Do you have what it takes to take on the wildest corners of Torres del Paine? Embark on the Ultimate Adventure's Challenge! Experience one of the most epic treks on Earth: the Paine Circuit (also called "O Trek"). Circle the immense Paine Massif for 9 days of epic views and endurance, led by expert guides on an unbelievable adventure through the heart of this vast and untamed wilderness. A trek well worth the sweat!
South America
Guided O-Circuit (Camping – Eco Camp)
9 Days, Departs – Weekly. Contact for pricing.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Go on a trekking adventure into the wild.
- Trek to John Gardner Pass.
- Visit Grey and Dickson Glaciers.
- Complete the round trip of Paine Massif.
- See the famous Towers in Torres del Paine.
- Porters to carry your backpack. You only carry your daypack!
- Maximum group size: 12 passengers.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 0: We recommend to arrive a day before the tour starts as you will be picked up at 9am from Puerto Natales on Day 1.
- Day 1: The Patagonian Adventure Starts
- Day 2: Camp Serón to Camp Dickson
- Day 3: Camp Dickson to Camp Perros
- Day 4: Camp Perros to Camp Grey through John Gardner Pass
- Day 5: Camp Grey to Pehoe Lake
- Day 6: French Valley
- Day 7: Los Cuernos
- Day 8: Trek to the Tower's Base
- Day 9: Adiós Torres del Paine
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: The Patagonian Adventure Starts
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Puerto Natales around 9am and driven to EcoCamp Patagonia, located in the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arrival, we'll settle in for lunch and some relaxation time. During this period, your guide will go over the details of what promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
In the afternoon, we'll begin our hike to Camp Serón, where we'll spend our first night. Thanks to the long daylight hours in the summer months, with sunset not occurring until around 11 PM, you'll have plenty of light to take in the stunning views of the Patagonian steppe, complete with its roaming guanacos and the majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Hiking Distance: 13 km./ 8 mi.
Hiking Time: 4 hrs.
Max. Altitude: 392m./1286 ft.
Elevation gain: 386 m. / 1,266 ft.
Overnight camping in Serón area.
Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 2: Camp Serón to Camp Dickson
The day kicks off at Camp Serón, where we'll set out on our hike towards Dickson Lake. Our path takes us north along the eastern shore of the Paine River. Along the way, we'll pause at a natural vantage point to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Paine Lake, before descending and pressing westward across the open plains toward Refugio Dickson. Our campsite, nestled in the Dickson Valley, is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and the clear waters of Lake Dickson. From here, you can catch glimpses of the awe-inspiring Dickson Glacier and parts of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the distance. We'll spend the night at this picturesque location, where you'll be treated to a hearty dinner and the comfort of a hot shower.
Hiking Distance: 18.7 km./20.5 mi.
Hiking Time: 5.5 hrs.
Max. Altitude: 382 m./ 1,255 ft.
Elevation gain: 622 m. / 2040 ft.
Overnight camping in Dickson area.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 3: Camp Dickson to Camp Perros
We will continue our trail along the Los Perros River in what will be the wildest and most remote grounds that we will cover on the trek. We will pass under the Los Perros Glacier, where it merges into a small lake, and then cross virgin beech forest before reaching the beautiful Laguna Los Perros. Here, we will set up camp at Camping Los Perros and enjoy the tranquil evening.
Hiking Distance: 12.9 km./8.1 mi.
Hiking Time: 5 hrs.
Max. Altitude: 584 m./1916 ft.
Elevation gain: 373 m. / 1224 ft.
Overnight camping in Los Perros area.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 4: Camp Perros to Camp Grey through John Gardner Pass
This day marks our ascent to the Circuit’s highest point, the John Gardner pass, a must-do for any serious trekker. From an altitude of around 1300 mts (4000 ft), we will be able to feast our eyes on an awe-inspiring view of the Grey Glacier, an enormous fractured mass of ice which towers over the valley below. The John Gardner pass is one of the most famous sectors of Torres del Paine and a must-do for any serious trekker. We will then continue south along forested slopes with more beautiful views of the Grey Glacier before reachingGrey Campground on the shores of Lake Grey.
Hiking Distance: 17.3km./10.7 mi.
Hiking Time: 12 hrs.
Max. Altitude: 1364 m./4475 ft.
Elevation gain: 984 m. / 3228 ft.
Overnight camping in Grey area.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 5: Camp Grey to Pehoe Lake
During the morning, we will take some time to rest, replenish and revel in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Grey. After this, it is time to make our way along the eastern side of the Lake through clearings of gorgeous Calafate bushes. The view over the lake, with its numerous giant icebergs drifting across the waters, is a true wonder to behold. The trail after this point becomes flatter as we descend through a shallow dry valley towards the turquoise waters of Lake Pehoe, where we will set-up camp and rest for the night.
*Optional Kayaking around Glacier Grey: This excursion starts at 8:30 AM and lasts 2.5 hours. You will kayak around huge floating icebergs towards the eastern 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 between November 1st and March 19th)
Hiking Distance: 11 km./6.8 mi.
Hiking Time: 5 hrs.
Max. Altitude: 302 m./990 ft.
Elevation gain: 243 m. / 797 ft.
