O Circuit Patagonia - 8 days – Chile – FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel

Dare to enjoy a unique experience in one of the leading hiking circuits in the world: the tour of the Paine Massif, where nature invites you to challenge your body and mind. For 8 intense days you will be amazed by the granite towers that give the park its name, the legendary Francés Valley, or the striking Grey Glacier seen from the John Garner mountain pass where the ice blends into the clouds on the horizon. An experience that will take your breath way.

SEASON: November through March

OVERVIEW:

Day 1: Transportation to Torres del Paine for the start of your trek

Day 2: Hike to Dickson Lake, overnight - Dickson Camp

Day 3: Hike to Los Perros, overnight - Los Perros Sector

Day 4: Hike to John Garner pass and Grey Lake, overnight - Grey

Day 5: Hike to Paine Grande, overnight - Paine Grande

Day 6: Hike to Francés Valley, overnight - Francés/Cuernos Sector

Day 7: Hike to Central Sector, overnight - Central Sector

Day 8: Hike to the Torres Base and return to Puerto Natales

Departures:

Self Guided Program: Every day
Guided Group: First Tuesday of every month (ask for availability). Minimum of 2 guests and maximum of 8 people per guide.
Private Guided Group: Every day

2023/2024 Pricing

Camping: $1,725usd

Refugio: $2,175usd

*($560usd single supplement for single campers)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park - Trek to Serón Campsite

Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation Gain: 250m

Following breakfast at the hotel in Puerto Natales, ensure you've secured your packed lunch before heading to the bus terminal to catch the 07:00 am departure (arrive at least 10 minutes early). This journey cuts through the picturesque Patagonian pampas, leading you to Laguna Amarga, the primary gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Here, registration with CONAF (park rangers) is mandatory. You'll then transition to "Transporte Las Torres," your transport to the Welcome Center, where Cerro Paine Reserve passengers register. From there, your trek to the Serón campsite commences.

Though categorized as one of the more straightforward hikes on the circuit, the path to Serón unveils stunning vistas of Torres del Paine's rugged wilderness. You'll traverse a lush green tapestry of trees, descending gently onto the boundless Patagonian plains. Along the relatively even trail to Serón, you'll encounter pristine streams and ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the vastness of the landscape. Upon reaching the campsite, take some time to settle in before relishing a well-deserved dinner served in Serón's intimate dining quarters.

Duration: 4 – 5 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 9 kilometers (approximately 5.6 miles)

Meals Included: Box lunch and dinner

Day 2: Hike to Dickson

Distance: 18km / 11.5 miles

Hiking Time: 6-7 hours

Elevation Gain: 200m

This will be a long but unforgettable day of hiking. The ﬁrst part of the trail will take you up and down the slopes of Paine Hill, where you will feel the power of the wind. YoEmbark on a rewarding journey today, delving into the heart of the park through undulating hills and verdant meadows. Snow-crowned peaks, serene blue lakes, and expansive grasslands create a captivating backdrop as you venture into the northern reaches of the park. Along the way, be prepared to be awestruck by the majestic Dickson Glacier, Cerro Cuba, and other rugged peaks that delineate the Chile-Argentina border. Upon reaching the Dickson area, settle in and take the afternoon to explore the rocky shores of Dickson Lake before enjoying a hearty dinner at the refuge.

Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 18.5 kilometers (approximately 11.5 miles)

Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Hike to Los Perros

Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles

Hiking Time: 5 hours

Elevation Gain: 360m

Embark on a journey through the park's most secluded realms, surrounded by lush greenery. As you traverse this pristine landscape, be serenaded by the gentle rustle of wind through the foliage and the melodious calls of Magellanic woodpeckers. Following the course of the Los Perros River, ascend a vast moraine, where you'll be mesmerized by the sight of the majestic Los Perros glacier and its shimmering blue-green lagoon against a backdrop of picturesque mountains. Continuing along a rocky trail, you'll eventually reach the Los Perros campsite, your haven for the night. Take this opportunity to recharge, as tomorrow's adventure awaits.

Duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 9 kilometers (approximately 5.6 miles)

Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner

Day 4: Trek to Grey via John Garner Pass

Distance: 22km / 13.7 miles

Hiking Time: 10-12 hours

Elevation Gain: 620m

Prepare yourself for the most challenging yet immensely rewarding leg of the Paine circuit. Following an early breakfast at the quincho and securing your box lunch, embark on a journey through gnarled tree roots and sprawling mud puddles beneath the verdant canopy of the forest. As you emerge from the woodland, brace yourself for a ascent over rugged and loose rocks, occasionally dusted with snow, leading you to the pinnacle of the circuit: the renowned John Garner Pass (1,200 meters above sea level). Buffeted by the fierce Patagonian winds, marvel at the grandeur of the Southern Ice Fields and their glistening expanse. The descent unfolds alongside a colossal ice wall before weaving through the El Paso campsite, home to a park ranger outpost. Traverse exhilarating suspension bridges before finally arriving at the Grey shelter for a replenishing dinner and a well-earned rest.

Duration: 10 – 12 hours

Difficulty: Demanding

Distance: 22 kilometers (approximately 13.7 miles)

Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Trek to Paine Grande

Distance: 11km / 6.8 miles

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Elevation Gain: 280m

TIndulge in breakfast at Refugio Grey as you prepare for another day of awe-inspiring vistas, this time featuring the breathtaking Southern Icefields and the glacial expanse of Grey Lake (don’t forget to request your box lunch!). Begin your journey with a hike through mountainous forests, ascending to the occasionally blustery vantage point overlooking Grey Glacier. The trail then leads you onward to Los Patos Lagoon, where you commence a descent through a narrow, windswept valley that guides you directly to the Paine Grande refuge.

Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 11 kilometers (approximately 6.8 miles)

Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner

Optional: Today, you have the morning free to kayak on Grey Lake with a prior reservation. Inquire about pricing and availability for this exciting activity.

Day 6: Exploration of the French Valley

Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles

Hiking Time: 7-9 hours

Elevation Gain: 660m

Rise with the sun for a day brimming with exploration deep within the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. Following breakfast, prepare your box lunch as you gear up for a day surrounded by the stunning vistas of Patagonian mountains. Traverse arid landscapes and wander along the tranquil shores of Skottsberg Lake. After approximately 2.5 hours of hiking, you'll reach the Italian campsite, marking the commencement of your ascent into the valley.

Ascend through vast rocky terrain, tracing the edge of the tree-fringed ridge until you reach the French lookout. Here, you'll be greeted by awe-inspiring panoramas of the Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and magnificent hanging glaciers cascading down the eastern face of Cerro Paine Grande (3,050 meters). If fortune smiles upon you, you may even hear the thunderous roar of cascading water and ice, a testament to the dynamic nature of the landscape. Be sure to capture this moment with some photographs and savor your box lunch amidst this natural splendor. Retrace your steps along the same trail to the Italian campsite before continuing on to Domos Francés or Los Cuernos refuge. Relax in the afternoon and indulge in a delectable dinner at the refuge of your choice.

Duration: 6 – 8 hours

Difficulty: Demanding

Distance: 15 – 17 kilometers (approximately 9.3 - 10.6 miles)

Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Trek to Central Tower

Distance: 14.5 km / 9 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Elevation Gain: 200m

Embark on your journey to Central Tower, whether starting from Los Cuernos refuge or Domos Francés. Along the way, meander alongside pristine streams, marvel at the hanging glaciers of Almirante Nieto mountain (2,670 meters), and keep your eyes peeled for the majestic presence of condors soaring above. Skirt the captivating blue-green waters of Nordenskjöld lake as you follow the well-marked trail to the Torre Central refuge, where you can unwind and relax for the afternoon.

