O Trek, the Full Paine Masiff Circuit

PATAGONIA | Torres del Paine | O Trek

The Paine Massif circuit, also known as the O trek, is regarded as one of the most beautiful treks in the world. Challenging and rewarding, the Paine circuit is very varied, going through the different biotic provinces found in the park, namely the Patagonian Steppe, Pre-Andean Scrubland, Magellanic Deciduous Forest and the Andean Desert above the tree line.

Some of the main highlights are the windy passes, the breath taking views of glaciers, lakes, rivers, forests and mountains, the exciting hanging bridges, and of course the highest point of the trek, the John Gardner pass 1,200 meters above sea level or roughly 3,600 feet.

It is highly recommended that people who are interested in doing the “O” come prepared. previous experience and the right gear in order to enjoy the 81 miles which are done in 7 days. Fortunately, the trek alternates between long and short days, allowing our bodies to adapt to the impact on the legs. A good way to train is by doing 10 to 15 km hikes with a 10 kg (22 lb) back pack twice a week for at least 2 months.

Patagonia is fanous for the strong winds and rapidly changing weather conditions. The proximity to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and the lack of high mountains to block the north west wind flow give this place a wild and fascinating character. The great beauty and raw power of nature can be perceived first hand and it should not be underestimated.

The main goal during our guided treks is to provide a safe space where group dynamics may develop in a fun, informative and friendly way. We aim to provide excellent group management, client care and risk management so that every participant has the time of their lives.

DAY 1 | Arrival to Puerto Natales

Upon arrival to Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, we will be there to pick you up and take you to your hotel. You have time at leisure to explore town and pack your backpack with all the necessary items for the trek. A packing list will be given to you in advance for reference. The rest of your luggage will stay at the hotel. In the evening we get together for a nice dinner and a general briefing.

Lodging	double room in hotel with private bathroom
Food	refreshments

DAY 2 | Milodon Cave / Trek to Camp Seron

After breakfast in the hotel, we drive 15 miles north to the Milodon Cave Natural Monument, one of the most important paleonthological sites in South America. The place is rich in information about the megafauna and the first humans that lived in the area over 10.000 years ago. We enjoy lunch in the lenga forest before going to Torres del Paine National Park to begin our 7.2 miles hike to Camp Seron. On this first section of the circuit we go through Pre-Andean Scrubland and Magellanic Deciduous Forest, following the Paine River as it carves its way through the Enchanted Valley. Once at Camp Seron, we can relax and enjoy a nice dinner.

Distance	8 mi.
Duration	6 hrs.
Max. elevation	600 ft.
Lodging	double tent, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 3 | Seron - Dickson

After breakfast we get ready for the hike, which follows the Paine River and takes us to the windy pass, where we have impressive views of the Paine Lake and River, Los Perros Valley and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. After 3 hours and 6 miles of hiking we arrive at Coiron Ranger Station to rest and have lunch. We continue for 3 more hours and 6 miles, following the river until we arrive at the picturesque Camp Dickson. Our day ends here, where the Dickson Lake flows into the Paine River. The place has a special charm with gorgeous views of the forest, lake and mountains. After some time at leisure we have dinner at the lodge.

Distance	12 mi.
Duration	6 hrs.
Max. elevation	600 ft.
Lodging	double tent, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 4 | Dickson - Los Perros

After breakfast in the lodge, we have the morning at leisure to explore the shore of the lake or relax around camp. The hike starts uphill into the Los Loros, “The Parrots”, Valley, leaving behind the Dickson Glacier and Lake. After 1.5 hours we arrive at the Cabeza del Indio, “Indian Head”, River, where we stop for water and snacks before heading west into the Valley of Los Perros, “The Dogs”. In this section of the trek we find ancient trees in the unspoiled primary forest. We walk over old moraines covered in vegetation for thousands of years, evidence of previous glacial periods that sculpted the landscape. After 3.5 hours we exit the forest and go uphill on the moraine of Los Perros Glacier to admire its beauty up close before heading over to camp for shelter, a nutritious meal and good rest.

Distance	7.2 mi.
Duration	5 hrs.
Max. elevation	1,650 ft.
Lodging	double tent, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 5 | Los Perros - Grey / John Gardner Pass

This long day starts very early. The trail begins uphill through the forest for approximately one hour until it opens up to the barren and exposed Andean Desert, an area with interesting and resilient species of plants and animals. We continue following the course of the water until we reach the highest point of the trek, a saddle named after the British pioneer John Gardner, who did it in the mid 1970’s. Breathtaking views of the Grey Glacier and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field reward us before the descent towards Camp Paso, where we stop for lunch and rest.
After lunch we have three exciting hanging bridges to cross that offer spectacular views of the glacier, lake and mountains. We continue descending, near the level of the lake to arrive at Grey Lodge, where we can relax, shower and have dinner. The W Trek begins here.

