Overview
The Paine Big Circuit, also known as the O Circuit, is for bold trekkers searching for a truly entrancing Torres del Paine experience. On this 7-day endurance trekking and camping adventure, you’ll camp in remote areas and hike more than 100 km along one of the world’s classic trails, continually accompanied by granite mountains, countless glaciers, untamed weather, otherworldly lakes and spectacular views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Trip Highlights
• Immersive, Week-Long Trek
• Hike the Untamed Side of Torres del Paine
• Ascend the John Gardner Pass
• Hike the French Valley
• Trek to the Towers Base
• Countless Panoramic Landscapes
• Hike Among Mountains, Lagoons, Glaciers & Rivers
• Optional Kayak or Ice Hike on Grey Glacier!
• See Wild Flora & Fauna
Please Remember: This program requires a certain physical ability in order to complete the trek successfully. Keep in mind that each member of a guided group will hike at a different rhythm and pace but group members must follow the pace indicated by the guide according to the distance and daylight hours available. Each day’s trek will have a minimum number of kilometers or miles which must be covered. Hiking times are estimated and could be more or less given trail and weather conditions and the groups’ overall rhythm. We encourage our guests to remember that traveling in a guided group allows for a unique experience – bonding with fellow travelers and interacting with the guide and the destination in which they are visiting.
DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS:
• TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK MAP
• MAGALLANES & ANTARCTIC REGIONAL MAP
• PUERTO NATALES MAP
DOWNLOAD YOUR PACK LIST:
• PAINE BIG CIRCUIT PACK LIST
• LISTA RECOMENDADA CIRCUITO PAINE GRANDE
Trip Map
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Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Torres del Paine – Round Trip Hike to Las Torres Lookout Point
- 2 Hour Chile Nativo Transfer
- 8-10 Hour Round-Trip Hike, 21 km / 13 mi
- Night at Camping Torres (BL-D)
We’ll pick you up in Puerto Natales at 7:30AM and travel to Torres del Paine National Park along unpaved roads and past lagoons and pampas; accompanied at times by the guanacos (relatives of llamas), grey foxes, flamingos and black-necked swans that call them home.
Our first challenge is the ascent to the Towers base lookout point, following the Ascencio River into the Ascencio Valley. After our first hour’s trek we’ll pause to observe how the valley’s beauty unfolds with rich beech forests, glaciers and waterfalls.
We’ll then continue uphill and through lush forests before we prepare to ascend a gigantic terminal moraine (a ridge formed at a glacier’s end point).
At the top, we’ll be rewarded by the arresting sight of the Towers themselves. At this lookout point 900 meters (2,953 ft.) above sea level, the three granite spires appear to burst dramatically out of the rocky landscape, while at their base a green-blue lagoon provides a counterpoint of stillness.
Here, we’ll have lunch and take pictures before beginning our descent down the same path and to our first campsite for the evening where we will dine in the refugio for dinner.
*Chile Nativo Transfers allow us to continue our commitment to sustainability by minimizing our carbon footprint whenever possible. For this reason, Chile Nativo Transfers are semi privarte, sharing among our clients who are coming in or out of the park.
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Day 2
Trek from Camping Las Torres to Serón – Trekking Through Lush Beech Forests
- 4-5 Hour Hike, 9 km / 5.6 mi
- Night at Serón Campsite (B-BL-D)
Depending on the weather, our early morning start will be lit up by orange-tinged views of the Towers.
Our path takes us through a very old forest of beech trees where we may hear woodpeckers or find fresh puma tracks.
Today’s 9 km hike (5.6 miles) is the Circuit’s easiest and takes us along a well-marked, slightly sloping trail. Along the way, an exceptional view of Paine Chico Mountain will accompany us.
Our destination is Serón Campsite, where we’ll set up camp and enjoy a replenishing dinner.
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Day 3
Serón to Dickson – Accompanied by Wildflowers & Craggy Peaks
- 6-7 Hour Hike, 18.5 km / 11.5 mi
- Night at Dickson Campsite (B-BL-D)
Depending on the season, today’s leg shows off the Park’s gorgeous floral delights, as orchids, calceolarias, violets and oxalis flower.
Circling Paine Lake, several impressive mountain views will appear, such as Cerro Escudo and Cerro Cabeza del Indio (in which the profile of an Indian is seen as if carved into the rocks).
