Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit
11 Days
From AUD $9525
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Challenging

Rating


 (3 reviews)

Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit

Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
4.5
3 Reviews
View Map
Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Challenging

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

It’s clear why the pristine and remote Torres del Paine National Park is Patagonia’s crown jewel. On this 11-day trekking trip, you’ll explore one of the most stunning wilderness areas in the world from the perspective of the Paine O Circuit.

Highlights

  • Trek the full loop around the Cordillera del Paine of wild Patagonia, completing the less-travelled O circuit. On this route, you’ll enjoy a greater sense of adventure, as fewer trekkers follow this trail.
  • Recharge with overnight stays in Torres del Paine Refugios – inviting backcountry huts or lodges with beds, kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms. Spend two nights camping in premier tents, with only the star-studded sky above you.
  • Opt to climb the Grey Glacier with an expert team of guides who will teach you how to use the ice axes and crampons needed in this landscape. Observe crevasses, rivers, lagoons and tunnels in different tones of blue.
  • Hike through the raw landscape of Torres del Paine National Park – a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and keep your eye out for Andean condors and guanacos.
  • Explore Lake Grey and its ice floes from the water with an optional kayaking experience – and paddle past electric blue icebergs backdropped by snow-capped peaks.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Puerto Natales, Chile

Finishes

Puerto Natales, Chile

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Challenging

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Puerto Natales
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia. Please arrive before 4 pm into Puerto Natales. If arriving on day 1 you’ll be picked up from Puerto Natales airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This quaint city, backdropped by snow-capped mountains, is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park – the home of your 11-day hiking expedition. This afternoon, meet your group at a welcome meeting and learn more about the exciting days ahead. Tonight, you’ll feast at a group dinner of Patagonian classics.

Included Activities:

  • Puerto Natales airport to hotel arrival transfer

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Torres del Paine
This morning, wake up with the sun and drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Your group will have breakfast on the road, stopping for a coffee break on the way. Your trip leaders will brief you on some effective trekking techniques and provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of the area. When you arrive at Ascencio Valley, your trek will begin! Enjoy views of the Ascencio River as you head toward Refugio Chileno, where you’ll take a snack break and rehydrate. Then, continue through a beautiful forest of native lenga trees (or beech trees) until you reach a glacial moraine – a ridge made from earth that has been pushed by the glacier. From the moraine, hike towards an incredible view of the Torres del Paine rock towers. The granite towers and glacial lake make for a breathtaking landscape – the perfect spot to round out your first day of trekking. Head back to the Refugio – your accommodation (and dinner spot) for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Ascencio Valley guided trek
  • Torres del Paine - Base las Torres guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Refugio (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Paine Massif
This morning, load up on gear and head out across the ancient glacial moraines. Here, you’ll begin your hike around the Paine Massif – the jagged mountain peaks that stand tall between blue and green lakes, rivers and forests. At the base of the massif, grab a snapshot of the group by the turquoise waters and take in some truly breathtaking scenery. Trek through a forest of beech trees and look out for austral parakeets, varied species of geese and the Patagonian fox. After a few hours, you’ll arrive at your accommodation at camp Seron. You’ll have some free time until dinner to explore the campsite, have a drink or get to know your fellow trekkers as you pitch your tents.

Included Activities:

  • Paine Massif guided trek

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Dickson Lake
Wake for an early breakfast at the campsite and begin your hike to Dickson Lake, which sits on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap. The lake is fed by the glacier of the same name and now runs into both Chile and Argentina. You’ll be hiking past bright, blooming notro bushes (also called Chilean fire bushes after their bright red colour), endemic to the Patagonian region, and crossing a small stream beside the lake. Continue the trek along the winding river until you reach your Refugio for the night. Nestled in grassy hills with a high horizon of peaks, the Dickson campsite will be a welcome respite. Here, you’ll have the chance for a hot shower before a group dinner is served. Dickson is known as a magical place, with a truly unique surrounding landscape and otherworldly feel. Make sure to stargaze tonight (if the clouds permit)!

Included Activities:

  • Dickson Lake guided trek

Accommodation:

  • Refugio (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Perros Glacier
Today, you’ll pack up your gear and have breakfast at the campsite, before heading out on one of the best days of the trek. Your trail will bring you through pristine, old-growth beech forests that feel completely untouched by human steps – this is where the incredible red-headed Magellanic woodpecker can often be seen (keep your eye out, birdwatchers!). Your hike will also bring you up close and personal to the Perros Glacier, which spills over the surrounding rocks, giving the impression of ice-blue lava stuck in time. Take in fantastic views of the nearby lake and the glacier backdrop as you take some time to rest and recharge. From here, head to Los Perros, where your camp site among the bending trees will be set up and waiting for you. You’ll have some free time until dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Perros Glacier guided trek

Accommodation:

  • Camping (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: John Garner Pass
Today, get ready for one of the longest and toughest (but rewarding) days of the journey. Start the day’s trek by climbing up to John Garner Pass – named after the British mountaineer in 1976. This is arguably the most famous pass on the trek, as it boasts an altitude of around 1,200 metres above sea level. Here, you’ll have amazing views of glaciated peaks and on a clear day – the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Head down the pass through a thick forest, directly above the massive Grey Glacier. Along the way, you’ll have lunch and then begin the trek down to Lake Grey. The glacier stretches out below, like a huge white highway. Upon arrival on the valley floor, trek to the Grey Refugio for the night, where you’ll have free time to relax until dinner is served.

