🗓️
10 days
9 nights
🥾
7 days
on trail
⛺
5 nights
camping
👥
Max 8
per group
⚠ Advanced trekkers only
The O Trek requires solid multi-day hiking experience, good fitness, and the ability to carry a loaded daypack for 7 consecutive days. Some days exceed 25 km with significant elevation gain. If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a W Trek and returning for the O.
About this trek
The O Trek is the full circuit of Torres del Paine — the classic W route combined with the remote back-circuit that crosses the John Gardner Pass and descends past the Dickson and Los Perros glaciers. It is the most complete trekking experience in Patagonia, and one of the most celebrated multi-day wilderness routes in South America.
Where the W Trek sees thousands of visitors each season, the back-circuit is quiet, raw, and regularly battered by wind. The John Gardner Pass (1,241m) offers a top-down view over the Grey Glacier that you cannot access from the W alone — an immense river of blue ice flowing into Lake Grey from the Patagonian Ice Field. The descent is steep and technical in wet weather.
Accommodation alternates between lodge nights and camping — tents pre-set and waiting for you at each camp. All meals are included throughout all 10 days. Sleeping bag and mat provided by ChileTour for camping sections. Trekking poles included. Private van service throughout; an English-speaking trekking guide is included for Day 2 (Base of Towers) and the back-circuit portion.
Day-by-day itinerary
D
1
1
Arrival in Puerto Natales
Transfer to Garden Domes. Welcome dinner with drinks. Full expedition briefing — trail conditions, what to pack for camping nights, the John Gardner Pass weather window strategy.
🏡 Garden Domes — Tiny House
D
2
2
Base of the Towers — 18 km · 7–8 hrs
Private ChileTour van into Torres del Paine via Laguna Amarga. English-speaking guided trek to Mirador Base Torres — the iconic turquoise lagoon beneath three 2,800m granite towers. The English-speaking guide that leads you here today will also lead the back-circuit section later in the program. Overnight at the Tiny House cabins near Torre Central.
🏠 Torre Central / Laguna Amarga Tiny House
D
3
3
French Valley — catamaran + 20 km · 8 hrs
Catamaran from Laguna Amarga to Paine Grande. Trek north through the Valle del Francés to Mirador Británico — a 360° granite amphitheatre with hanging glaciers on all sides. Descend to camping near the Frances valley floor.
⛺ Camping Francés (tent pre-erected)
D
4
4
Los Cuernos Loop — 20 km · 7 hrs
Trek east from the Frances area through the Los Cuernos sector and back toward the Torres side of the park. Return to Tiny House accommodation near Torre Central — the last proper bed before the back circuit begins. Tomorrow you head north into terrain very few trekkers reach.
🏠 Torre Central / Laguna Amarga Tiny House
D
5
5
Into the Back Circuit — Camping Seron — 22 km · 7 hrs
Head north into the remote back section of the circuit. The trail empties out almost entirely here — no catamaran access, fewer waypoints, real wilderness. Arrive at Camping Seron on the northern shore of Lake Paine. Guide joins the group from this day forward.
⛺ Camping Seron (tent pre-erected)
D
6
6
Seron → Camping Dickson — 18 km · 6 hrs
Trek deeper into the back circuit through lenga beech forest and open glacial valleys. Camping Dickson sits directly below the Dickson Glacier — a dramatic backdrop for the evening. Wildlife sightings of condor and guanaco are common on this stretch.
⛺ Camping Dickson (tent pre-erected)
D
7
7
Dickson → Camping Los Perros — 12 km · 5 hrs
A shorter but demanding day. The trail climbs steadily through dense forest past the Los Perros Glacier with hanging ice seracs visible above. Tonight is about rest and preparation — tomorrow you cross the highest point of the entire O Trek. Note: the porter carries the tent and prepares camping meals here; trekkers carry their own personal gear throughout.
⛺ Camping Los Perros (tent pre-erected)
D
8
8
John Gardner Pass — 22 km · 9–10 hrs
The centrepiece of the O Trek. Ascend to the 1,241m John Gardner Pass in the early morning for the defining view of Patagonia: the entire Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field spread below you. The descent to the western side is steep and frequently muddy — poles essential. Arrive at Camping Grey exhausted and elated.
⛺ Camping Grey (tent pre-erected)
D
9
9
Grey to Paine Grande — Catamaran Exit
Trek south from Camping Grey with the glacier on your left, passing the Refugio Grey viewpoint. Continue to Refugio Paine Grande on Lake Pehoé. Board the catamaran across the lake to Pudeto — the best views of the Cuernos from the water. Bus transfer back to Puerto Natales. Celebratory pizza night at Garden Domes.
🏡 Garden Domes — Puerto Natales
D
10
10
Departure Day
Breakfast at Garden Domes. Rest day or departure via bus to Punta Arenas or taxi to Puerto Natales airport. Luggage storage available.
Where you'll sleep
N1
N9
N9
Garden Domes — Puerto Natales
First and last nights at ChileTour's own boutique hotel. Tiny Houses with private facilities. Bar, El Brisket restaurant on site.
N2
N4
N4
Torre Central / Laguna Amarga — Tiny House
Cabin accommodation near the Towers entrance. Used on arrival (Day 2) and again after the French Valley loop (Day 4) — your last lodge night before the remote back circuit begins.
N3
Camping Francés
Tent pre-erected in the Frances valley area. Sleeping bag and mat provided. Camp facilities on site.
N5
Camping Seron
Tent pre-erected on the northern shore of Lake Paine. Start of the remote back circuit. Sleeping bag and mat provided.
N6
Camping Dickson
Tent pre-erected below the Dickson Glacier. Remote and quiet — almost no other trekkers in this section. Sleeping bag and mat provided.
N7
Camping Los Perros
Tent pre-erected directly below the Los Perros Glacier. Final camp before the John Gardner Pass crossing tomorrow. Sleeping bag and mat provided.
N8
Camping Grey
Tent pre-erected after the John Gardner Pass descent. Sleeping bag and mat provided. Basic facilities. The most remote and memorable camp of the O Trek.
What guests say
"
The guys at Chile tour were so organised and it made the whole experience really easy. We met some great people on the trail and had an amazing time.
— via Tripadvisor · Couples · Jan 2025
What's included
Included
✓
9 nights accommodation (2 Garden Domes, 2 lodge, 5 camping)✓
All meals — every breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 10 days✓
Welcome dinner with drinks + celebratory pizza night✓
Tents pre-erected at all camping nights✓
Sleeping bag and mat provided for camping sections✓
Trekking poles included✓
Private ChileTour van transfers in and out of the park✓
English-speaking trekking guide for Day 2 (Base of Towers) and back-circuit portion (Days 5–9)✓
Porter to carry tent and prepare camping meals at Los Perros✓
Catamaran tickets (Laguna Amarga–Paine Grande + return from Paine Grande)✓
Free luggage storage at Garden DomesNot included
✗
Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee (~$35 USD)✗
International and domestic flights✗
Guide gratuities / tips✗
Travel insurance (mandatory for O Trek)✗
Optional ice trekking on Grey Glacier✗
Medical evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)✗
Porter does not carry participant gear — only the tent and camping meals at Los PerrosRequest a quote or ask a question
The O Trek runs in smaller groups and fills fast. We recommend contacting us 3–6 months ahead. We reply within 24 hours.