O-Circuit Torres del Paine

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route visits all of the most spectacular features of Torres del Paine and does a complete circumnavigation of the park. From the stark, commanding cliffs, ancient glaciers and crystal blue lakes, this trail condenses some of the most iconic landscapes of Patagonia.

Reserving a park entrance is necessary and can be found here- aspticket.cl/

Travel on this trail is one way.
Reservations are needed for camping. Two private companies control the camping in the park - booking.vertice.travel/booking and lastorres.com/en/where-to-l…

There are varied levels of service that you can pick from(food, shelter, etc.)

Some sloppy, muddy sections can slow you down.

Part 1-
From Las Torres Hotel Visitor Center, head west and north toward Setor Serón. The well-trodden path runs along Macizo Paine's eastern side, with some muddy spots early on. Occasionally, it merges with horse trails, but markers guide the way. They converge later, leading to the same place. The final leg follows the Paine River's west bank, with mostly bridged streams. Serón Campsite, by the river, marks the end.

Part 2-
Start at Campsite Serón, run north along Paine River's west banks. After 2.5km, go west to a lake and ascend a steep slope, enjoying Paine Lake views. Descend westward, passing Guardería Coirón at the halfway point. Continue west through muddy terrain with mountain and glacier vistas. Ascend gently near Lake Dickson, and descend to the campsite gates. Register at CONAF office before checking in.

Part 3-
The well-marked trail starts at Dickson Refuge. It goes southwest through grassy terrain into the forest. After 500 meters, it turns southeast and ascends, with the steepest part at 2.5 kilometers. At the summit, a viewpoint offers a glimpse of Los Perros Valley and Glacier. The path heads southeast through the forest for 1.5 kilometers, crosses a stream, and turns southwest. Following the southern bank of Los Perros River for about 6 kilometers, it's an uphill journey. Out of the forest, the trail leads to the rocky Los Perros Glacier, with stunning views. Only 1 kilometer remains to Campsite Los Perros, guided by signs. Register at CONAF office and proceed with check-in.

Part 4-
This demanding section of the 'O' Circuit starts from Campsite Los Perros, heading straight up to John Gardner Pass, along the southern banks of the Los Perros River. The tree line marks a southwest turn and a steep ascent to the pass, offering panoramic views, including the westward Grey Glacier. Descend from the pass through a challenging muddy stretch to and go past the Paso Campsite.

Follow the well-marked trail south/southeast, along Glacier Grey's east side. It begins with a 100m ascent to a viewpoint and leads you through 2.5km of open scrub, exposed to strong Southern Ice Field winds. Descend for 1.4 km to a suspended bridge, followed by a steep 500m uphill climb. Enter the forest and descend through steep terrain. Around 3km, a 300m side trail offers another viewpoint. Cross two more suspended bridges before an easy 600m forest path takes you to Grey Refuge.

Day 5-
Begin your journey at Refugio Grey, and head through sometimes dense forests, continuing toward the glacier. After taking in the striking view of Grey Glacier at the wind-swept Grey Lookout, follow the trail to Lago Grey on your left. Pass by the charming Los Patos Lagoon as you trek northwest through the scenic canyon, ultimately reaching the Paine Grande ranger station.

Day 6 -
Begin at Paine Grande ranger station, follow Pehoe Lake, marvel at Cuernos del Paine. Traverse Skottsberg Lake's woods to Italiano ranger station. Descend to Nordenskjold Lake, amid grasslands, admire Almirante Nieto and Cuernos del Paine. Beware avalanches. Reach Refugio Los Cuernos after 6 miles, ending at Rio Ascencio Trail.

Day 7-
From the Los Cuernos Camping run along the lake for for a little over 11 km. Then the trail begins to turn uphill and eventually connects with the Valle Ascencio Trail. Stay left and in a couple of kilometers you'll arrive at Refugio Chileno.

Day 8-
Head up the rest the the Valle Ascencio Trail through the beech forest to the Mirador Base Torres. Take the time to enjoy this class view of the Torres Del Paine and then head back downhill. Turn left, crossing the Rio Ascencio. Soon, you are back at the visitor center, where you started.

Among the flora are the hardy Nothofagus trees, including lenga and coihue species, as well as the Magellanic Antarctic beech. The calafate bush, with its edible berries alongside tall pampa grasses. The Chilean firebush adds red hues to the scenery, while the Antarctic hairgrass and various orchid species flourish in this pristine environment.

The guanaco, a wild relative of the llama, roams freely, while the elusive puma reigns as the apex predator. Birds such as Andean condor can be seen, and the lakes are frequented by the Chilean flamingo. Magellanic woodpecker,Chilean flicker, and black-necked swan reside there along with the Southern lapwing, Andean eagle (black-chested buzzard-eagle), torrent duck, and austral parakeet. On land, you may encounter the South American grey fox, the endangered South Andean deer (huemul), and the Patagonian skunk. Flightless birds include the lesser rhea (Darwin's rhea) and Magellanic penguins.