously Lago Grey, French Valley, and the towers all made me so grateful to be in the park on this trip. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Michael Pellegrino - USA

I would suggest training a bit and being active before the trip to get the most out of it. Make sure you have boots you are comfortable with and a good windbreaker. Also, bring snacks. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Michael Pellegrino - USA

Tape your feet to prevent the blisters. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2021

Kendra Barnett - USA

Every turn in the trail, every hill you climb is a memorable one. However, coming down the Gardner Pass and seeing the majestic Grey Glacier is impossible to describe. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2020

Conceição Farias - United States Of America

We loved your assistance in planning our trip through Patagonia. I am capable to driving in foreign countries, but your assistance in transportation meant I could take more photos, watch more scenery, skip through long lines, avoid the hassle and worry of renting a car. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2020

Steven Ray - USA

Really enjoyed the full circuit although it was pretty busy in the more mainstream areas. I prefer the wilderness camping element so my favourite part was days 2 to 6, especially the John Gardner pass day. The guide was really knowledgeable and the camps were excellent. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2018

Amil Patel - United Kingdom

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The circuit trek in Torre del Paine was by far the highlight. The remoteness and the untouched nature were amazing. Both of our guides on the hikes were amazing! The simple and quiet beauty is what we will remember forever.

Travelled: December 2017

Erin - USA

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One of the things I loved about the circuit was the variety. Hiking through the forests, the valleys, the beautiful plains, over the passes, alongside glacier fields were all highlights. I also loved seeing the mountains in different perspectives throughout the hike.

Travelled: December 2017

Tim - USA

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The highlight of the trek was going over the John Gardner pass and then seeing the enormous ice fields and Grey Glacier. I did not realize how big they were, now I do. The Full Circuit met our expectations and so glad we did this and not the W because that is so crowded.

Travelled: November 2017

Trina - USA

The varying landscapes of the O circuit was breathtaking - mountains, rivers, forests, glacier lakes, valleys, and meadows. We didn't realise how different every hike would be.

Travelled: January 2017

Julie -

We were so happy to complete the full circuit. Our guide was knowledgable and helpful and let us keep a comfortable pace. Logistics at the campsites worked out great.

Travelled: January 2017

Urszula - USA

The Full Circuit was even better than I expected, especially the trekking outside of W: less people, smaller campgrounds with better food and nice people. Our guide was amazing.

Travelled: December 2016

Aude -

Our Patagonia trip was amazing – thank you so much for your help with booking it! Our guide was THE best! Could not recommend her more highly. There was so much beauty everywhere.

Travelled: February 2016

Cali -

Review:

Other hikes in Patagonia

For avid hikers, Torres del Paine is a key destination to tick off the bucket list, but it’s not the only national park where you can hit the trail: Patagonia as a whole offers some of the best hiking in the world.

Across the Argentinian border in Los Glaciares, the Huemul Circuit offers a similar challenge to the O Circuit, or you can test yourself on the epically tough Southern Patagonian Ice Field Expedition (El Chaltén also offers numerous easy day hikes around Mount Fitzroy if you want to take things easy).

For equally rugged trekking, Tierra del Fuego and Aysen offer exciting frontiers with wild mountains and empty trails, including the Dientes de Navarino and Cerro Castillo treks respectively. .

Hiker on a snowy ridge on the Huemul Circuit

The Humuel Circuit in Los Glaciares

The O Circuit: FAQs

  • Where does the O Circuit go?

    The O Circuit is is a circular trail route that follows an anticlockwise route through the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. 

    The O Circuit includes the route of the W Trek, taking in the key highlights of the park, including the Base of the Towers, then explores the more remote northern side of Torres del Paine, to give views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Grey Glacier.

    The O Circuit is completed in an anticlockwise direction, as the challenging John Gardner Pass it considered too steep to hike from the opposite direction.


  • How long is the O Circuit?

    The classic O Circuit is around 70 miles (112 km) in length. It involves 

    The classic circuit trek involves walking up to 12 miles (20 km) a day for seven days, carrying a pack of 22-33 pounds (10-15kg). The trek is not technical or at high altitude, but requires a good level of fitness. 

    Typically, the O Circuit takes seven days to complete, but it can be extended by adding in the Oggioni Pass, taking in an even more remote part of Torres del Paine. This adds in an extra level of toughness to the trek, and should only be considered by experienced hikers with an extra level of fitness. 

  • I'm travelling alone – how can I find a group to join?

    We help lots of solo travellers organise their hiking trips to Torres del Paine every year, with scheduled groups trips organised by our local operators, as well as putting like-minded hikers together to create more flexible itineraries.

    Let us know when you're going and we'll happily find a trek or a group to suit you.

  • Are the trails well marked? Do I need a guide?

    While it is possible to walk the O Circuit unguided, we strongly recommend using a guide can really add to your trip.

    While safety and navigation are an important part of what a guide offers (especially on the more remote northern parts of the trail), a guide will bring your trek to life with their knowledge of the wildlife, history, geography and culture in this part of Patagonia. 

  • Does the O Circuit have refugios or campsites?

    The O Circuit is a camping trek. On most nights, hikers stay in the campsites attached to refugios, particular when following the section of the route that matches the W Trek. This allows campers to use the refugio facilities. On more remote parts of the trek, the campsites are far more basic. 

    On organised treks, all camping equipment is provided, including sleeping bags and mats. 

    Wild camping is not permitted on the O Circuit, or anywhere in Torres del Paine. 

  • How busy is the O Circuit?

    The end of December and early January are the busiest times in Torres del Paine. Accommodations gets booked up by the end of September, flights arriving at this time can be more expensive if you leave it late and there will be more people on the trails.

    The W Trek section of the O Circuit can be particularly busy at this time, though the rest of the circuit is much quieter. However, it is definitely worth considering the shoulder months or the low season if your schedule is flexible. 

  • Is the O Circuit open in winter?

    No. The O Circuit is closed during winter. Much of the trail is shut due to snow. 

    It is still possible to hike the W Trek in winter, although not as s 

    The W Trek remains open through the winter for guided groups only. It's a special time to be in Torres del Paine, as visitors have the park almost completely to themselves. 

    More more information, see our page about visiting Torres del Paine in winter.

  • Should I hike the O Circuit or the W Trek?

    The O Circuit contains the complete W Trek in its itinerary, so if you opt for the 'O' then you'll automatically hike the 'W' as well. 

    While the W Trek visits each of the park's main highlights in 4-5 days, the O Circuit Trek is for more experienced hikers aiming to get a little more remote and spend 7-9 days trekking. You'll see the classic sights and then loop around the northern side of the park, where you'll have views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the Grey Glacier.


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