Torres del Paine
O Circuit in Refuge (7 days)
Torres del Paine National Park
- Important
All excursions and itinerary are subject to weather conditions. - Notice
Not recommended for children under 10 years old. - Important
Recommend travel insurance. - Equipment
Recommend equipment for low tempetures. - Difficulty
Demanding. - Available
November - March.
Overview
The Paine Massif Circuit offers a captivating 7-day adventure, tailor-made for both mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers. This journey is nothing short of a dream come true, featuring awe-inspiring landscapes throughout. As you embark on this challenging trek, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Torres del Paine. Highlights include the breathtaking vistas at Dickson, the enchanting forests of Valle Los Perros, the unique Los Perros Glacier, and the mythical John Garner Pass, standing at a majestic 1,200 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the splendor of Glacier Gray and the Southern Ice Fields.
*This package includes a one-night stay at Camping Perros. The mentioned program price is based on double occupancy. Solo travelers will incur a single supplement of $144 USD.
Departure: Day 1 at 7:00 AM from the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal. - End of the program: Day 7 at 9:00 PM at the Puerto Natales Bus Terminal.
More...Itinerary
Distance: 14 miles / Time: 8-10 hrs / Difficulty level: Difficult / Accommodation: Central Refuge / Meals: Box Lunch and Dinner (Extra).
After breakfast at the hotel in Puerto Natales, we will leave for Torres del Paine National Park at 07:00 a.m. by regular bus (show up at least 10 minutes before at the bus terminal). The journey takes place in the middle of the vast Patagonian plain, reaching Laguna Amarga at the main entrance of the park and the place where you must register your entrance with Conaf (park rangers). Get over a park transfer called “Transporte Las Torres” to get to the Welcome Center, where the registration of passengers takes place, in the Cerro Paine Reserve. Once the check-in is complete, we´ll begin our first walk to the Base Torres Viewpoint. The walk begins through the Ascencio Valley which meanders through windswept hills and huge forests. During the final ascent, you´ll cross an immense rocky terrain until reaching one of the most emblematic landscapes in the world, the Base of Las Torres. At a height of 900 m.a.s.l. You'll marvel at the sheer granite walls of the towers (north, central, south) and the brilliant turquoise glacial lagoon. The ideal time to take pictures and eat a box lunch before continuing through the same path downhill to the Central Refuge.
Distance: 5.6 miles / Time: 4-5hrs / Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate / Accommodation: Serón Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner (Extra).
Although it is considered one of the days when the walk is one of the easiest in the Circuit, the trail to Serón offers many amazing landscapes of the untamed side of Torres del Paine Park. The trails go through a vibrant green carpet of trees to continue along a pleasant slope that descends towards an endless pasture. Continuing the relatively flat path towards the Serón campsite, crystal clear streams will be appreciated. After settling at the campsite, there will be a little time to enjoy the immense size of the land before dinner, which will be served in the small but cozy dining room of Serón.
Distance: 11 miles / Time: 6-7hrs / Difficulty level: Moderate / Accommodation: Dickson Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner (Extra).
A long hike begins through undulating hills and humid swamps into the interior of the park. Snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, and vast expanses of grassland will provide the backdrop as you explore the north side of the park. In addition to the amazing and imposing views of the Dickson Glacier, Cerro Cubo, and other rugged peaks that mark the border between Chile and Argentina. Once you reach the Dickson area, you check-in, and during the afternoon you can take a walk along the rocky shore of Lake Dickson, all this before a delicious dinner at the Refuge.
Distance: 5.6 miles / Time: 5hrs / Difficulty level: Moderate / Accommodation: Camping Los Perros / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner (Extra).
Today the walk will take place in the most remote area of the park, amid lush green vegetation. You will be able to feel the wind blowing through the bushes and listen to the pleasant sound of the Magellanic woodpeckers. Bordering the Los Perros River, you go up a large moraine where you will be speechless when you see another picturesque mountain as a backdrop, the wonderful Los Perros Glacier and its greenish-blue lagoon. You continue along a rocky path before reaching the Los Perros campsite, where you will be staying. It is recommended to rest, the next day will be long.
Distance: 14 miles / Time: 10-12hrs / Difficulty level: Difficult / Accommodation: Grey Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner (Extra).
Take a breath and prepare for the most demanding and rewarding day of the Paine Circuit. After early morning breakfast at the campsite, make your way walking through gnarled tree roots and large mud puddles, under the green canopy of the trees. Leave the forest and begin to ascend through worn and loose rocks (sometimes snow) until reaching the highest point in the Paine Circuit, the famous John Gardner Pass (1,200 m.a.s.l.) Wrapped by the strong Patagonian winds you´ll be impressed with the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and its marvelous resplendent carpet. The descent is made by the side of a giant wall of ice and the trail continues through Camping El Paso, crossing the exciting suspension bridges before arriving at the Grey Refuge for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
*To kayak to Grey Glacier or Ice Hike, add it in extras when making the purchase.
