O Torres del Paine Circuit: The definitive guide



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  Julieta Fraguío 10/04/2018

The  Circuit O is a circular route that surrounds the entire Torres del Paine massifIt is the most complete trekking in Torres del Paine National Park with 130 kilometers with more than 6,000 meters of unevenness not only will you be able to appreciate great views of Torres del Paine also have the privilege of reaching Lake Dickon, Los Perros Glacier and the popular John Gardner Pass, where you will have 360° views of the Gray Glacier.


Following the O Circuit you will also pass through the most iconic points of the renowned W circuit, such as the Mirador Base Torres, Los Cuernos and the Valle del Francés. But in addition, you will reach the north side of the Paine massif, the hidden face of the Park, the less known and traveled part, where you will be able to take Stunning photos of the daisy fields. You will have a full connection with the nature of this great reserve.


Are you ready to tour the large circuit of Torres del Paine where you can find the Chilean Patagonia? Let's start living this route with the definitive guide:

 


Circuit Itinerary O


 

The  Circuit O is very well signposted and is carried out on dirt and gravel trails, generally it takes about 7 to 8 days in finish it, it depends on the weather conditions and the physical state of each person, since it has ascents and descents that generate a lot of physical wear.


So that you can organize your trekking below I will tell you in detail what each of the sections that make up this Circuit is about:



Stage 1

 

The first stage goes from the Hotel las Torres to the Camp Serón, it is about 14 kilometers with an ascent of 367 meters, it is approximately 5 hours of walking, where you will go bordering the Paine River (a blue-gray river, due to the thaw in its waters of the southern ice field glacier) and you will cross several private fields. In the middle of the route is the  highest point of the stage, at about 350 meters high, to then give way to a long descent towards a very flat track next to the Paine River. This first section of the circuit is of a very low level of difficulty, as there are no steep slopes and the paths are not technical.



Stage 2


The next stage goes from Camp Serón to Refugio Dickson is 19 kilometers with a total ascent of 506 meters. Here the beautiful stages begin in Torres del Paine. Leaving the Serón Camp you begin to skirt the Paine River towards Lake Dickson. This stage has a slightly steeper slope, especially when you stop bordering the Paine River, where there is a somewhat steep section.

 

Also  in this section is when you really enter the National Park, since until the middle of this stage are private lands or outside the park. Once inside the park the vegetation changes, entering a very dense forest until reaching the refuge and Lake Dickson.

 

In the Dickson Refuge there is a camping area and a small shop where they even sell beers. This refuge overlooks Lake Dickson, where in addition to seeing small icebergs there are different species of birds.

 


Stage 3


Stage 3 goes from Dickson Refuge to Los Perros Camp, it is a distance of 12.9 kilometers with 541 meters of ascent. During this section you will notice how the landscapes begin to change,  you will see blocks of ice in the lakes and the appearance of imposing glaciers, the first to be glimpsed is the Los Perros Glacier, with a somewhat dark lake due to the constant landslides of the glacier.


From the exit of the refuge to the foot of the glacier it is practically ascent, but once there and to Camp Los Perros it is a straight line with some views really Impressive. It is a short stage, but one of the most beautiful, since much of it takes place in the shade of a forest that seems impenetrable due to the large amount of vegetation.

 


Stage 4


The fourth stage to the Gray Refuge consists of 17.3 kilometers with a total ascent of 1204 meters. It is one of the most of the O Circuit and that is why many people prefer to do it in two days, camping halfway at the  Camp Los Guardas. But if you have strength and good knees it is worth finishing this long stage in the Refugio Gray, yes, once the mythical and overrated passage of  John Gardner has passed.


From Camp Los Perros to the pass is all ascent  through a sea of rocks. Once in the pass, the wind begins to feel, almost hurricane but luckily  the pass is not a gorge, but a wide path without any danger. The best thing about this stage are the  incredible views of the Gray Glacier, which will always accompany you  in an eternal and long  download.






Stage 5

 

More than halfway through the O Circuit, there is  the section that goes from the Gray Refuge to the French Camp, it is 22 kilometers with a total ascent of 894 meters. The fifth stage of Circuit O is the first stage of the popular Circuit W. This stage is the longest, with a certain unevenness that is barely noticeable due to the more than 20 kilometers that you are going to do. Many hikers choose to rest in the  French Camp of Fantástico Sur, where there are domes to rest with very beautiful views of the  Lake Nordenskjold, you can also camp with your own tent and there is Wi-Fi service. 