At the beginning of the Paine River we’ll see the curved peak of Cerro Cubo, as well as Lake Dickson (a lake straddling Chile and Argentina).
Tonight, we’ll set up camp at Dickson Campsite.
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Day 4
Dickson to Los Perros – Alongside Mountains, Rivers & Glaciers
- 5 Hour Hike, 9 km / 5.6 mi
- Night at Los Perros Campsite (B-BL-D)
Today is a day to please the senses, filled with beautiful sights and textures.
Often touted as one of the most beautiful sections of this wilder side of Torres del Paine, we’ll hike through ancient beech forests, wander undulating trails and follow Los Perros River.
Mountains, waterfalls and lush vegetation will never be far away, as our trail crosses the river via suspension bridge and arrives at the base of our second terminal moraine; this time belonging to Glacier Los Perros, a hanging glacier that feeds the crystalline lagoon at its base.
A final half hour hike takes us to today’s destination, Los Perros Campsite.
Tonight’s campsite is the only one on the Circuit without hot showers and standard bathroom facilities such as flushing toilets.
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Day 5
Los Perros to Grey via the Famous John Garner Pass
- 10-11 Hour Hike, 22 km / 13.6 mi
- Night at Grey Campsite (B-BL-D)
The most strenuous day of the Paine Circuit has arrived, bringing demanding trails and variable weather conditions.
Of course, your efforts will be more than rewarded with some of Torres del Paine’s most heart-stirring landscapes, experienced by very few visitors to Torres del Paine.
We’ll begin along a clear trail through forests, then make our way through swamp-like section before beginning our ascent to the John Garner Pass. At this Pass, 1,200 meters (3,937 ft.) above sea level, Patagonia’s famous winds are strong and the views across Grey Glacier and of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field’s still unexplored peaks are astonishing.
The trail now takes you alongside the glacier, ascending and descending through forests of fallen trees and beneath the imposing, almost muscular granite walls of Cordon Olguín. As we come closer to Grey Glacier we may see an ice calving (where chunks of ice break off a glacier’s edge). Tonight we’ll recharge at Grey Campsite.
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Day 6
Grey to Paine Grande – *Optional Morning Activities at Grey Lake (must be booked in advance)
- 3.5 Hour Hike, 11 km / 6.8 mi
- Night at Paine Grande Campsite (B-BL-D)
Our morning begins slowly, resting and stretching around camp. Depending on your energy levels, choose from several options this morning.
Walk to the Grey Glacier’s lookout point and watch for ice calvings on its massive walls; complete an ice hike with the aid of crampons; or kayak on Grey Lake, paddling around icebergs and in front of the glacier.
Later, we’ll have lunch at the Refugio and hike to Pehoe Lake. (Ice hike and kayaking expedition at an additional fee, advance booking required, please contact our Travel Specialists.)
*Optional Excursions Must Be Booked In Advanced – Ask Our Trip Specialists About Either Activity!
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Day 7
Trek the French Valley and Transfer to Puerto Natales
- 7-8 Hour Hike, 17 km / 10.5 mi
- 35 Minutes by Catamaran
- 2 Hour Chile Nativo Transfer (B-BL)
Today’s destination, the French Valley, is a spectacular natural basin surrounded by peaks and hanging glaciers. This is a return hike, so we will be able to leave our packs behind and trek lightly.
We start by walking around Paine Grande, the highest peak in Torres del Paine, through native Patagonian firebush and evergreen beech forests.
At the suspension bridge over the French River, the arresting hanging glacier atop the valley will come into sight. From here, we’ll walk for another hour, ascending 300m (984 ft.) through a dreamlike Japanese garden landscape before arriving at the lookout point (the “Plateau”).
Your reward is a heart-stirring bird’s eye view of granite peaks and hanging glaciers. To one side, the French Glacier and Paine Grande (3050 m); while to the other, La Espada, La Hoja, La Máscara and the main and north “horns” of Los Cuernos arch upwards. In the upper section of the Valley, Cerro Catedral and Cerro Fortaleza loom like turrets above the landscape.
We’ll take our time to have lunch at the viewpoint, surrounded by these imposing peaks and open skies. Our return hike is along the same track, and the catamaran will take us back across Pehoe Lake to meet our transfer who will take us safely back to Puerto Natales.
