Hiking in Tierra del Fuego
Tierra del Fuego is a land of extremes. Swathes of isolated steppe are punctuated with windswept trees, endless peat bogs and craggy outcrops crowned with glaciers. Here is …
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Why hike the O Circuit
- The O Circuit trek, 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
Pink skies as hikers trek over the bridge
Hiking to Seron Camp
Descending from John Gardner Pass
A stream crossing during the Circuit
Narrow trails above the Grey Glacier
Hikers at Glacier Grey
Dickson Lake
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
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.
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).
Bridge crossing near John Gardner Pass
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
What Our Customers Think of The O Circuit Trek
The O Circuit Trek trips scored 4.2/5 from 205 reviews
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
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
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
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. .
The Humuel Circuit in Los Glaciares
The O Circuit: FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Explore more trekking in Patagonia
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Hiking in Aysen
Dramatic snow-capped mountains, glistening glacial lakes and lush forested valleys make for superb trekking in this unsung region. Explore the fantastic hiking routes in Aysen's …
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