Overnight camping in Pehoé area.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 6: French Valley
After breakfast at Lake Pehoe, we will begin the challenging trek along a steep trail leading to the very heart of the Paine Massif in the French Valley, - How far we go depends on our group's trekking rhythm. A swifter walk will lead us to the hanging bridge over the French River, located at the foot of the south-east face of the Massif, where we will be treated to fantastic views of the valley. We will then continue to ascend towards the upper section of the valley to marvel at the extensive mass of the valley's geological formations: Hoja (Blade), Máscara (Mask), Espada (Sword), Catedral (Cathedral), Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin) and the magnificent Fortaleza (Fortress). After our upward trek, we will pause for a picnic and relax for a while. The day's trek will end as we descend through an undulating terrain of mixed grassland and light forest to Camp Frances.
Please note: An optional trek to Mirador Britanico is also available.
Hiking Distance: 20 km./12,4 mi. (Including Británico Lookout).
Hiking Time: 8 hrs.
Max. Altitude: 800 m./2624 ft.
Elevation gain: 753 m. / 2470 ft.
Overnight camping in Los Cuernos area.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 7: Los Cuernos
Once we have finished breakfast, we will begin the day's trek to Camp Torre Central along the Cuernos trail, which will take us along the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold. Today's walk is less strenuous yet richer in the diversity of terrain that we will cover. It will, therefore, be the perfect opportunity to take in the park’s charming flora and fauna and learn more about the vast variety of species along the way. We will pause throughout the walk-in and eat our box lunch, rest our legs, and admire the stunning surroundings. The trek ends as we arrive at Camp Torre Central where we will enjoy a hearty meal and prepare for tomorrow's big challenge.
Hiking Distance: 13 km./8 mi.
Hiking Time: 5 hrs.
Max. Altitude: 247 m./810 ft.
Elevation gain: 181 m. / 594 ft.
Overnight camping in Las Torres area. (Optional upgrade to EcoCamp domes)
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 8: Trek to the Tower's Base
The goal of our penultimate day of the Paine Circuit is to complete the most famous trekking trail in Torres del Paine National Park! We will walk from the campsite towards Hostería Las Torres before ascending up Ascencio Valley on the Tower's eastern face. Mountain ridges, beech forests and small rivers line the scenic walk towards the valley. Our big challenge comes in the form of the steep moraine, a huge mass of boulders which will lead us to that iconic base-view of the Towers, the three gigantic granite monoliths that are the remains of a great cirque sheared away by glacial ice. After a tough uphill climb, the Towers eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us with the glacial lake visible below. Is there a better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view (and our picnic), we backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to Camp Torre Central for a well-deserved dinner.
Hiking Distance: 22 km./13.6 mi.
Hiking Time: 10 hrs.
Max. Altitude: 914 m./3000 ft.
Elevation gain: 796 m. / 2611 ft.
Overnight camping in Las Torres area. (Optional upgrade to EcoCamp domes)
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 9: Adiós Torres del Paine
We will board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic ride back to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales in time to catch the evening flight to Santiago. Alternatively, transportation to El Calafate can also be arranged.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Please contact us for dates
Suggested Accommodation
| City | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Torres Del Paine | Serón Camping or similar |
| Torres Del Paine | Refugio Dickson or similar |
| Torres Del Paine | Los Perros or similar |
| Torres Del Paine | Refugio Grey or similar |
| Torres Del Paine | Pehoé area or similar |
| Torres Del Paine | Refugio Los Cuernos or similar |
| Torres Del Paine | Refugio Torres Central or similar |
What’s included?
- All ground transport as indicated in the itinerary.
- 8 nights camping* including all equipment EXCEPT a mat and sleeping bag.
- Park entrance fees for Torres del Paine National Park.
- One expert English speaking guide.
- Porter service for this trip (see below).
- Transportation to/from El Calafate (This includes bus tickets and van transportation between hotels and the bus terminal).
- Meals:
- Day 1: Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 2: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 3: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 4: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 5: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 6: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 7: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 8: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner.
- Day 9: Breakfast, Box Lunch.
What’s not included?
- Flight tickets.
- Insurance (appropriate insurance is mandatory for this trip).
- Voluntary tipping to guides and staff.
- Cash to buy optional extras such as drinks, snacks or souvenirs in Torres del Paine National Park Personal items.
- Mat and sleeping bag.
Notes
Important:
The trip starts on Wednesday morning and finishes on Thursday. You will need to arrive the afternoon before and sleep in Puerto Natales. If your arrival the day before matches with our regular pick-up in Punta Arenas, you can join the group; this option will also be available with our regular pick-up at Puerto Natales Airport or if you are coming from El Calafate to Puerto Natales Bus Station. Our drop-off service is to Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, or El Calafate.
- Regular Departures are available every Wednesday from November to March.
- Minimum group size of 4 hikers. Maximum is 12 hikers. Guide to passenger ratio: 1:6. Surcharges apply for smaller groups.
- Also available year round as a private group tour. Ask your consultant for more information.
Optional Upgrades:
- 2 nights upgrade to an EcoCamp Standard, Superior or Suite Dome on a double basis (days 7 and 8), except from December 15 to January 14.
- Kayaking around the Grey Glacier on Day 5.
Departures
- Tour departs every Wednesday between 6 NOV 2024 – 26 MAR 2025 (last departure)
- Tour departs every Wednesday between 5 NOV 2025 – 25 MAR 2026 (last departure)
Price:
Please note our pricing is based on 4+ people. There would be a supplement if the group operates with for 2 or 3 people. Please consult us for availability and prices.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
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