*Chile Nativo Transfers allow us to continue our commitment to sustainability by minimizing our carbon footprint whenever possible. For this reason, Chile Nativo Transfers are semi privarte, sharing among our clients who are coming in or out of the park.
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INCLUDED
- All Transportation Indicated in the Schedule
- All Meals Indicated in the Schedule (B: Breakfast, BL: Box Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park
- 6 Nights Lodging at Mountain Campsites
- 4 Season Tent (double occupancy tent)
- Porters to Carry Camping Gear and Food
- Catamaran to Cross Pehoe Lake
- Guide (English-Spanish languages), Guide to Passenger Ratio is 1:6
NOT INCLUDED
- Any Additional Nights
- Medical Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Sleeping Bag and Mattress
- Porters to Carry Personal Belongings (private portes are available for a daily fee and must be booked in advance)
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks Except the Ones Included in the Menus
- Gratuities for Guide & Porters
Lodgings
Camping Central
Located at the beginning of the W Circuit in Las Torres sector 250 meters from Refugio Torre Central. Camping features shared bathroom facilities with hot water and shampoo/conditioner dispensers are available. Towels are not provided. Guests sleep in 4 season tents. Guests are encouraged to bring their own sleeping liner.
Camping Seron
Located at 4 hours trek from Las Torres sector, it is the eastern side of the National Park and at the beginning of the Paine Massif Circuit. It features shared bathroom facilities and showers.
Our guests sleep in 4-season tents, MSR and Hilleberg (3 person capacity) or similar, based on twin-share occupancy.
Camping Dickson
Camping Dickson features an exceptional location on the edge of Lake Dickson with wonderful views over the mountains. It is a must-stay-spot for the Paine Massif Circuit. Camping features shared bathroom facilities and hot shower. (Hot water available from 6pm to 9pm)
Our guests sleep in 4-season tents, MSR and Hilleberg (3 person capacity) or similar, based on twin-share occupancy.
Camping Los Perros
The most basic campsite of Paine Massif Circuit. It is located in the beautiful southern beech forest. Facilities are limited, camping only features one cold shower.
Our guests sleep in 4-season tents, MSR and Hilleberg (3 person capacity) or similar, based on twin-share occupancy.
Camping Grey
Just outside of the Refugio is a designated camp are surrounded by Lenga trees.Camping Grey is also part of the W Circuit and Paine Massif Circuit. Shared bathrooms with hot shower and shampoo/conditioner dispensers are available. Guests sleep in MSR or Hilleberg 4-season tents with a sleeping mat and sleeping bag. Towels are not provided and guests are encouraged to bring their own sleeping liner.
Camping Paine Grande
Located on the edge of Lake Pehoé, with beautiful views to Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande Mountain, Camping Paine Grande is the starting or ending point for Glacier Grey and French Valley trails, as well as part of the W Circuit and Paine Massif Circuit. Guests sleep in 4 season tents. Shared bathrooms with hot showers are available. Towels are not provided. Guests are encouraged to bring their own sleeping liner.
Dates & Prices
Program prices are determined on the final number of confirmed guests in a group. The per person price lowers as more guests join the group. Chile Nativo operates with a maximum of 8 guests per departure which allows for a high level of individualized service and an unforgettable personalized experience.
PRICES FOR SEASON 2023/2024: (valid until April 2024)
2 Guests in Group: USD$ 3.895 per person
3 Guests in Group: USD$ 3.495 per person
4-8 Guests in Group: USD$ 2.995 per person
Single Tent Supplement: USD$ 430 per person
FAQ's
Q: Where do I keep my luggage that I won´t need during my trek while I am hiking in the park?
A: The majority of the hotels and hostels will store luggage for their guests who are staying with them prior to and after their travels in the park. If not, we will happily store your luggage securely in our office until you arrive back from your trek and will deliver this to your hotel where you will be staying in Puerto Natales. We ask that you come to our Office between the hours of 09:00 – 13:00 or 15:00 – 19:00 to drop these off if you are not able to make it to the briefing the day prior to your trip.
Q: Do I need to carry my own camping gear during this trek?
A: Guests who participate in the Paine Big Circuit trek are required to bring and carry their own sleeping bag and sleeping mat. If you wish to rent these items from us, you may do so in our office. The cost is USD$ 12 per night for both items (USD$ 70 total). Tents are provided for guests and will be setup each night upon your arrival to the campsites. Tents are double occupancy and will be shared among guests of the same group and same gender. If you do not want to share a tent with another group member, you will be required to pay a single-supplement fee. Porters will carry the tents from campsite to campsite and guests are not required to carry their own tent along the trek.
