O Circuit Torres del Paine: Ultimate 2026/27 Guide

The O Circuit is the definitive trekking experience in Torres del Paine, a 120-130 kilometer loop that circles the entire Paine Massif. While the famous W Trek captures the park’s most iconic landmarks, the O Circuit offers a complete 360-degree immersion into the Patagonian wilderness, including the remote “back side” where the crowds of the W disappear.

For those seeking the pinnacle of Patagonia trekking, the O Circuit provides a deep sense of isolation before rejoining the established trails of the W. You will cross the formidable John Garner Pass, stand above the sprawling Grey Glacier, and complete a full circumnavigation of the granite spires that give the park its name. This is a journey for hikers who want to earn their views through high-altitude passes and sustained days on the trail.

What is the O Circuit in Torres del Paine?

The O Circuit is the full loop trail that encompasses the W Trek while adding a significant northern section known as the “back side.” While the W is shaped like its namesake letter and explores three distinct valleys, the O connects the ends of that W to form a giant circle around the Paine Massif.

Most hikers require 7 to 9 days to complete the journey, depending on their pace and campsite availability. It is a strictly regulated trail: CONAF (Chile’s National Forest Corporation) mandates that all trekkers move in a counter-clockwise direction to manage trail erosion and safety on the steep John Garner Pass. This remains the only legal direction for the 2026/27 season.

This trek is defined by its transition between two worlds. The first four days are spent in the remote northern reaches of Torres del Paine National Park, where you will see the “Iceberg Graveyard” at Lake Dickson and the hanging glaciers of the Perros Valley. The final four days integrate with the W Trek, leading you through the French Valley and finishing with the sunrise at the base of the Towers.

O Circuit vs. W Trek: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between the O and the W depends on your time, fitness, and desire for solitude. While the W Trek focuses on the park’s three “greatest hits,” the O Circuit is a test of endurance that rewards you with landscapes most visitors never see.

The primary difference is the crowd density. The W Trek is the “highway” of the park, accessible and often busy. In contrast, the back side of the O is restricted to a limited number of hikers per day (typically capped at 80-100), offering a much quieter, wilder experience. However, this solitude comes with a higher physical price and a more complex booking requirement.

If you are still weighing these options and want a more granular breakdown of costs, terrain, and logistics, you can view our detailed O vs W head-to-head comparison.

Is the O Circuit Right for You? (Difficulty & Fitness)

The O Circuit is a physically demanding trek that requires a high level of fitness and previous multi-day backpacking experience. You should be comfortable hiking between 15 and 22 kilometers daily for over a week while carrying a pack weighing 12-15 kilograms.

The “Crux” of the entire circuit is the John Garner Pass. This is the highest and most exposed point on the trail, involving a steep, often muddy ascent followed by a punishing 800-meter descent over loose rock and tree roots. Wind speeds here can exceed 80 km/h, making it a psychological challenge as much as a physical one. If the weather turns, rangers may close the pass entirely, requiring hikers to wait at Campamento Los Perros.

Mental stamina is equally important. You will be in the Patagonian elements for a full week. Unlike the W Trek, there is no easy “bail-out” point once you are on the back side; you must commit to the loop or turn back the way you came, which may conflict with your campsite reservations.

If the O Circuit sounds too daunting, there are several other world-class options in the region. To explore alternatives, see our guide to the best multi-day treks in Patagonia. For a deeper look at the specific terrain challenges of this loop, visit our O Circuit Difficulty page.

The Logistics: Seasonality, Direction, and Permits

Planning the O Circuit requires strict adherence to park regulations and a well-timed calendar. You cannot simply show up and start hiking; the park operates on a strict permit and reservation system.

The journey begins in the gateway town of Puerto Natales. This is where you will buy your last-minute supplies, attend a mandatory briefing if required by your operator, and catch the bus to the Laguna Amarga park entrance.

