O-CIRCUIT, TORRES DEL PAINE

45 - 50 HRS | 8 DAYS | 141 KM | 4.370 M | TORRE CENTRAL [ROUND TRIP]

The Torres del Paine National Park in Chile offers adventurers a chance to experience one of the most spectacular trekking destinations in the world. Whether you choose the five-day W-Circuit or the more challenging eight-day O-Circuit, this park provides a journey through diverse and breathtaking landscapes. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, the O-Circuit is an unparalleled adventure.

Spanning 141 kilometers, the O-Circuit immerses hikers in Patagonia’s raw beauty. This multi-day trek features towering mountains, pristine rivers, clear blue lakes, and the awe-inspiring Grey Glacier. With a total elevation gain of 4,370 meters, it’s a demanding yet deeply rewarding trail that takes between 45 to 50 hours of hiking over eight days.

The O-Circuit

The adventure begins at Torre Central, where hikers embark on this epic loop trail. Unlike the W-Circuit, the O-Circuit circumnavigates the entire Torres del Paine massif, offering solitude and uninterrupted views of Patagonia’s untamed wilderness. Each stage brings unique challenges and stunning scenery.

On day one the trail leads to Camp Serón, winding through serene river valleys with sweeping views of the Paine Massif. A hike to Lake Paine on the second day rewards adventurers with views of one of the park’s largest lakes. The day ends at Camp Dickson, nestled among glaciers and pristine wilderness. The third and fourth day consists of a climb to Los Perros Lake and the dramatic John Gardner Pass offers thrilling highlights. The rocky ascent reveals panoramic views of Grey Glacier, the park’s largest glacier.

Iconic landscapes and landmarks

Descending from John Gardner Pass, hikers are greeted by unparalleled vistas of the glacier’s icy expanse and the surrounding forests. Hiking on day five and six, the route continues to Camp Paine Grande and Lake Pehoé, renowned for their vibrant flora, wildlife, and views of Cerro Paine Grande.

The latter part of the trek on day seven and eight ventures into the French Valley, home to the lush Lenga forest and the imposing French Glacier. Adventurers can climb to Mirador Francés or ascend further to Mirador Britanico for unmatched views of the surrounding peaks. After stopping at Camp Los Cuernos (The Horns), the final days bring hikers back to Torre Central with a grand finale, a hike to the famous Las Torres (The Towers). These granite spires are the park’s iconic symbol and a testament to Patagonia’s rugged natural beauty.

Why choose the O-Circuit?

The O-Circuit showcases the Torres del Paine National Park in all its glory. With its combination of remote wilderness, diverse terrains, and legendary landmarks like Grey Glacier, John Gardner Pass, and Mirador Britanico, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trek for seasoned hikers. Explore more about this epic adventure on Komoot below. Plan your journey today and discover why Torres del Paine is celebrated as one of the Andes’ most remarkable national parks.