O Circuit 7 Days Self Guided

What's Included?

• Local transportation between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National park
• All meals while trekking
• 6 nights camping
• Tent
• Sleeping bags & Pads
• Catamaran ticket Pehoe Lake

This 7 day trek takes you through the heart of what might be South America's finest national park. The granite pillars of Torres del Paine which stand almost 2000m/6500ft above the surrounding glaciers and lakes are just one of the highlights. This trek circumnavigates the entire range and starts with a fabulous view of the Torres del Paine. The highpoint of the trek is the John Garner Pass (1200m/3900ft) from where we have outstanding views of Glacier Grey and the vast Southern Ice Field, one of the largest ice caps outside of the arctic regions. Descending from the pass we follow alongside Glacier Grey to its terminus at Lago Grey where you can see giant icebergs calving directly into the lake. Combine some of the world's greatest scenery with an excellent trail and mountain hut system and this has to be one of the finest treks anywhere.

Day 1 - Puerto Natales to Camping Torres

Hiking time 7 to 8 hours. 22km/13Miles and Elevation Gain of 700m

Our journey starts in the morning with a 2-hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Once we arrive at the Park entrance and go through formalities we will continue to Refugio Torre Central from where we will be starting our trek.

The first part of the hike along the banks of the Ascencio River is a gradual climb and fairly easy. After two hours we will reach Refugio Chileno and take a short break before starting for the towers. The towers are about another 2 hours hike to the viewpoint where we will have lunch and enjoy the fantastic views. After lunch we will hike back all the way to Refugio Torres.

Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 2 - Camping Torres to Serón Campsite

Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours. 14km/8Miles and Elevation Gain of 300m

Today we head up the Rio Paine through one of the oldest beech forests in the park. It's gradual uphill hiking all day and after lunch we will reach the Paine Chico view point. Serón camp site is our next stop where we will spend the night.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 3 - Serón Campsite to Dickson Lake

Hiking time 6 to 7 hours. 18km/11Miles and Elevation Gain of 250m

Today is a fairly easy day as we make our between Lago Paine and Lago Dickson. We will be rewarded with great views of Cerro Escudo and Cerro Cabeza del Indio. After a few hours we will reach the shores of Dickson Lake where we will camp and be served a delicious hot dinner.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 4 - Dickson Lake to Los Perros Campsite

Hiking time 4 hours. 12km/7Miles and Elevation Gain of 400m

After breakfast today we head up the Los Perros river valley with views of the beautiful Patagonian landscape. It's gradual uphill all the way as we trek through a native Beech forest and make our way to the Los Perros campsite. Its a beautiful spot with views of the lake and glacier beyond it.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 5 - Los Perros Campsite to Lake Grey

Hiking time10 hours. 20km/12Miles and Elevation Gain of 400m

Crossing John Garner Pass at (1200m/3900ft) is by far the most challenging part of the O circuit. It offers rewarding views of Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. After reaching the top of the pass we walk down through the valley towards Lago Grey paralleling the lateral moraine of the glacier.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 6 - Lake Grey to Paine Grande

Hiking time is 4 hours. 10km/6Miles and Elevation Gain of 100m

Once we finish breakfast we will start the relatively easy hike alongside Lake Grey. If we are lucky we will spot floating icebergs as we walk through small forest and reach Paine Grande at lunch time.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 7 - Paine Grande to Puerto Natales

Hiking time is 6 to 7 hours. 19km/11Miles and Elevation Gain of 400m

Today is our last day and after breakfast we will start our hike to the French Valley lookout point. We will have lunch at the viewpoint and backtrack on the same trail to Paine Grande.

At 18:30 we start our cross Lake Pehoe via ferry to Pudeto. It's a two hour drive back to Puerto Natales where we will finish our adventure.

Breakfast and Lunch included

Exclusions

• Guide
• Internet at the Refugios
• Airport transfers
• Personal expenses
• International flights
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips
• Travel Insurance
• Trekking Poles
• Porters ($150 per day)
• Torres del Paine National Park Tickets (Book Here)

The following are what we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Patagonia, and are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions.

On the Trail Daypack

• Extra layers
• Windbreaker
• Poncho
• Gloves
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm with Sunscreen
• Broad brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
• Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
• Water Bottles or Camel Back
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp with extra batteries Favorite Snacks
• Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)
• Toilet Paper
• Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
• Small Lock(s) for day pack
• Waterproof cover for daypack

Clothing: Base, Middle, and Outer Layers

• Moisture-wicking long sleeve tee-shirts (1) Moisture wicking tee-shirts (1)
• Long underwear pants (1)
• Underwear (3 to 4)
• Heavy Fleece or Down Jacket
• Long sleeve shirts (2)
• Sweatshirt (optional)
• Fleece Pants (Winter Treks)
• Trekking Pants (2)
• Shorts (optional)
• Gore Tex or Waterproof Jacket with hood
• Rain Poncho that covers your daypack
• Waterproof Pants
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Wool hat (Should cover ears) or Balaclava
• Lightweight Gloves
• Insulated Wool or Down Mittens (Winter Treks)
• Gaiters (optional)

Footwear: Shoes and Socks

• Hiking boots with ankle support
• Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
• Plastic bag to carry spare shoes Hiking socks (6)
• Sock Liners (optional)

First Aid Kit and Toiletries

• Advil or Ibuprofen
• Personal Prescriptions
• Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
• Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers' diarrhea)
• Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
• Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant...)
• Wet wipes
• Panty Liners and Tampons
• Face lotion
• Hairbrush
• Hair ties
• Hand warmers
• Ear plugs for sleeping
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm with sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Towel

Paperwork and Money

• Passport (needed at entry gate for registration) Spending Money around $200

Other Items

• Portable Solar Charger Journal, pen and paper
• Drybags
• Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes