Edge of Patagonia | O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile

A full circuit trek through Torres del Paine, crossing remote valleys, high passes, and the wild back side of Patagonia
Self Guided
Walking
8 days
Choose your own dates
Cost starting from
$3500 CAD

Edge of Patagonia | O Circuit Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile

A full circuit trek through Torres del Paine, crossing remote valleys, high passes, and the wild back side of Patagonia
Interested in more details about this Self-Guided Journey?

Overview

This is a self-guided trek around the Paine Massif in Torres del Paine National Park, completing the full O Circuit.

It goes beyond the well-known routes.

You don’t just see the highlights.
You move through the entire range.

The trail begins on the quieter side of the park, where the terrain feels more remote and the number of hikers drops off. Wide valleys, forested sections, and long, exposed stretches define the early days, as you settle into the rhythm of carrying what you need and moving steadily forward.

Then the pass.

The climb over John Gardner is one of the defining moments of the circuit. It’s a demanding ascent, shaped by wind and changing weather, but the reward is immediate. From the top, the Grey Glacier opens up below you, stretching out in a way that’s hard to fully take in.

From there, the route joins the more traveled sections of the park, following the edge of the glacier and eventually linking into the final stages toward the towers.

The terrain varies.

Some days are long and steady. Others are more technical or exposed. All of them ask for presence.

This is a self-guided experience.

Your route is mapped.
Your camps or refugios are reserved.
Your permits are in place.

You carry what you need and move at your own pace, adjusting to the conditions as they come.

This is not a casual walk.

It is a full commitment to the landscape.

And by the time you complete the circuit, you haven’t just visited Torres del Paine.

You’ve gone all the way around it.

What's Included

Everything is arranged so you can focus on the trek and the experience.

  • Pre-booked accommodations
    Refugios and/or campsites reserved along the full circuit
  • Park permits and reservations
    All required access arranged in advance
  • Meal packages (where selected)
    Options for meals at refugios or pre-arranged provisions
  • Detailed route notes and maps
    Clear, day-by-day guidance for the full circuit
  • GPS navigation support
    Easy tracking along the route
  • Luggage/storage coordination
    Support for any extra gear not needed on the trek
  • Local support
    Assistance available if needed throughout the journey

The Feel

The route is set.
The logistics are handled.

You carry what you need—
and move through it.

GOOD TO KNOW
Arrival City
Puerto Natales
Departure City
Puerto Natales
Activities
Walking
TOTAL DISTANCE
120–136 km (75–85 miles)
Average walking distance
15–20 km (9–12 miles)
LEvel of difficulty
Hard/Challenging

Itinerary

Day 1: Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine + Towers Hike (22 km)

Transfer into the park, then hike to the Towers Lookout.
A big opening day with one of the most iconic views in Patagonia.

Day 2: Central to Serón (9 km)

An easier day through beech forests and open terrain.
A chance to settle into the rhythm.

Day 3: Serón to Dickson (18.5 km)

Longer stretches with mountain and lake views.
The backcountry begins to feel more remote.

Day 4: Dickson to Los Perros (9 km)

Forest trails, rivers, and glacier-fed landscapes.
A shorter day before the pass.

Day 5: Los Perros to Grey via John Gardner Pass (22 km)

The defining day.
A demanding climb with sweeping views over Grey Glacier.

Day 6: Grey to Paine Grande (11 km)

Follow the glacier’s edge.
Optional ice hike or kayaking experiences available.

Day 7: French Valley + Return to Puerto Natales (17 km)

Hike into the French Valley, then return by catamaran and bus.
A strong final day with dramatic views.

Guides for this trip are still being considered.

PHOTOS

Video