Torres del Paine O Circuit
Circuito O
The full loop around the Paine massif in Chilean Patagonia, adding the remote northern and western valleys and John Gardner Pass to the W Trek.
At a glance
- Loop from and back to
- Las Torres sector, Welcome Centre
- Length
- 93 km
- On foot
- 9 days
- Countries
Chile- Best months
- September–February
About the trail
The O Circuit walks all the way round the granite Paine massif in Torres del Paine National Park. Walked anticlockwise from the Las Torres sector, it first leaves the crowds behind in the Serón and Dickson valleys on the quiet northern side of the range, among lakes, beech forest and moraines.
The crux is John Gardner Pass, the highest point of the circuit at 1,200 m, often swept by strong wind, where the view opens onto the Grey Glacier and the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. From there the route descends along the glacier and joins the W Trek, passing Paine Grande, the French Valley and Los Cuernos before finishing below the towers that give the park its name.
Chile's national tourism board gives 93 km over nine days and describes it as highly demanding, for fit and experienced hikers. Reservations for every campsite and refuge are mandatory before entering the park, ideally made six months or more ahead, and each walker must register at the CONAF gate.