Q: What is the Single Supplement and who must pay this?
A: For the health and safety of our guests, any guest who is not willing to share a double tent with another passenger in their group during trips with nightly camping accommodations, a single supplement is available for a private, single tent.
Q: Are porters included in this program who will carry our belongings?
A: We bring porters to carry the group’s shared equipment (such as tents, food and cooking utensils). However, each guest must carry their personal belongings including their sleeping bag and camp mattress. If you want to avoid carrying too much weight you can pay for a private porter. These porters carry a maximum of 15 kilos in a dry bag provided by Chile Nativo, a service which is usually good to share between 2 – 3 people and must be booked for 5 days. A dry bag will be delivered in the campsite or refugio upon your arrival.
Q: Should I tip my guide? If so – how much is appropriate?
A: Tipping can be a delicate subject and many different nationalities have different tipping cultures. Tips or propinas in Chile, are viewed as a reward for good service. When tipping, a good guide and guide assistance who does the job well, has good English and provides a great service, can expect 10 – 15 USD per person per day. It is usual to leave your driver or chauffeur a tip too. Normally around 5 USD per person. Please find below a tipping guide:
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Guides USD$ 10 to USD$ 15 per person, per day; to be given to your guides directly.
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Staff (waiters, chefs,Housekeeping USD$5 per person, per night
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Drivers: USD$10 per person, per day; given directly to your drivers.
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Porters: USD$10 per person, per day; given directly to your porter
These amounts are merely a source to help you or give you a general idea of what is normal or typical. Of course, tipping is always at the discretion of the group members as to what they deem appropriate for the service they received.
Q: What time will we arrive back to Puerto Natales on the last day?
A: On the last day of this trek, your group will arrive to Puerto Natales between 21:00hrs – 22:00hrs and you will therefore need to stay the night in Puerto Natales.
Add-Ons & Upgrades
PRIVATE DEPARTURES AVAILABLE – PLEASE CONTACT A TRIP SPECIALIST TO PLAN YOUR TREK!
OPTIONAL SERVICES: (must be booked in advance)
– Private Transfer to/from Punta Arenas Airport/Puerto Natales: *Price depends on total number of guests
– Public Bus Punta Arenas to/from Puerto Natales: USD$ 20 per guest, per way
– Private Porter Service for 5 Days: USD$ 825 *If you want to avoid carrying too much weight you can pay for a private porter. Our porters carry a maximum of 15 kilos in a dry bag which we provide to you. This service is usually good to share between 2 – 3 people and must be booked for 5 days (Day 2 to 6).
UPGRADES: (must be booked in advance)
On some days, alternatives to camping are available *subject to availability
– Day 1: Upgrade to Refugio Torre Central: Comfortable mountain lodge, with 6 beds per room (bunk beds)
– Days 3, 5, & 6: Upgrade to Refugio Dickson, Grey, Paine Grande: Comfortable mountain lodge, with up to 6 beds per room (bunk beds)
– Day 6: 5 Hour Ice Hike on Grey Glacier USD$ 240 per person -OR- 2.5 Hour Kayak Excursion on Grey Lake USD$ 180 per person
Reviews
Camilo is legend! Chile Nativo is extremely experienced and knowledgeable – I would highly recommend booking directly through them. We were a group of 8 doing the O 7 day hike and everything was great! Thanks to Camilo & Tomas and all of our porters!
Paine Big Circuit, Lukas Winegarner, USA
We enjoyed our trip a lot. The fact that there were very few visitors in the park, made the experience extra special. The tents provided by Chile Nativo were of great quality which we really appreciated, especially during the nights where there was a lot of wind. Our porters always made sure to have everything prepared at our arrival and packed up after we left. We really enjoyed their company. Big respect to them for the job they did! Camilo was hands down the best guide we have been hiking with over the past years. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to hike Torres del Paine with him. Besides being an amazing guide, he is an all round great person. He genuinely cares about his team, guests and porters alike and even finds time to support people on the trail when they need help.
His love for Torres del Paine, the mountains and nature in general is very obvious and added an extra dimension to the hike. It means he is super knowledgeable about a huge range of topics not because he has to study these topics as a guide, but because he is interested in them and is passionate when talking about them.
