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The “O” Circuit of Trekking in Torres del Paine National Park

The “O” Trekking in Torres del Paine National Park

The O Circuit, or also called the Paine Grande Circuit, encompasses all the fantastic places of the famous W Circuit and then takes you to a higher level. This circuit adds all the wonders that the north side of the park has to offer, so that you will have a complete appreciation of Torres del Paine. With very few hikers, peace, quiet and serenity are felt more than ever in the mountain breeze.

Although Circuit W packages may include nights in shelters, in the section added by Circuit O you can only camp. The intense connection with nature during these days will give you moments, wild lands and sublime photographs that few people have the privilege of appreciating. Some of the highlights include passing daisy fields, crossing rivers, and ascending the amazing John Garner Pass.

This extreme circuit gets its name from the way it “closes” the W if you look at it from a map, allowing you to get to know Torres del Paine National Park completely. This trek will test your limits, but the self-satisfaction and impact experienced on the ground will make it all worthwhile.

The “O” Circuit of Trekking in Torres del Paine: Map

Check our map for the famous “O” Trekking in Torres del Paine National Park

The O Circuit of Trekking in Torres del Paine National Park. What to see?

The Paine circuit offers the most spectacular views of Chilean Patagonia. You will be able to visit the most incredible places in Torres del Paine National Park and walk through pristine landscapes.

For many hikers, the John Gardner pass is the most impressive place on the O circuit. On that day, you will reach the highest point of the Macizo Paine circuit (1200m.s.n.m.) Climbing a valley with lush forests and boulders. From above, you will have the best view of the Gray Glacier, a 360 ° viewpoint that will give you a good idea of the vastness of the southern ice field. But John Gardner Pass is not just a must see for its views. It is a journey in itself, with epic suspension bridges, unpredictable weather conditions and quiet places away from the crowds.

The Paine circuit includes the iconic places of the W circuit. You will walk through the French Valley and see Paine Grande, the highest peak in the park (3050m.s.n.m.). You will also arrive at the Base Torres viewpoint, which is perhaps the most photographic place in Patagonia with its incredible view of the famous granite peaks.

How difficult is the O Trekking in Torres del Paine?

Circuit O is not a technical trek, but it is a rather demanding multi-day hike that is only recommended for experienced hikers. The altitude in Patagonia is generally low, but there are exhausting ascents and descents if you don’t train enough for your trek.

The highest point is the John Gardner pass at 1200 meters above sea level on day 4, followed by the Base Torres viewpoint (850 meters above sea level) on day 7.

On the first day of the trek, you will walk around 11 hours to reach the Dickson camp (29 km app.). Although most of the trail is “flat”, this introduction to the O loop is demanding. The most challenging hike is the John Gardner Pass, a 22-kilometer (12-hour) odyssey from Camp Perros to Camp Gray. It includes an unforgettable view of the southern ice field, but also potentially extreme weather conditions (it is perhaps the windiest area in the entire park). It is advisable to have healthy knees to go down the hill!

The other challenging hikes are the Francés Valley (25km) and the Base Torres viewpoint (22km). The weather is a key aspect of your experience (welcome to Patagonia!), But there is no reason not to enjoy it if you come in good physical condition and with the appropriate equipment.

What´s the best season to enjoy the “O” Circuit in Torres del Paine?

It is extremely difficult to give a correct answer to the question “When to travel to Torres del Paine”? The climate of Patagonia can change in the blink of an eye and each month has its advantages and disadvantages. But a good start would be to understand the meaning of the concept of “season” here.

The high season runs from November to March. It is the busiest date in Torres del Paine, with the highest prices and the largest number of people on the trails. Some places can be very crowded (such as the Base Torres viewpoint), but the number of people on the trails of the Paine Massif circuit is limited, so you will not find camps full of people in this area (north sector). The days are longer, with up to 17 hours of light in December.

But although Torres del Paine is open all year round, the trails of the O circuit are open from October to March (we offer them from November). Touring the Paine circuit can only be done in spring and summer, with the quietest months being October and March.

Regarding the climate, there is not a single truth but several trends. Summer (from late December to early March) is warmer but also has the strongest gusts of wind. Autumn (late March to early June) and winter (late June to early September) are good times to look for animals, with less wind and more tranquility on the trails. Finally, spring (end of September to beginning of December) is a good time for flowers and fauna, with cool nights but generally good weather conditions for walking.