This stage on a physical level is not the most complicated, quite the opposite, since it is very flat and of  little difficulty.

 


Stage 6

 

Stage 6 goes from the French Camp to the Los Cuernos Refuge, it is about 19 kilometers, something like 7 hours of walking with 980 meters of ascent. It is one of the most amazing sections of Circuit 0, for many hikers it was their favorite part because of the views of the lake and the glacier.

 

During the tour you will go through the  French Valley   to access the dazzling  Británico Viewpoint.   In this valley they stand out both the  French Glacier   and the viewpoint, but this second one is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful views of the entire National Park. The good thing about this stage is that the long climb to the viewpoint  Do it without a backpack, since the trail ends at the viewpoint and therefore you will have to return to the Italian Camp (it is located 2 kilometers before the French Refuge), where people normally leave their backpack (a locker is paid). On the way back, we return to the path  Refugio los Cuernos, where there are  some very picturesque cabins and a campsite in the middle of the forest with warehouse services and showers.

 


Stage 7

 

Section seven goes from Los Cuernos Refuge to Torre Central Refuge, there are 13 kilometers with 800 meters of ascent. This stage takes place at edge of the National Park between large lakes escorted by the walls of Torres del Paine. Around you can see the Nordenskjold Lake and Monte Almirante Nieto   with its imposing 2,670 meters high. In stage 7 except for strong winds, the rest of the path is of low difficulty, since the ascents are not steep and the trails are in very good condition.

 


Stage 8

 

We reach the last stage at the  Mirador las Torres, it will be 12.3 kilometers from the Torre Central Refuge with an ascent of 1237 meters. This is the section most brutal of all,  the views of the towers are unique, almost from a movie, and it is not surprising to see people cry before these wonders of nature. It is a great stone skyscraper to the feet of a transparent lake. For a reason it is  one of the busiest stages  but also one of the hardest.  We are talking about  more than 1,000 meters of unevenness, this journey is usually the most demanding for many because the legs and arms are very tired from the more than 120 kilometers that are brought over.

 

This part is recommended to go up little by little and without haste. As a recommendation there is the possibility of sleeping halfway at the Chilean Camp  or Camp Torres.

 

From the viewpoint you will be able to take photos of the three granite hills: The highest is the Cerro Paine, the large Cerro Paine at 3,050 meters, then the South Tower or  D'Agostini with 2,850 meters and the Central Tower with 2,800 meters.


 

Tips for touring Circuit 0



 

 

When you are organizing your trip to Circuit O there are some points that you should not miss. In this check list that I leave you below you will find all the necessary equipment to the journey and tips that will be useful to you during the journey:

 

- Arrive in Puerto Natales the day before leaving for Trek 0, so you can buy any last minute item for the circuit and thus rest a little before the great adventure.


- To finish the Circuit O you do not need a very high physical level, but it is important that you have experience in mountaineering, that you have done trekking circuits in height and have an active physical condition to meet  two important requirements: Be able to walk with a backpack of about 15 kilos of weight (minimum) and that you can cover 130 kilometers with it.

 

- Bring cash (Chilean pesos) to make purchases of food or drinks in the camps.

 

- Make the reservation 48 hours before to enter the  Torres del Paine National Park.

- Take out the Travel Insurance. It is not usual for visitors to the Park to have problems but it is always a good precaution to cover an accident. 


Another point to take into account to do the Circuit O is the equipment, since at any time of the year you decide to do it you will have to go through ascents and descents gravel terrain and rock climbing. It is also important that you consider changes in temperature, sun and snow patches.

 

For all these reasons,  I recommend you include in your journey:


- Backpack from  50 to 70 liters

- Tent

- Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to -10 degrees below zero. 