Camilo has friends everywhere he goes and he seems to know everybody. After spending some days with him it’s obvious why. He is a great person that you can rely on, and to top it all off, he did an amazing job as a cook!
I would also like to give special thanks to Johana and Camilo for noticing that Saskia would have her birthday during the trip and for making sure to prepare a surprise for her to make the day even more special.
If we have the opportunity to return to Puerto Natales in the future it would be to go on another hike with Camilo.
Paine Big Circuit, Bas Q., CHILE
We had a great time and Chile Nativo was very patient and helpful in getting us back home when the borders started closing.
Paine Big Circuit, Andersen, USA
I want to thank you all for helping me achieve a lifelong dream to explore the most beautiful place in the world. I specifically want to thank Camilo for being an outstanding guide. He exceeded all of our expectations throughout our experience. He is obviously knowledgeable and highly experienced in all things Patagonia. He was patient and made me feel comfortable and confident on the trail, which meant a great deal as I am not as fast as usual being five months pregnant.
He gave quick and fun anecdotes about the surrounding areas (what peak that is, what bird that was, what trees these are, and the history of the region), which we loved. He was attentive and proactive to any pains we had (7 days of hiking without heavy training caused some aches), and had packed a lot of first aid that helped.
He went above and beyond with making us feel comfortable at camp, making us pre-dinner dishes and making sure we knew where and when we needed to be. He really was a “rockstar” of a guide. He’s amazing.
Gratefully,
Paine Big Circuit, Jess & Phil, USA
Natural, neat, native! Our guide Camilo was fantastic. His passion for the park and the people in the region was clear. He was able to adjust between English and French and Spanish with ease. He spoke honest from the heart. Good cook too. The little things like extra coffee and mustard were spectacular.
Paine Big Circuit, Keegan V., USA
I believe that Chile Nativo is very professional and has a lot of experience with trekking. It was very nice having guides and staff at Chile Nativo being fluent in English so I was able to get my questions answered.
Paine Big Circuit, Chris S., USA
Exceeded my expectations! Food was delicious and plentiful, scenery was spectacular, the hike itself was challenging and rewarding. Loved the way it was structured – getting kms into the legs without a pack on day 1, short distance with the pack on day 2, then longer day 3 and easier day 4 ready to gear up for the pass. Loved every minute of it!
Paine Big Circuit, Susie, Australia
Nice itinerary, excellent & knowledgeable guide and porters who were very good with group and assisted with all requirements. Very happy with overall experience! Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Paine Big Circuit, Karel L., South Africa
Chile Nativo’s service from booking to final drop off was fantastic! Really great value. We were a small group of 6 trekkers and you provided great tents and gear. Our guide, Armando, was extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the park. With 20 years guiding experience he was still very professional and engaged with our group and clearly very passionate about the area. It’s a fantastically beautiful place! I would definitely recommend Chile Nativo to anyone looking for a quality, authentic Torres del Paine trekking experience.
Mary Garden, USA
The hiking was challenging but absolutely worth it. The scenario was outstanding and the reason we chose to go to Patagonia. The guides, Pablo and Fran, were simply amazing and made the whole experience so memorable. I have done several hiking trips, and this was the first one that I have used a guide service. I am so glad I did.
Tim N., USA
Excellent! more than met our expectations and then some. Our guides Mauricio and Fernando were very personable, always safety first, very knowledgeable about the area. They answered all questions enthusiastically, they were good cooks and they kept us informed always of what was ahead. Excellent guides and would highly recommend them.
Trina H., USA
I can’t say enough good things about Mauricio, Gerardo (our guides) and the Chile Nativo organization. We had a wonderful trip – everything felt extremely well organized and I always felt safe and taken care of. Our guides were able to make the trip feel special and to deal with our group that contained a wide variety of personalities. They also did a great job explaining the park and our trek to us and helping us to learn about Patagonia.
Lee E., USA
Amazing! We went on the trip for our honeymoon and could not have wished for more! The guides were excellent, especially Fernando!! His knowledge and personable nature and patience were excellent!
Evelyn S., Australia
Excellent trek, enjoyed every minute of it. There were many companies doing this same trip but I’m so glad I picked this one! Everything was smooth with making the reservation,itinerary details laid out, I felt taken care of.