Included Activities:

  • John Garner Pass & Lake Grey guided trek

Accommodation:

  • Refugio (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Grey Glacier
This morning is free for you to relax and recharge after yesterday’s monumental hike. After lunch you have the option to enjoy the Grey Glacier hike, your guides will brief you on today’s route and the extra gear needed. Take a Zodiac boat across the lake until you reach the west side of Grey Glacier. When you arrive at the glacier, disembark on the land in between the ice (called a glacial island, or nunatak) and hike across the small island until you reach the ice. After a safety briefing, begin an exploration of Grey Glacier (for approximately 3 hours). Observe crevasses, rivers, lagoons and tunnels in different tones of blue and have an unavoidable I’m-so-far-from-home moment. Return to the Zodiac and ride back to the docking point. When you arrive back at the Refugio, you’ll have some free time before dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Zodiac boat across Lake Grey

Optional Activities:

  • Grey Glacier guided hike (220 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Refugio (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Grey Lake
After breakfast, head to the northeast side of Lake Grey. Here, you’ll have the option of exploring the icebergs and the Grey Glacier by kayak. Your trip leaders will provide a thorough safety briefing and introduction to the gear and then you’ll be on your way, winding through the electric blue icebergs that dot the lake. After kayaking, head back to the Refugio and pack up your gear to begin your trek for the day. Cross a high plateau that overlooks Lake Grey on your way to Lake Pehoe. Take in the expansive views until you reach your accommodation for the night – a comfortable lodge where you’ll have the afternoon to relax until dinner. You may want to try the local Chilean drink, a pisco sour, while overlooking the Paine Grande and Los Cuernos mountains.

Included Activities:

  • Lake Pehoe guided hike

Optional Activities:

  • Grey Glacier guided kayak trip (150 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Refugio (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: French Valley
After breakfast, begin your trek to the French Valley. The French Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in Torres del Paine National Park. It is unique because of the hanging glaciers and towering granite walls and spires. You may even witness the glaciers calving (dropping giant icebergs), which creates a natural symphony perfectly suited to the granite amphitheatre. Get closer to the granite spires and eventually see the unique turquoise colour of the glacial Lake Pehoe. Pehoe translates to ‘hidden lake’ in the Tehuelche Indian language, but the immensity of this blue expanse is not to be misjudged. After a pitstop to take in the stunning scenery, trek out of the valley and continue walking to the extraordinary Lake Nordenskijold. There, you’ll check in to your Refugio and have time to set up and settle in before dinner.

Included Activities:

  • French Valley guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Refugio (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Lake Nordenskjold
Today is the last full day of adventure, so make sure to take it all in. Begin the day by trekking along the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold (named after Swedish geoscientist Otto Nordenskiold, who discovered the lake at the beginning of the 20th century), which sits below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto. The mountain rises to an elevation of 2,640 metres and is one of the most impressive views along your trek home. Have lunch on the way before reaching Hosteria Las Torres, where you’ll meet your awaiting private shuttle. Say goodbye to the national park as your driver takes you back to Puerto Natales. Check in to your hotel and reflect on your monumental journey with a warm shower and a quick rest. Meet back up with your group for the final celebratory dinner out on the town of Natales. What a trip it has been!

Included Activities:

  • Lake Nordenskjold guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Puerto Natales
This morning after breakfast you are free to depart at anytime. If you are departing today your shuttle driver will take you back to the bus station or airport in Puerto Natales. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Included Activities:

  • Puerto Natales hotel to airport transfer
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $9,525
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Challenging

It’s clear why the pristine and remote Torres del Paine National Park is Patagonia’s crown jewel. On this 11-day trekking trip, you’ll explore one of the most stunning wilderness areas in the world from the perspective of the Paine O Circuit.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 30 Oct 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
John
Traveled, November 2023

11/29/2023

Our guide Javiar was superb. Took great care of us. Food was also very good. The itinerary was well planned and went off without a hitch. I highly recommend Intrepid Tours.

4.0
Antonio
Traveled, October 2023

10/29/2023

It was amazing! Pack some things for travel diarrhea xD

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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