Duration: 4 – 6 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 14.5 kilometers (approximately 9 miles)

Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner

Day 8: Hike to Las Torres Base

Distance: 22km / 13.7 miles

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Elevation Gain: 750m

Prepare for today's hike in the Ascencio Valley, surrounded by expansive forests. As you ascend, traverse an immense field of colossal rocks until you reach one of the world's most iconic viewpoints: the renowned Base Torres. Perched at an altitude of approximately 900 meters (2953 feet) above sea level, behold the awe-inspiring sight of the three granite towers (north, central, and south) towering above, accompanied by the shimmering turquoise glacier lake below. Seize this opportunity to capture unforgettable photographs and relish your box lunch before retracing your steps downhill along the same trail.

The hike is estimated to take around 8 to 10 hours, ensuring you have ample time to soak in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the journey.

At 7pm, board the "Las Torres" transfer to Laguna Amarga to catch the 7:30pm regular bus back to Puerto Natales. Anticipate arriving in Natales around 9:15pm.

Duration: Approximately 8 – 10 hours

Difficulty: Demanding

Distance: 22 kilometers (approximately 13.7 miles)

Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch

Additional Information:

Where does the O Circuit Patagonia tour begin?

The tour departs from the city of Puerto Natales. If you're traveling from Santiago de Chile, the recommended option is to take a flight direct to or Puerto Natales (however flights are less frequent). Alternatively fly into Punta Arenas (more frequent), from there, you can either catch a bus, which will take approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach the bus station in Puerto Natales, or opt for a private transportation service with us.

For travelers coming from El Calafate in Argentina, there are direct buses to Puerto Natales, which take about 5 hours. Alternatively, you can arrange a transfer with us from El Calafate to Puerto Natales or a direct transfer between El Calafate and Torres del Paine.

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For more FAQs please visit our blog that covers all your questions about hiking in Torres del Paine,

Additional Trip Info

7 nights of lodging (campsite or mountain hostel)*
(Guided Programs only) Professional Mountain guide - Fluent English & Spanish
Mountain hostels have shared rooms that include made beds in the Grey, Dickson and Central sectors, and a sleeping bag in the Francés, Cuernos and Chileno sectors.
Campsite includes a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
Welcome Kit: Includes dry bag, water bottle, large map, buff (bandana) or welcome drink. You receive this kit and your program vouchers prior to your trek. *Please note: contents may change without notice and at the discretion of our supply.
Torres del Paine National Park entrance tickets.
Transport via regular bus from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine and back.
All meals (full board: lunch (IN day), dinner, breakfast and box lunch (OUT day)

* You will spend the 5th night in either Francés or Cuernos Sector, depending on the availability at the moment of booking

Any service not specified in the program
Accommodations in Puerto Natales
Excursions or additional activities
Guide (except for the guided program option)
Drinks
Insurance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Send Us a Message

Chile

O Circuit Patagonia - 8 days

Eight days of epic views as you circle the Paine Massif

O Circuit Patagonia - 8 days

Eight days of epic views as you circle the Paine Massif

SEASON: November through March

OVERVIEW:

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park - Trek to Serón Campsite

Day 2: Hike to Dickson

Day 3: Hike to Los Perros

Day 4: Trek to Grey via John Garner Pass

Day 5: Trek to Paine Grande

Day 6: Exploration of the French Valley

Day 7: Trek to Central Tower

Day 8: Hike to Las Torres Base

Additional Information:

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.

info@flashpackerconnect.com

+1 206-892-8877

Send Us a Message

Chile

O Circuit Patagonia - 8 days

Eight days of epic views as you circle the Paine Massif

O Circuit Patagonia - 8 days

Eight days of epic views as you circle the Paine Massif

SEASON: November through March

OVERVIEW:

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Torres del Paine National Park - Trek to Serón Campsite

Day 2: Hike to Dickson

Day 3: Hike to Los Perros

Day 4: Trek to Grey via John Garner Pass

Day 5: Trek to Paine Grande

Day 6: Exploration of the French Valley

Day 7: Trek to Central Tower

Day 8: Hike to Las Torres Base

Additional Information:

Additional Trip Info

Have Questions?

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Interested in building a custom trip? We want to help you travel to places you have dreamt about.