- Camping accessories (pocket knife, portable gas, metal wells)

- Food and enough hydration to face the 7 days (possibility of replacement in campsites and refuges)

- Headlamp

- Walkie talkie

- Thermal blanket

- First aid kit

- Mountain pants

- Jacket with goretex

- Cap

- Gloves

- High-top boots or waterproof trail shoes

- Mountain poles

- Sunglasses

- Sunscreen

- Anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen)

- Clock with gps

- Spare batteries (headlamp)



Weather throughout the year in Torres del Paine



 

 

When organizing your trip it is important that you take into account the weather in Torres del Paine, for this I will leave you a detail of each epoch:

 


Summer temperatures


Summer (from December to February) is undoubtedly the time that attracts the greatest number of visitors to Torres del Paine National Park, the  temperatures are higher warm, days have   longer hours of daylight   (an average of 15 hours) and  nights are less cold  which makes it ideal to enjoy Circuit O.


It is the moment in which all parts of the park can be accessed (being a time when it does not snow there are no sectors that are closed) and when you will be able to observe more animal species and the vegetation has a variety of beautiful colors.


During this season you will notice  a greater number of climbers on the trails, the refuges and camps will have a high amount of reservations, so it is recommended for these dates considered of high season book places well in advance. 


Just to keep in mind,   the temperatures during the summer range between minimums of 6-8 ° C and the maximums range of 17-20 ° C. As for the rains, it is a time of low probability of rainfall, but it is also advisable to bring a pilot because they are usually short rains but with high water flow.

 

 

 

Fall temperatures


This time of year that goes between the months of March to June the temperatures begin to drop, it is an ideal time for those looking for tranquility as there are fewer visitors.  The average temperature reaches 6 °C and the autumn landscape of Torres del Paine National Park begins to  turn reddish and the vegetation takes on a unique yellow hue.


Keep in mind that the  the last two weeks of April due to the beginning of snowfall, the shelters and camps begin to close as well as some steps such as John Gardner.

 

 

 

Winter temperatures


Unlike the rest of the year in winter (June, July and August) most shelters close due to unstable and cold weather. However, For many, winter is the favorite season, with greater calm, low probability of rain and lots of sunny days, with almost no visitors, sometimes even wearing a beautiful white cloak due to snowfall. Temperatures at this time are around a minimum of -1 °C and a maximum of 15 °C. As for the duration of light, during winter the average is 8 hours.

 

Winter in Torres del Paine lasts from June to August and the weather is somewhat extreme, so it is recommended to have had previous experience to be able to tolerate it, since there are strong snowstorms with low visibility, unpredictable weather and strong winds that make the O circuit somewhat exhausting compared to other times of the year.

 

During winter you will be able to see mountains, glaciers, lakes and flat areas covered with snow.  In conclusion, although it is a very difficult time of year to visiting Patagonia, the winter views and the solitude of the trails for many can be very attractive.

 

 

 

Spring temperatures


During spring you can enjoy a warmer climate with maximum temperatures between 13 to 17 °C and minimum temperatures of 3 to -1 °C. It is the date in which The delicate flowers of Patagonia begin to bloom and when the animals are in the mating period, so it is one of the most beautiful times and you will have the possibility to take wonderful photos.


Spring (from mid-September to November) can be a good time to do the O Circuit because in addition to the temperatures starting to get warmer, It is added that the days begin to be longer with the sunset at 6 pm (12 hours of light).


At this time it is advisable to wear a lot of warm clothing since  the nights are usually quite cold reaching 3 °C, there are also areas where there is still the possibility that there is snow and strong winds. As for the rains, it is the time with the highest rainfall with an average of two rainy days per week, so it is not only important that you bring a pilot but also enough spare clothing and possible waterproof.

 

 

 


How to start the walk to Circuit O






The Circuit O begins and ends at the Torres Central Refuge 4 kilometers from the entrance del  Torres del Paine National Park, to get to the Park you have to travel to town   closest: Port Natales, where buses leave every morning that take about 1 hour to drop you off at the entrance of this great natural reserve.

 

The most practical and fastest way to get to Puerto Natales is through daily flights that depart from Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas (there are no direct flights to Puerto Natales) and from the  Punta Arenas airport you can take platform 1  the bus to Puerto Natales (3 hours long), the line that makes this trip is (they run from 7 am to 9 pm), depart every hour.

 

Once in Puerto Natales, at the same bus terminal that you arrive at, take the buses that go directly to the entrance of Torres del Paine National Park is 76 kilometers, approximately 1 hour of travel.

