Self-Guided O Full Circuit 9 Days

What's Included?

• Local transportation between Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National park (Tourist bus)
• All meals as described on the itinerary
• 8 Nights at Torres del Paine National Park (Camping vs Refugios)
  *
• All camping equipment (Tents, Sleeping Bags and Pads)
• Lunch box Day 1

The O Circuit 9 Days is the ultimate Patagonia trek. You will make a full loop around the park with excursions to the brilliant granite spires and up the French Valley encompassed by mountain peaks and hanging glaciers. The trek moves counterclockwise around the national park, passing through native Beech wood forests, windswept grasslands and next to milky blue lakes. You will hike over John Gardner pass towering over Grey's Glacier and the vast Southern Ice Field, one of the largest ice caps outside of the arctic regions. This trek leaves nothing out, making it perfect for trekkers looking to experience all the park has to offer.
*Refugios are available at an extra cost.

Day 1: Puerto Natales - the Base of the Towers - Refugio Torres

Hiking time 8 hours. Distance 16km/10Miles. 700m Elevation Gain

Our adventure begins early with a two hour drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Upon arriving at the national park, we will go through formalities at the park’s entrance and then change buses. After a short 20 minute drive, we will arrive at Refugio Torres where we will grab our sack lunches. From Refugio Torres we will hike alongside the Ascencio River until reaching the base of the world famous pillars of granite that give the park its name. After eating lunch, we will head back to Refugio Torres where we will be spending the night.

Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 2: Refugio Torres to Camp Serón

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

After breakfast we will set off from Refugio Torres. Our trek will be steadily uphill as we make our way through one of the oldest beech forests and alongside the Paine River. We will take a well-deserved break at Paine Chico Viewpoint. Our next stop will be Camp Seron where we will be camping for the night.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 3: Camp Serón to Refugio Dickson

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

Our trail winds around the backside of the park today and provides us with reasonably easy trekking. This section of the park is more remote and visited by fewer trekkers, leaving you to enjoy the empty trails and untouched wide open grasslands. We will pass by Paine Lake and walk alongside the Paine River until we reach Refugio Dickson, where a hot dinner and shower will be waiting for you.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 4: Refugio Dickson to Camp Perros

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

Today's trek will follow Los Perros River through a beech wood forest and pass under Los Perros Glacier. Los Perros Glacier Lookout Point will supply us with brilliant views of the glacier and the lake beneath it. Our camp for the night, Camp Perros, is just a short distance from here. Get a good night's sleep, because tomorrow will be the most challenging day of our trek.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 5: Camp Perros to Refugio Grey

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

Today's trek is a difficult one, as we trek up and over John Gardner Pass, the highest point on our trek (1200m/3900ft). Count on experiencing Patagonia's infamously strong winds at the top of the pass but it will be well worth it as we will be reward with striking views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field down below. We will descend until we reach Grey's Lookout Point where you will be able to see the massive glacier up close.

Optional: Ice Hike Grey Glacier, extra $200 USD

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 6: Refugio Grey to Refugio Paine Grande.

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

Today's hike is relatively easy as our trail meets up with the W trek. From Refugio Grey we will trek south alongside Lake Grey spotting floating icebergs along the way. We will pass by the Duck's Lagoon, and continue until we reach Paine Grande Refugio located next to the strikingly blue Pehoe Lake. We will arrive in time for a hot lunch.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 7: Refugio Paine Grande to Camp Francés

Hiking time is 8-9 hours. 19km/12Miles and Elevation Gain of 690m

From Refugio Paine Grande we will trek northeast alongside Scottsberg Lake. Prepare yourself for stunning views of Mt. Paine Grande and we head towards the French Valley. In the valley we be able to see the French Glacier to our left and the massive Cuernos del Paine to our right. We will find respite at the French Valley Lookout Point where we will have lunch while spotting avalanches and hanging glaciers. After lunch we will continue up the valley until reaching the British Lookout Point. Afterwards, we will descend back through the valley to Camp Frances.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 8: Camp Francés Camp Cuernos

Hiking time is 2 hours. 5km/ 3Miles and Elevation Gain of 170m

Following breakfast, we will head towards Camp Cuernos idyllically situated on the banks of Nordenskjöld Lake. Today will be a relaxing day in which you can reflect on your trek and enjoy the surrounding nature.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner included

Day 9: Camp Cuernos to Puerto Natales

Hiking time is 4-5 hours. 11km/7Miles and Elevation Gain of 33m

This is it, the last day of our Patagonian adventure. From Camp Cuernos we will continue hiking along Nordenskjöld Lake and cross over several suspension bridges. To our left we will see Mount Admiral Nieto looming next to us. Before long, we will find ourselves back to where we began our adventure at Refugio Las Torres. We will get on the bus for our two hour bus ride back to Puerto Natales.

Breakfast/ Lunch included

Exclusions

• Guide
• Internet at the Refugios
• Personal expenses
• International flights
• Alcoholic drinks
• Tips
• Travel Insurance
• Accommodation in Puerto Natales
• Trekking Poles
• Porters ($125 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