The best Torres del Paine Full Circuit
Taking on all Torres del Paine has to offer
If your hiking boots demand more, the Torres Full Circuit, or “O Route” trek is the one for you. This is the pinnacle of the Chile trekking world. You’ll spend days with rivers, glaciers, mountains, and take in wild, rugged views which stretch out as far as you can see. The route makes its way around the entire Torres del Paine Massif, taking in the same highlights as the W Trek – plus so much more.
This version of the Full Circuit, which goes via the Oggioni Pass, is the most interesting – and challenging – version of the trek. This is a strenuous and semi-technical route. Expect unstable terrain, strong winds, and variable weather, including possible snow even in summer.
As you might expect, the terrain is diverse and because of the length of the trek and the fact that the number of hikers is (relatively) low, there’s more chance to enjoy some solitude along the way.
You will see all the W Trek highlights, plus the John Gardner Pass, the Dickson and Los Perros Glacier, and the Los Perros River Trail.
Good to know
- Distance: Approx. 90 km
- Duration: Seven days
- Difficulty: Challenging
Key information
| Destinations | Torres del Paine National Park |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
 Season |
November - May |
The best Torres del Paine Full Circuit itinerary
Trek to Japanese Camp via Las Torres viewpoint
Day 1 in Las Torres Mirador
The day typically begins with a road journey from Puerto Natales to the eastern entrance of Torres del Paine National Park. The route starts with an ascent along the slopes of Almirante Nieto, offering broad views of Lake Nordenskjöld and the Silencio Valley.
After passing the Chileno sector, the trail leads through a section of old-growth lenga forest before reaching Las Torres Camp. From here, a side trip up a steep moraine takes you to one of the park’s most recognisable viewpoints: the base of the three granite towers that give the park its name.
After returning to Las Torres Camp, continue north to the Japanese Camp (Campamento Japonés), a basic backcountry campsite once used by early climbing expeditions. This quiet spot, set in the upper Silencio Valley, marks the start of the next day’s more remote section.
- Walking time: 6–7 hours
- Distance: 14 km
Cross the Oggioni Pass to Dickson Camp
Day 2–3 in Dickson Camp
Leave early for a challenging day over little-used terrain. From Japanese Camp, follow a faint trail past a waterfall and across two glacial moraines before beginning the steady ascent to Oggioni Pass.
This is a remote and rugged section of the trek, rarely travelled and without official trail markers. Navigation follows stone cairns left by previous hikers. The route climbs over loose rock and, depending on conditions, snowfields.
At 1,585 metres, the pass marks one of the highest points of the trek. Once over, you’ll descend into forested terrain with views towards the head of Lago Dickson. The route ends at Campamento Dickson, a grassy campsite beside the lake, surrounded by sharp peaks and hanging glaciers.
- Walking time: 12–13 hours
- Distance: 15 km
Use the next day at Dickson Camp as a rest day or as an opportunity to explore the area around Lago Dickson. Short trails lead to lake viewpoints or through the surrounding forests.
Trek through the Los Perros Valley
Day 4 in Los Perros Valley
From Dickson, the trail continues south into one of the park’s most atmospheric sections. The route passes through the Los Perros Valley, home to some of the oldest forests in the park. Expect to see dense stands of lenga and coihue trees growing over glacial terrain.
The day ends at Campamento Los Perros, located beside a grey moraine lake at the base of the small but striking Glacier Los Perros.
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Distance: 12 km
Cross the John Gardner Pass to Grey Camp
Day 5 in Campamento Paso
An early start is needed for one of the toughest days on the circuit. The trail begins with a gradual climb through forest, then emerges onto more exposed slopes. After around three hours of ascent, the path reaches the John Gardner Pass (1,190 m).
From here, you'll have the first panoramic view over the Southern Patagonian Icefield and Glacier Grey, one of the largest glaciers in the region.
The descent is long and steep at first, eventually reaching Campamento Paso, where a short break is possible. From there, continue for several hours along a narrow trail with fixed ladders and suspension bridges installed by park rangers. The route passes above Glacier Grey, with dramatic views across the ice and down to Lago Grey.
The day finishes at the campsite near Refugio Grey, located at the southern end of the glacier.
- Walking time: 10–11 hours
- Distance: 17 km
Trek to Paine Grande via Lake Grey
Day 6 in Lake Grey
You can spend the morning resting or take part in optional activities such as guided glacier hiking or kayaking (organised independently from Refugio Grey).
In the afternoon, the trail leads south to Paine Grande. This section of the W Route follows Lago Grey and then curves beneath the slopes of Cerro Paine Grande, with views towards turquoise Lake Pehoe.
- Walking time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 11 km
Hike into the French Valley; return to Puerto Natales
Day 7 in French Valley
On the final day, follow the trail east into the French Valley, a high glacial basin ringed by granite spires and hanging glaciers.
After crossing a boulder field, the path climbs steadily through alpine forest to the viewpoint known as the Plateau. From here, you’ll see the French Glacier tumbling down from Paine Grande, with surrounding peaks including La Espada, La Hoja, and the horns of Los Cuernos rising sharply above.
After lunch at the viewpoint, return the same way to Paine Grande. From here, take the catamaran across Lake Pehoe and continue by road back to Puerto Natales.
Walking time: 7–8 hours
Distance: 21 km
Need to know
When to do the Torres Full Circuit?
The Full Circuit usually opens in November. It is closed in the colder months because trails can become obstructed and access unreliable. It’s far less hiked than the W Trek and is a real source of achievement and pride for those who complete it. But note: hikers should be fit and experienced.
How difficult is the Torres Full Circuit?
The full circuit is a challenging trek. Operators offer the trek in various formats, ranging from seven to ten days. Longer versions cover less distance per day, making them slightly more accessible. The seven day itineraries are a major undertaking! Although it does not involve significant gains in altitude, it’s a demanding hiking experience.
There are no luxury hotels on the less-travelled side of the mountains, so hikers will stay inrefugios for at least part of their journey. Even more so than on the W Trek, you absolutely must pack for unpredictable weather, taking special care to ensure your hiking boots are a good fit and well-broken in. Hiking poles are advised, as are knee straps for those who need them.
A route less traveled
The Full Circuit is a relatively quiet route. Its hikers make up less than 5% of Torres del Paine’s visitors.
The most rugged parts of Torres del Paine are so remote that they were first included on maps only in 1930. The Circuit trail was pioneered in 1976 by British mountaineer John Gardner and Torres del Paine rangers Pepe Alarcon and Oscar Guineo.
The mountain range, Cordillera Paine, is 12 million years old, making it relatively young, geologically.
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