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Torres del Paine
Guided Express O Circuit
Torres del Paine National Park
- Season
November - March. - Nearby city
Puerto Natales 2 hours away from Torres del Paine. - Accommodation
Camping or Shelter. - Duration
7 days and 6 nights. - Intensity level
Plaintiff (approx 112 km) - Notice
Not recommended for children under 10 years old.
Overview
Explore the Macizo Paine Circuit, a guided adventure that takes us through the most impressive landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Valleys, forests, and glaciers connect us with the purest essence of the mountain and nature.
During the tour, we enjoy the breathtaking views in the Dickson sector, walk among the enchanted forests of Valle Los Perros, contemplate the unique Glaciar Los Perros, and cross the legendary Paso John Gardner, at 1,200 meters above sea level. From there, an unforgettable panoramic view of Glaciar Grey and the majestic Campo de Hielo Sur opens up, one of the greatest natural spectacles in Patagonia.
Itinerary
Distance: 22 km / Time: 8-10 hrs / Difficulty level: Difficult / Accommodation: Camping or Shelter / Meals: Box lunch and dinner.
We will meet early, around 7:00 a.m., to start the journey in our private transportation towards Torres del Paine National Park.
We will cross the vast Patagonian plain until we reach Laguna Amarga, the main entrance of the park, where we will register our entry with CONAF (park rangers). Then we will head to the Welcome Center at Cerro Paine Reserve, where we will check-in and prepare to start our first hike towards the Base Torres Viewpoint.
We will begin the journey through the Ascencio Valley, a trail that winds between hills battered by the wind and lush native forests. In the final stretch, we will cross an extensive field of rocks until we reach one of the most iconic landscapes in the world: the Base of the Towers. At 900 m above sea level, we will take a moment to admire the three granite towers (north, central, and south) and the glacial lake of an intense turquoise color.
It will be the ideal time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the box lunch. Then we will start the descent along the same trail back to the Central Shelter, where we will end this challenging but unforgettable day.
Distance: 9 km / Time: 4-5 hrs / Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate / Accommodation: Camping or Shelter / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.
We will have a more relaxed day compared to other days of the circuit, but no less memorable. Although it will be one of the easiest hikes, the trail to Serón will gift us with surprising landscapes of the wildest side of Torres del Paine National Park.
We will walk on a vibrant green carpet of trees and continue on a pleasant slope that gently descends towards the vast Patagonian plain, covered with endless grasslands.
Along the relatively flat trail, we will cross crystal-clear streams and enjoy the silence and vastness of the surroundings. Upon reaching Serón camping site, we will settle in and have some free time to rest or simply contemplate the landscape.
We will end the day with a hot dinner in the small but cozy dining room of Serón, replenishing energy for the next stage of the journey.
Distance: 18.5 km / Time: 6-7 hrs / Difficulty level: Moderate / Accommodation: Camping or Shelter / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.
We will start a long but very rewarding journey, where we will walk through rolling hills and humid marshes in the northern sector of Torres del Paine National Park.
Throughout the route, the landscape will surprise us with snow-covered mountains, lakes of pastel blue color, and wide expanses of grasslands. We will have the opportunity to admire the imposing views of Dickson Glacier, Cerro Cubo, and other steep peaks that mark the natural boundary between Chile and Argentina.
Upon arriving at the Dickson area, we will check-in at the shelter or camping site. During the afternoon, if the weather and energy allow, we can take an optional walk along the rocky shore of Lake Dickson, before ending the day with a well-deserved hot dinner in the shelter's dining room.
Distance: 9 km / Time: 5 hrs / Difficulty level: Moderate / Accommodation: Camping or Shelter / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.
Today we will walk through one of the most remote areas of Torres del Paine National Park, surrounded by lush and deeply green vegetation. We will feel the wind among the bushes and hear the characteristic sound of the Magellanic woodpecker, one of the most emblematic species of the park.
As we advance along the Los Perros River, we will begin an ascent up a large moraine. From there, we will be amazed by the imposing view of the Los Perros Glacier and its bluish-green lagoon, framed by a mountainous backdrop that will leave us speechless.
We will continue along a rocky trail until we reach the Los Perros campsite, where we will spend the night. We recommend resting well, as the next day we will face one of the most challenging stages of the circuit.
Distance: 22 km / Time: 10-12 hrs / Difficulty level: Difficult / Accommodation: Camping or Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.
We will prepare ourselves to face the most demanding day of the Paine Circuit, a challenging but deeply rewarding journey. After an early breakfast at the campsite, we will begin to make our way through twisted roots and large mud puddles, under the shade of the dense forest.
Upon leaving the vegetation, we will begin a steady ascent through terrain of loose rocks - sometimes covered in snow - until we reach the highest point of the circuit: Paso John Gardner, at 1,200 m above sea level. There, the Patagonian winds will envelop us as we contemplate one of the most spectacular views of the trip: the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, stretching like a majestic ice carpet to the horizon.
From the summit, we will begin a long descent along the side of an impressive wall of ice. We will continue along the trail passing by Camping El Paso and crossing the famous suspension bridges, which will give us unique views of the glacier and the deep forests of the area.
Finally, we will arrive at Refugio Grey, where a hot dinner awaits us and a well-deserved rest after this unforgettable day.