Distance: 7 miles / Time: 4-4.5 hrs / Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate / Accommodation: Paine Grande Refuge / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner (Extra).
Enjoy breakfast at the Grey Refuge before experiencing more spectacular landscape views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the icebergs of Grey Lake. Continue to an ascent walk through a mountainous forest until reaching the sometimes (very) windy viewpoint of the Grey Glacier. Keep going until you reach the Laguna de Los Patos where you begin the descent through a narrow and windy valley that takes you directly to the Paine Grande Refuge.
Distance: 12.5 miles / Time: French Lookout: 6-7hrs. / Difficulty level: Demanding / Accommodation: Puerto Natales / Meals: Breakfast, box lunch (Extra).
Start early in the morning for a whole day of walking towards the heart of Torres del Paine Park. After breakfast, request the box lunch and get ready for a day of landscape views of the jagged mountains of Patagonia. You walk through the arid ground and along the shore of the wonderful blue waters of Lake Skottsberg. After approximately 2.5 hours of walking, you´ll arrive at the El Italiano campsite where the ascent towards the Valley begins. Climb through the immense rocky terrain and follow the edge of the treetops until reaching the Plató (French lookout). The reward is the impressive landscapes of Los Cuernos, turquoise glacial lagoons, and witnessing great hanging glaciers that fall in the form of waterfalls on the east face of Paine Grande (3,050mts). If lucky you´ll hear the roar of falling water and ice, it´s a point where avalanches can commonly be seen. The ideal time to take some pictures and enjoy the box lunch, all this before descending and starting the return to the Paine Grande Refuge to take the Catamaran Hielos Patagónicos, for then starting the trip back to Puerto Natales.
*It is important to calculate the times and energies to be able to return in time to take the Catamaran. It is advisable to always be there 30 minutes before the ship's departure (Departure at 6:30 p.m.).
Included
- Briefing talk.
- 7 days and 6 nights of refuge accommodation.
- Sleeping bag and pillow.
- Ticket for the catamaran.
- Transport from Natales to Torres del Paine.
- Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine park.
- Connection shuttle to Las Torres.
Not included
- Travel and accident insurance.
- Air transportation.
- Accommodation in Puerto Natales.
- Full board (Meals) - Extra.
FAQs
The programs for the circuits in Torres del Paine are highly sought after and have limited spaces. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Availability changes minute by minute. Therefore, if you have availability one day, perhaps the next day you won't.
This program is self-guided, so you will walk individually and autonomously along the park's trails. This does not mean you will be alone. There are always people on the circuits, and all the park's trails are properly marked. Additionally, the day before starting the circuit, you will receive a technical briefing where we will provide you with all the necessary documents and a detailed explanation of the park and your program's route.
The answer will depend on your budget and the level of comfort you prefer while traveling. The refuges offer shared rooms with made beds (or with sleeping bags) and a pillow, with shared bathrooms (hot water). The camping option includes a private tent for two people, which includes a sleeping bag and mattress, with shared bathrooms (hot water). IMPORTANT: Each time you arrive at a campsite, you will be provided with a set-up tent, sleeping bag, and mattress. This means you only carry your personal backpack between campsites.
Breakfast consists of coffee, tea, milk, bread, eggs, cheese, ham, jam, juice, and fruit. The box lunch is typically a cold sandwich with a cereal bar, chocolate bar, dried fruits, and fruit. Finally, dinner is a set menu with an appetizer, main course, dessert, and water.
We offer menus adapted for vegetarians, vegans, or celiacs. If you have any food allergies, please indicate them in the passenger information when making the reservation.
In most of the circuit, there is no coverage. Only in some specific points of the park (which you will identify immediately), there might be some signal. However, all refuges offer satellite internet service for an additional cost, which can vary from CLP$ 10,000 for 1 hour, and is paid with a credit card.
Yes, in the common areas of the refuges there are outlets to charge your electronic devices. Remember that in Chile, 220V and 2-pin are used. We recommend bringing a power strip to share the charge of devices with your friends.
Yes, along all the trails you will have access to drinkable water, which comes from the park's natural springs. IMPORTANT: Pay attention to signs of farm animals (e.g., horses) that could contaminate some areas.
The weather is very variable throughout the year, even in summer. In one day, there can be sun, clouds, rain, and wind. Therefore, we recommend being prepared for any type of weather.
Absolutely! Trekking poles are a fundamental tool for multi-day hikes. If you don't want to use them, don't use them, but take them with you for when you need them. *Trekking poles can be rented in Puerto Natales.
At the time of booking on our platform, you can add as an extra, an Ice Hike or Kayaking among the icebergs. Absolutely recommended!
The single supplement extra cost only applies to individuals traveling alone. It is a fee that you need to pay to use a double tent spot by yourself.
Starting place
Your program begins and ends in Puerto Natales. From there the bus takes you to the National Park to start your walk.
Policies
Read our Terms and Conditions where our cancellation and change policies are defined. Always remember to plan your trip in advance.
