Compare Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek by G Adventures vs Torres del Paine Circuit by World Expeditions

Day 1 Puerto Natales

Arrive at any time. If arriving into Punta Arenas in Chile, it is recommended to arrive prior to 14:00 to allow enough time to transfer to Puerto Natales for the welcome meeting. If arriving to El Calafate in Argentina, you will need to get there a day before and then take the bus to Puerto Natales today.

Please note the airport in Puerto Natales is small with limited flight connections. Most flights will be through Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina, both of which would involve taking a public bus or transfer. Your welcome meeting normally starts sometime between 5 and 6pm (please see welcome note on arrival at the hotel) and then you will be able to rent equipment if you want to after. Please note rental shops normally close by 8 or 9pm, so you would need to be there by that time to guarantee being able to rent what you need.

Day 2 Puerto Natales/Laguna Azul Camp

Embark on a 9-day excursion within Torres del Paine NP, hiking the full Torres del Paine circuit known as the O circuit. Start the 130km (80.7 mi) route by trekking to the base of Las Torres to see the dramatic three towers and turquoise lagoon below.

The group will enter the park through the main entrance of Amarga Lagoon. The trail begins with a slope and a side view of the imposing Ascencio Valley and the river with the same name, passing through the famous “Windy Pass” to get to the first official stop at Refugio El Chileno. From there the group will continue towards a forest of native Lenga trees before arriving to the glacial moraine. Here the last, and hardest, part of the trail starts as we will be gaining 300m of altitude in the last kilometer. Please note this last kilometer is steep and rocky, carrying hiking poles (available for rent in Puerto Natales) will really help make this section of trail more manageable. The last km takes around 1 hour, but it is SO worth it! The spectacular view of the three granite towers will be waiting at the top, where we will have lunch with a view! Return along the same trail and meet our driver who is going to take everyone to the first campsite, Laguna Azul.

Day 3 Torres del Paine/Camp Serón

Transfer by van to the Las Torres area. Today we start our trek around the Paine Massif. Head out across ancient glacial moraines on the way to camp Serón. The trail goes through Lenga forests where we can spot some wildlife. The hike today will be around 5 hours. Arrive to Camping Serón where the group will have dinner and rest up for tomorrow.

Day 4 Camp Serón/Lake Dickson Camp

Eat an early breakfast before the hike to Lago Dickson, a glacial lake on the edge of the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap. Hike past bright blooming Notro bushes and cross a stream along the lake. A beautiful, leisurely hike that will take around 6 hours today. Arrive at Camping Dickson and opt for a hot shower and a beer as a reward.

Day 5 Lake Dickson Camp/Los Perros Camp

Continue along the north side of the park to an incredible lookout point of Lake Dickson and the surrounding valley. Follow the trail through the tall forest to reach another lookout for Perros Glacier, well worth the climb.

Pack up and head out through pristine, old growth beech forest. Look and listen for the red-headed Magellanic woodpecker. Just before we arrive to camp, trek past the Perros glacier and enjoy fantastic close-up views of the ice and the lake. Spend the night camping at the base of Paso John Garner at Los Perros.

Day 6 Los Perros Camp/Grey Glacier Camp

Today is the toughest day of the O trek, start with an uphill climb for 2-3 hours, passing over the highest point. The beginning of the trail is through forest, but once you reach 800m of altitude, the path starts to get rocky and may become a little slippery. Take in the first view of Grey Glacier and gaze into the distance to take in its 270km² (104 mi²) spread. Climb vertical ladders and pass a suspension bridge en route to Grey Camp.

This is the biggest day yet as we climb over Paso John Garner and hike down through thick forest directly above the massive Grey Glacier. Once on the pass, look out over rugged, glaciated peaks, and the Southern Patagonia Ice Cap – a view not to be missed! The glacier stretches out below like a giant white highway. To get to the Grey Glacier Camp, there is a big descent of approximately 1700m through the forest.

Day 7 Grey Glacier Camp

Enjoy the day exploring Grey Lake and Grey Glacier. The spectacular scenery is a highlight of the trek with the back drop of snow-capped mountains and floating pieces of piercing blue glacier. The afternoon is free for resting and exploring the area. Opt for a short trek along the west side of the Grey Glacier.

Day 8 Grey Glacier Camp/Paine Grande Camp

Head out on an optional morning kayak on the coast of Lake Grey with amazing views of Grey Glacier and its icebergs. Later, hike along Lake Grey to appreciate different viewpoints of the glacier. Hike to join the famous W Trek and end at Lake Pehoé. Relax at Paine Grande Camp and share trekking stories with the other hikers.

Cross a high plateau overlooking Grey Lake and see icebergs and views across Grey Glacier on the way to Lake Pehoé. Pehoé means "hidden lake" in the Tehuelche language. The afternoon is free to relax at Lodge Paine Grande and enjoy the area. At night, enjoy a pisco sour cocktail in the bar overlooking Paine Grande & Los Cuernos mountains.

Day 9 Paine Grande Camp/Cuernos Camp

Hike to the French Valley lookout to see the mountain range spread across the national park, take in the contrasting greens and greys of the landscape.

Continue the trek to the French Valley. Surrounded by hanging glaciers and an amphitheater of granite walls and spires, this is the most beautiful valley in the park and one of the most unique in the world. After, trek out of the valley to the extraordinary turquoise Lake Nordenskjold. After six to eight hours, end the day at Cuernos Camp for dinner and sleep.

Day 10 Lake Nordenskjöld/Puerto Natales

The concluding day of the O circuit continues along Lake Nordenskjöld. Take in the final views of Torres del Paine, reflect on the last nine days and relish in the sense of accomplishment before heading back to Puerto Natales.

Trek along Lake Nordenskjöld and below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto, to the reach Hosteria Las Torres, where our van awaits us. Transfer to Puerto Natales.

Day 11 Puerto Natales

Depart at any time.

The airport in Puerto Natales is small with limited flight connections. Many onward flight connections will be through Punta Arenas in Chile or El Calafate in Argentina which would involve taking a public bus or transfer of 3-4 hours, if you are flying out of one of these airports we recommend flying out in the afternoon to allow for travel time.

Day 1 Join Puerto Natales

Join Puerto Natales* by your own means and make your way to Hotel Vendaval or similar. An arrival briefing will be held in the hotel this evening. Dinner not included. The rest of the day is for rest and personal exploration of this town. Overnight: Hotel Vendaval or similar. * Puerto Natales has an airport with direct flights from Santiago four times per week during high season. Alternatively, flights to Punta Arenas and El Calafate operate daily and a bus can be taken from there to Puerto Natales (additional cost applies). Please ask us for more details.

meals : Array

Day 2 Boat to Torres del Paine National Park via the Balmaceda Glacier

A spectacular day cruising to the head of the Fiord to see glaciers tumbling down from the mountains, seals and abundant bird life. We continue on to the National Park by Zodiac. We skirt glacial blue lakes and pass herds of guanaco and rhea as we approach the towering peaks. The Horns of Paine are right before us, as is Paine Grande, the largest of this range. On arrival we transfer to our campsite for this evening. The experience of trekking in Patagonia will spoil you for most other trekking areas the scenery is truly awe-inspiring. Blue glacial and ice-berg strewn lakes combine with dramatic granite peaks and snow covered mountains which lead to the Patagonian ice-cap. Overnight: Camp. What you carry: Day pack PLEASE NOTE: The boat trip is on a shared service basis and is weather dependent. If boats are not able to operate due to weather conditions, we will organise alternative transportation into Torres del Paine National Park.

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 Commence Torres del Paine Circuit Trek (5hrs – 10kms)

Transfer to the beginning of the Trek from Las Torres Refuge area to Camp Seron. Trek with your main pack – assisted with porters. Today’s walk is a great introduction to Torres del Paine as we follow the Rio Paine. The trails are well defined and not overly undulating. The mountain views, the nice perspective of the Towers and the surrounding mountains, coupled with meadows of daisies, clear running streams and woods that smell of fresh beech, make it a great day. Overnight: Camp Seron. What you carry: Trek with main pack – assisted with porters (7.5 kg/client). 1 Porter every 2 passengers will accompany us as far as Refuge Pehoe (Porters are to split our charge. They are not private personal porters).

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Trek to Lago Dickson (6hrs – 19kms)

We continue around Paine by heading north and then west towards Lago Dickson. Each stage of the trek provides a different perspective of the Towers as we head out into the most isolated section of the circuit. Photographers should be ready for the dramatic sunsets and sunrises at Lago Dickson. It is possible to buy cold drinks at reasonable prices on your arrival at the campsite; there are flushing toilets and showers available. Overnight: Camp Dickson. What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Trek to Los Perros (5hrs – 9.5kms)

A short ascent brings us to a natural viewing platform where we obtain more comprehensive views of the mountains and glacier beyond Lago Dickson, and towards our evening campsite near Glacier Los Perros. We walk through dense forests for most of the day, over fallen trees. The Magellanic Woodpecker can be heard although it is sometimes difficult to spot the actual bird. The key is to keep still when you hear them and look for the male which is black with a striking red head. The trail meanders through the forest, over many streams and past waterfalls on the Rio de los Perros. We cross the river again and come to the base of the Glacier Los Perros, where a crater surrounds the lake in which it spills. Here we will be out of the forest and again exposed to the wind. Fortunately our camp nearby is sheltered by the elements, surrounded by beech forest. Overnight: Camp Los Perros. What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Trek over John Garner Pass to Camp Grey (10hrs – 22kms)

Today is the hardest day on the circuit. The first hour is a gradual uphill trek through the forest. Then we hit the mud, and in some places it will be hard to avoid getting your foot stuck in it. This section lasts about an hour, before we come to a large stream which we cross using a rope as a support. Another hour is spent ascending to the pass, over rocks and over snow drifts. The route is marked clearly by fluorescent orange markers on rocks and posts. On reaching the saddle of the pass we come to the view for which this circuit is famous, and more often than not the strong westerly winds will prevent you from lingering too long on the pass. Looking behind us the view is mainly of forest and in the distance the glacial lake we passed earlier is strewn with ice-bergs. However, ahead the view is of the Grey Glacier and it is truly stupendous. The Patagonian ice cap is visible in the distance and the mountains and glaciers below are even more spectacular. In good weather conditions, we can stay on the pass enjoying the view for up to one hour. Our descent is almost as spectacular as the view from the pass. It is precarious due to its steep gradient and concentration is required. We descend more than 700m in about one hour to Campamento Paso. This camp site is not popular due to little level land and water being available. We continue on down, and the terrain is difficult to negotiate with many fallen trees blocking our path which we need to climb over or walk around. The track ascends and descends the contours of the valley leading out to a natural rock viewing platform, from which a stream cuts through cascading to the Glacier below. This is a great place to have a well-earned rest and perhaps a picnic lunch (if we haven’t succumbed to our stomachs before this). Whilst we may believe that the hardest part of the day is over, we are soon enlightened by the most exhausting section. Here the trees we must climb over seem larger and the ascents and descents more frequent. We may be tempted to stop for the night at Campamentos Guardas, however it is just one hour (mostly downhill) further to Camp Grey, where the idyllic bay setting will remind you of a tropical beach, except there are icebergs floating in the water! Cold drinks and a hot meal will never have tasted so good. Overnight: Camp Grey. What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Trek to Refugio Lago Pehoe (5hrs – 13kms)

Today is the last day we will count on porters to help us with our gear. Early in the morning (9 AM), we will depart for a 2.5 hour kayaking excursion on Lake Grey. We will get suited up and start our excursion which will involve paddling around the large floating icebergs until we are close to the east side of the glacier. Return to Camp Grey in time for lunch and then trek down to Paine Grande. The first part of the trek is gradual uphill with some steep sections. The views down to the glacier are spectacular and the flowers along the trail interspersed with mountain lakes make this a scenic walk. The second half of today's trek is gradual downhill and we soon reach the campsite by the iridescent waters of Lake Pehoe. The camp site rivals camp Dickson in its beauty, incorporating all that Patagonia is - wind, snow covered mountains, dramatic skies, emerald lakes, flowers and birdlife. This will be our base for one night. Overnight: Camp Paine Grande. What you carry: Porters will carry a portion of your gear (maximum 7.5 kg per person). You will need to carry your main pack, with the reduced weight. You may wish to put your day pack into the main pack or consider a pack with a zip off day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Walk via French Valley to Refuge Cuernos (8-10hrs - 30kms)

The highlight of the first two hours of todays walk is the lovely lake we pass and the improving views of Cerro Paine Grande. We cross a new suspension bridge to reach Italiano Camp where we can rest by the thundering river of Rio del Francés. Continuing up the French Valley towards British camp, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. On one side of the valley is Cuernos del Paine and on the other side the aptly named Frances Glacier with Rio del Francés flowing from it. The whole area is quite unstable, being a glacial valley and certain sections of the path are quite treacherous and steep. The occasional ice falls from the French Glacier cause thunderous crashes onto the rocks below which reverberates off the valley walls. Within an hour the trail brings us to a wide valley from where we have excellent views of the Torres and down to the emerald lakes below. The path ascends more gradually to British camp over waterlogged terrain and through alpine lenga forest to the view of the ice-formed horns of Cuernos del Paine. The Paine Grande reaches 3,248m and is a point of interest for climbers from around the world. As an option, you may continue up to two mountain lakes close to the tree line at the head of the valley, an hour and a half return journey. We return down the valley the same way we ascended, then continue on to Refuge Cuernos (2 hours), pausing to appreciate the waterfalls and to witness the river sculptured valley before us. Overnight: Refugio Cuernos or at busy times we will be camping in the grounds of this refugio or nearby refugios. What you carry: No porters. You will need to carry your main pack and day pack. Note: If you would like to trek without your full packs for days 8 & 9, your main luggage can be stored at Refugio Pehoe and will be transferred to Torres on day 9. Please request this with your guide (no additional cost). You will still need to carry enough personal equipment for the next two days and one night. We will provide a sleeping bag free of charge on day 8 only, so that you don't need to carry it for two days.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Trekking along Lake Nordenskjold, to Camp Torres (4hrs - 11kms)

Today we are trekking along the beautiful Lake Nordenskjoeld to reach Torres ranch. Before reaching the Torres refuge and along the trail we’ll be leaving behind the Cordillera Paine (where the mass of granite peaks are centred) towards the Ascencio Valley for the next day walk to the base of the towers. This will be fairly easy walking, in a flat terrain and short distance. Overnight: Camp Torres or similar. What you carry: No porters. You will need to carry your main pack and day pack.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Ascend to base of Towers of Paine (8-10hrs - 19kms)

Today is a big walk, although free from the weight of our packs. We plan to hike to the base of the Torres del Paine (or towers). An early start is recommended in order to view the towers with the sun directly on them, transforming the granite all shades of red and pink. Those with some puff left may forge on to the Japanese camp, about an hour further up the valley. On our descent we may encounter the strong winds for which this area is renown. We return to Camp Torres and transfer to Tercera Barranca, a typical Magellan Estancia. This is the perfect place to end the trek with a traditional farewell dinner and reflect on mountains you have just trekked around. Overnight: Hotel 3 Pasos or similar. What you carry: Day pack

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Trip concludes Puerto Natales

After breakfast transfer to Puerto Natales where the trip concludes. If you are planning to visit Los Glaciares, Perito Moreno and/or El Calafate, then please ask our staff for details of tourist buses that cross the border directly from Torres del Paine Park or from Puerto Natales. PLEASE NOTE: All trekking times and distances are approximate.

meals : B