Torres del Paine - Full Circuit Trek

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.

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.

Transfer by van to the Las Torres area. The trek will take you to the Ascencio Valley today where from above you can see the Ascencio River running wildly past Refugio Chileno. Continue on through a forest of native Lenga (Beech) trees until you reach the glacial moraine. Then, it’s a 1-hour trek to the top where the towers appear from nowhere! The hike today will be about 7 hours round trip and a total of 19 km. In the evening the group will return to the Laguna Azul camp.

Begin today on the Macizo Paine circuit along the original route taken by the first adventurers who came to this park. Walk along the northern part of the Laguna Azul before passing by the side of the Cebolla Lagoon. After a few hours of hiking the group will make its first stop at an old cattle post called La Victorina, where there will be time to rest and enjoy a box lunch.

Then, continue walking and crossing footbridges and rivers until the group arrives at Paine Lake. This lake offers an incredible view of the northern part of the Paine Massif. Once the group arrives at the Dickson Lake area they will cross the river in a zodiac boat to arrive at the Dickson Campground.

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.

Today is the toughest day of the O trek, start with an uphill climb for 2-3 hours, passing over the highest point. 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.

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.

Hike along Lake Grey to appreciate different view points 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.

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.

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.

Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 4:00pm.