 

At the entrance to the Park you have to walk about 4 kilometers along the path that indicates the beginning of Circuit O otherwise there is a bus that passes through the entrance and goes directly to Hotel Las Torres and stops at the beginning of Circuit O.

 

In case you want to go  by car from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park is 318 kilometers, about 4 hours of travel.





Where to sleep doing the O Circuit




Along the way there are options to sleep in shelters and campsites, in most of them  rental services of tents or sheets, hygiene and meals are offered. The only requirement to stay in them especially in High season (December to February) is to make prior reservations.


Below  I will mention the places to rest in each Circuit O stage:


Day 1

- Torres Refuge: In this refuge   the Circuit O begins it is important to take it into account for any urgency or what may be needed before or during the first kilometers of the route.  It is one of the best refuges in the area for It has all kinds of services such as accommodation, bathrooms, showers, cloakroom, internet, warehouse and food and beverage canteen. It is also the  stopping area for the buses that come from the entrance of the Torres del Paine National Park.


- Camping Serón: This camp offers dinner service, about 100 campsites, bathrooms and tent rentals. They also offer domes, they have 3 bunk beds with 6 beds. This campsite is 18 kilometers from the start Circuit O.



Day 2

- Refugio Dickson: Is 34 kilometers from the O Circuit, it is located  under the Dickson Glacier and Southern Ice Fields. The views from this refuge are amazing! It is equipped with  bathrooms ,  hot showers, food service and  a common kitchen.  You can  rent a bed kit (sheets and blanket) or a sleeping bag for those who do not want to carry weight. The common areas are heated with wood-burning fireplaces. The refuge has a restaurant with a daily menu Rio and a vegetarian alternative. Dinner, breakfast and lunch available (in that order), as well as box lunch (ordering in advance) so you can have lunch at a stop on your trek. The Dickson refuge is only open from November to March inclusive.


- Camping Dickson: Camping Dickson  is 34 kilometers from the beginning of Circuit O, it is located  under the Dickson Glacier and Campos de Hielo Sur. The views from this remote campground are amazing! It has  capacity for 100 campers, is equipped with shared bathrooms (men/women), hot showers, food service and  a designated area for free cooking of wind for those who want to prepare their own food  (barbecue). The  camping equipment (armed tent, mat and sleeping bag) is available to reserve for those who do not want to carry extra weight in their backpack.



Day 3

- Refugio Gray: The Gray refuge is at kilometer 60, on the stage 4 of our tour. This u nestled in a quiet forest, just a few minutes walk from the gigantic wall of bluish-white ice from the  Gray Glacier. This large log cabin can  accommodate up to 60 guests  in private rooms with 4 and 6 bunk beds, with single beds (beds with mattress cover, pillow and cover). You can also rent a bed kit (sheets and blanket) or sleeping bags. The refuge has a   restaurant open from 7 am to 11 pm, where vegetarian menus, pastas, salads and meats are offered.


- Camping Los Perros: It is one of the most complete camps on Circuit O, here in addition to being able to rent your tent, they offer bathrooms, a closed area (barbecue) for cooking, they have a minimarket, electricity in the entire camping area and internet in the reception area. The Los Perros camp is located 60 kilometers from the beginning of the O Circuit.



Day 4

- Refugio Los Cuernos: It is one of the top refuges in the area for the modern comforts it offers abroad such as lounge chairs, wooden chairs, decks and inside a very warm furniture with rooms with views of the French Valley. Los Cuernos has  capacity for 36 people, offers single, double and shared rooms (4 to 8 people). Among the services it offers, it has a restaurant  open from early morning to night with a variety of dishes for vegetarians and vegans.


- Camping Los Cuernos: It is located within the Refuge property,  it has 50 sectors camping, it has exclusive bathrooms for camping use. Tents, sleeping bag and insulation can be rented.  Within the Los Cuernos Refuge area there is a dining area. This camp is located in the heart of the W Circuit with beautiful views of the French Valley.




Day 5

- French Refuge: This place to rest  is located at kilometer 92, it is one of the most modern refuges in Torres del Paine, has several amenities such as  restaurant, bathrooms, living room, heating and wifi. In addition, it has rooms inside the main complex or domes outside. The place is surrounded by pine forests and wonderful views of the mountains.