Distance: 11 km / Time: 4-4.5 hrs / Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate / Accommodation: Camping or Shelter / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner.
We will start the day with breakfast at Refugio Grey, getting ready to continue our journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the floating icebergs of Lake Grey.
If you want to kayak on Glacier Grey or take a walk on the ice, remember to add these activities as extras when booking.
We will start an uphill hike through a mountainous forest, until we reach the viewpoint of Glacier Grey, which can sometimes be exposed to strong winds. From there, we will enjoy a privileged view of the glacier in all its splendor.
We will continue along the trail until we reach Laguna de los Patos, where we will begin the descent through a narrow and windy valley that will lead us directly to Refugio Paine Grande, where we will finish this stage of the circuit and enjoy a comforting dinner.
Distance: 15-25 km / Time to French Viewpoint: 8-9 hrs / Difficulty level: Demanding / Accommodation: Puerto Natales / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch.
We will wake up early to make the most of the last day of hiking in Torres del Paine National Park. After breakfast, we will pick up our box lunch and get ready for an intense day among Patagonian mountains and lakes.
We will walk through arid landscapes and skirt the impressive blue waters of Lake Skottsberg. After about 2.5 hours of walking, we will arrive at the El Italiano campsite, where we will begin the ascent to the French Valley.
We will climb through rocky terrain and follow along the tree line until we reach the French Viewpoint, a natural plateau where we will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and hanging glaciers that cascade down the eastern face of Paine Grande (3,050 m above sea level). If we are lucky, we will hear the thunder of ice breaking off or witness an avalanche, a common phenomenon in this area.
It will be the ideal time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the box lunch before starting the descent and returning to Paine Grande Refuge. From there, we will board the Patagonian Ice Catamaran, which will take us to Pudeto, where we will take the transportation back to Puerto Natales.
It is essential to calculate the times and energy levels well to arrive on time for boarding. It is recommended to be at least 30 minutes before the catamaran's departure, scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Included
- Briefing talk.
- 7 days 6 nights accommodation.
- Camping: Tent set up, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
- Shelter: Bed with sleeping bag and pillow.
- Full board (Meals): Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
- Ticket for the Catamaran.
- Private transportation from Natales to Torres del Paine.
- Entrance to Torres del Paine.
- Guide (English and Spanish).
Not included
- Travel and accident insurance.
- Air transportation.
- Accommodation in Puerto Natales.
FAQs
The programs for the circuits in Torres del Paine are highly sought after and have limited spaces. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Availability changes minute by minute. Therefore, if you have availability one day, perhaps the next day you won't.
This program is carried out with specialized guidance, so you will walk accompanied throughout the tour along the park trails. Our guide will not only take you along the trail and ensure the group's safety, but will also share valuable information with you about the geography, flora, fauna, and culture of Patagonia.
The day before the start of the circuit, we will hold a technical talk (briefing), where we will provide you with all the necessary documents and go over the itinerary, required equipment, and the conditions of the tour in detail. This preparation will allow you to start the adventure with confidence, accompanied by a professional who will make your experience even more enriching.
Any of the two options has certain important considerations to keep in mind:
1) The rooms in the shelters are shared, with capacity for 6 to 8 people in bunk bed format.
2) Tents and sleeping bags are designed for the weather conditions of Torres del Paine. Even so, it is recommended to bring additional warm clothing, such as a thermal liner.
3) All meals are served in the shelters' restaurants.
4) Both the campgrounds and the shelters have bathrooms equipped with showers and hot water.
5) Both types of accommodation have internet access points.
Breakfast consists of coffee, tea, milk, bread, eggs, cheese, ham, jam, juice, and fruit. The box lunch is typically a cold sandwich with a cereal bar, chocolate bar, dried fruits, and fruit. Finally, dinner is a set menu with an appetizer, main course, dessert, and water.
We offer menus adapted for vegetarians, vegans, or celiacs. If you have any food allergies, please indicate them in the passenger information when making the reservation.
In most of the circuit, there is no coverage. Only in some specific points of the park (which you will identify immediately), there might be some signal. However, all refuges offer satellite internet service for an additional cost, which can vary from CLP$ 10,000 for 1 hour, and is paid with a credit card.
Yes, in the common areas of the refuges there are outlets to charge your electronic devices. Remember that in Chile, 220V and 2-pin are used. We recommend bringing a power strip to share the charge of devices with your friends.
Yes, along all the trails you will have access to drinkable water, which comes from the park's natural springs. IMPORTANT: Pay attention to signs of farm animals (e.g., horses) that could contaminate some areas.
The weather is very variable throughout the year, even in summer. In one day, there can be sun, clouds, rain, and wind. Therefore, we recommend being prepared for any type of weather.
Absolutely! Trekking poles are a fundamental tool for multi-day hikes. If you don't want to use them, don't use them, but take them with you for when you need them. *Trekking poles can be rented in Puerto Natales.
At the time of booking on our platform, you can add as an extra, an Ice Hike or Kayaking among the icebergs. Absolutely recommended!
The single supplement extra cost only applies to individuals traveling alone. It is a fee that you need to pay to use a double tent spot by yourself.
Starting place
Your program begins and ends in Puerto Natales. From there the bus takes you to the National Park to start your walk.
Policies
Read our Terms and Conditions where our cancellation and change policies are defined. Always remember to plan your trip in advance.