Distance	12 mi.
Duration	9-13 hrs.
Max. elevation	3,600 ft.
Lodging	shared dormitory with 4 people in mountain lodge, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 6 | Grey - Paine Grande

After a good breakfast, we have a leisurly morning to recover and enjoy the view of the glacier from a nearby lookout. At noon we have lunch at the lodge before starting our hike south along the eastern shore of the Grey Lake, gradually uphill through the section of forest affected by a fire in 2011. Along the way we see glacier-polished rocks with striations that indicate the direction in which the ice advanced during the last glaciation 15,000 years ago. With some luck, we may see the Magellanic woodpeckers looking for food on the tree trunks.
Halfway through we reach the highest point of 900 feet, where we have the last views of the glacier. We continue on a downhill trend towards Los Patos Lake, passing through pure water streams to fill up our bottles. During the final section we have views of Lake Pehoe with its beautiful turquoise blue water, before going through a canyon with interesting stratigraphy that reveals the ongoing compression of the landscape by the tectonic plates. We finish the hike at Camp Paine Grande, situated by the shore of the Pehoe Lake, where we can enjoy a hot shower and a good meal.

Distance	6.6 mi.
Duration	4 hrs.
Max. elevation	900 ft.
Lodging	double tent, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 7 | French Valley

We start our long day early with a delicious breakfast before heading east towards the French Valley and Los Cuernos, "The Horns". In this section we hike through Pre-Andean Scrubland, where we see different types of orchids (summer season) and birds like the upland goose or the fired eye diucon. After approximately one hour, we arrive to the Scottsberg Lake, where we can enjoy stunning views. After crossing the hanging bridge over the French River, we arrive at Italian Camp, where we stop for a snack and rest before continuing up the valley.
On the way up we see moraines, which are clear evidence of previous glacial and interglacial cycles, as well as impressive glaciers on the east side of Paine Grande Mountain (10,000 ft.), the highest in the park. Avalanches are common and may be seen from a safe distance. Depending on the weather conditions and the group, we go to the French or British Lookout to have lunch and enjoy the impressive rock formations that offer great challenges to the best climbers in the world. After lunch at the lookout, we retrace our steps down the valley towards Italian Camp. From there we continue east towards our camp, where we have hot showers, dinner and good rest.

Distance	13-16 mi.
Duration	9-11 hrs.
Max. elevation	1,800-2,250 ft.
Lodging	double tent, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 8 | Estancia Sector

After breakfast we continue hiking east along the Nordenskjöld Lake, where we see birds like the cinereus harrier and the Andean condor. The terrain is undulated with an uphill trend until half way, with a maximum altitude of approximately 900 feet. We encounter several pure water sources to drink from, before reaching the main river of this section, the Arriero River, which flows down from beautiful hanging glaciers near the summit of Almirante Nieto Mountain. The last section of the trail takes us to the Inge Lake and the Patagonian Steppe, where the open country offers better chances of spotting a big mammal like a puma or guanaco. Once at the camp, we have time at leisure before dinner.

Distance	8-11 mi.
Duration	5-7 hrs.
Max. elevation	900 ft.
Lodging	double tent, shared bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box, dinner

DAY 9 | Base of the Towers

After a good breakfast, we start hiking uphill through the Ascencio Valley, which owes its name to Ascencio Brunel, a horse thief who used to hide there in the early 1900s. The hike is out and back on a trail that takes us through Pre-Andean scrubland and the beautiful Magellanic Deciduous Forest. We have impressive views of lakes, rivers and snow-coverd mountains with hanging glaciers until we reach the lookout point of the famous Towers of Paine, after approximately 4 hours. If the conditions allow it, we have lunch at the lookout to enjoy the special ambiance of the place and rest before starting our descent. After another 4 hours of hiking mostly downhill, we arrive back at camp and at the parking lot our private transfer will be ready to take us to the hotel in Puerto Natales. After checking in, you have time at leisure, to shower and relax. Later that evening, we meet at a restaurant for our last group meal and debrief.

Distance	13 mi.
Duration	8-10 hrs.
Max. elevation	2,870 ft.
Lodging	double room in hotel with private bathroom
Food	breakfast, lunch box

DAY 10 | Departure from Puerto Natales

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to the bus station or airport in Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas airport to continue with your journey or return back home.

Food	breakfast, lunch box

Please read our Reservation & Cancellation Policy and see below the program inclusions and exclusions.

When you are ready to book, please fill out our form and we will send you secure payment instructions and program related information and documents.