- Camping Los Guardas: It is a passing camp, located in the middle of Circuit O, it offers rental of tents and sectors available to go with your own tent. A cost per entry must be paid. It has a pantry to buy basic products.



Day 6

- Paso Refuge:  It is the refuge prior to the John Gardner pass, the hardest route in Torres del Paine.  Accommodation counts with a capacity for 100 passengers daily in private rooms with 2, 4 and 6 beds in bunk beds with single beds (beds with mattress, pillow and cover). You can choose to add a sleeping bag or a bed kit (sheets and blanket) to your reservation or, if you prefer, you can take your sleeping bag. All rooms have lockers so you can store your most valuable belongings (bring your own lock).


- Camping Step: The campsite is located within the same area of the refuge but the facilities are not shared, you can take your tent or they can also rent them, They have a campfire area and tables, a store for groceries and beverages. No reservation is necessary.


Day 7

- Refugio Torre Central: It is the  last refuge before completing the entire Circuit O, it is located in the last 15 kilometers. It has   capacity for 60 people, 10 mixed rooms with capacity each for 6 people. Rooms include sheets and blankets. It has a bar, restaurant and shop area, where you can buy souvenirs from Torres del Paine. In addition, it has all the necessary services such as bathroom, barbecue and outdoor tables.


- Camping Italiano:  Arriving at the last kilometers of Circuit O you can see the Italian camping, unlike the rest  it is free but requires  camping permit, this must be requested in Laguna Amarga or in previous shelters such as Torres, Dickson or Gray. Here there are  restrooms, outdoor tables and a deck with loungers to rest with views of the mountains.   Most mountaineers pass through this campsite before going up to the  British Viewpoint   because they have a wardrobe area where you can leave your backpack (paid service) to go up without weight and then when you go down you withdraw it to continue towards the end of the circuit.



Day 8

- Refugio Torres: It is located after kilometer 130.It is one of the best shelters in the area because it has all kinds of services such as accommodation, bathrooms, showers, cloakroom, internet, warehouse and food and beverage canteen. It is also the  stopping area for the buses that come from the entrance of the Torres del Paine National Park.


- French Camping: The camp has capacity for 50 tents, it was recently remodeled with better services and infrastructure. It has bathrooms, showers and hot water 24 hours a day. There is also a  canteen, where you can order beer, soft drinks, water and natural juices, if you want order something to eat snacks, sandwiches, pasta and cakes are offered. It is located in the last section of the route.




Differences between Circuits O and W in Torres del Paine






When choosing which trek to do in Torres del Paine, the question generally arises between  the two most popular routes in the Park National: The W and the O, but it is important to note that  the difference between the two is basically in the duration. The  Circuit O is an 8-day experience (130 km), while the  Circuit W is generally completed in 5 days (80km). If you do not have much time, the W circuit may be a good alternative (for more information I recommend read" All about the W Trek "). 

It is also interesting that you know that in the Circuit O you will be able to complete a large part of Torres del Paine National Park and see places that you cannot do in the W and are two wonderful places with amazing views of the reserve such as the Mirador de las Torres del Paine and the Mirador Británico. 

Another very important difference is that the  Circuit O is quieter, there are fewer hikers and crowds  due to the days it demands and the requirement. In this sense the O is ideal for those who seek greater tranquility on the trails. It is also important that you know that the O Circuit requires more physical effort, not only because you will spend many more days walking (twice as long in terms of distance) but because it has more technical ascents,  the circuit has 6000 meters of unevenness, while the W has 3000 meters.

Regarding accommodation during the tour, the W circuit has more amenities than the O circuit, since it offers the possibility of staying in hotels and premium cabins, in addition With more refuges and campsites along the way, it is not necessary to travel long stretches to find a place to sleep indoors, unlike the O, where at least until you reach a campsite or refuge you must travel at least 14 kilometers .

In conclusion  if you are in good physical condition, no rush To complete the walk and you are passionate about adventure, Circuit O is an excellent option. The W circuit is a good alternative if you are unsure of your physical condition and with less time to explore Chilean Patagonia.



To learn more about the O Circuit, tours in Chilehotels or  car rentals, get in touch with us.

 









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