• The Season: The O Circuit is only open during the southern hemisphere’s late spring, summer, and early autumn. For the 2026/27 season, the northern section typically opens on November 1 and closes in late March or April, depending on weather conditions.
• Directionality: You must hike counter-clockwise. This is a non-negotiable CONAF regulation.
• Park Entrance: You must purchase a park entry ticket in advance via the official pasesparques.cl portal. A multi-day pass costs CLP 48,500 and a 1-day pass costs CLP 32,400.
• Reservations: You must have a confirmed reservation for every single night of your trek before you are allowed to enter the trail. Rangers at the Laguna Amarga entrance and at various checkpoints (like Seron and Dickson) will verify your vouchers.

Torres del Paine Destination Guide Get the full picture on park logistics, entrance fees, and seasonal access before planning your O Circuit dates. Read Guide

Understanding the Booking System (Vertice vs. Las Torres)

The most difficult part of the O Circuit isn’t the John Garner Pass—it’s the booking system. Two different private companies manage the campsites and refugios along the route: Vertice Patagonia and Las Torres Patagonia.

To complete the full loop, you will need to coordinate dates between both companies. Vertice manages the northern and western sections (Dickson, Los Perros, Grey, and Paine Grande), while Las Torres manages the eastern and southern sections (Chileno, Cuernos, Frances, Central, Norte, and Seron).

The back side of the O is primarily focused on camping. While the W Trek has robust refugios (mountain hostels) at almost every stop, northern camps like Los Perros only offer tent sites. Note that for the 2026/27 season, Los Perros remains a self-catered site with no meal services provided. At other sites, you can book “Full Board” options where the companies provide the tent, sleeping bag, and meals.

To help you navigate the specific sites and booking windows, we have created a comprehensive O Circuit Booking Guide. For those specifically looking at tent options, our guide to camping in Torres del Paine covers what to expect at each site.

High-Level Route & Landmarks

The O Circuit is best understood as a two-act play: the remote “Back Side” and the famous “W Integration.”

The Back Side (Days 1-4)

The journey starts with a relatively flat walk to Campamento Seron before heading into the wilder northern terrain. The highlight of this section is Refugio Dickson, situated on a grassy peninsula with views of the “Iceberg Graveyard” where chunks of the Dickson Glacier float in the lake. From here, you climb toward Los Perros, passing the massive hanging glacier that feeds a silty, emerald lagoon.

The W Integration (Days 5-8)

After crossing the John Garner Pass, you descend toward Refugio Grey. This is where the scenery shifts dramatically as you walk alongside the massive Grey Glacier. You will cross three high suspension bridges that offer dizzying views into the blue crevasses below. From Paine Grande onward, you join the main flow of the W Trek, exploring the granite cathedrals of the French Valley before the final climb to the Base of the Towers.

If you are ready to see the specific mileage and elevation for each day, follow our detailed 8-day O Circuit itinerary.

Essential Preparation & Gear Strategy

When packing for the O Circuit, your mantra should be “weight is king.” Carrying an 8-day supply of gear and potentially food over a 1,200-meter pass requires a disciplined approach to your pack.

One of the greatest advantages of trekking in Torres del Paine is the water. While the park’s glacier-fed streams are generally considered safe to drink, current 2026 guidance from park authorities and experienced guides recommends using a lightweight filter or purification tablets as a precaution, especially near high-traffic campsites. You only need to carry a single 750ml-1L bottle and refill it as you go.

Your footwear is your most critical piece of equipment. The descent from John Garner Pass is notoriously rocky and hard on the ankles. Ensure you have high-quality, waterproof boots that are thoroughly broken in before you arrive in Chile. Additionally, the “Patagonia Layers” system is essential: a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer (fleece or down), and a high-quality hardshell to block the relentless wind.

For a complete breakdown of exactly what to put in your bag, including technical recommendations for tents and sleeping bags, see our O Circuit Packing List.

O Circuit Packing List The complete gear breakdown for 8 days on the trail — from tents and sleeping bags to the layering system that beats Patagonian wind. Read Guide

O Circuit Map

The interactive map below plots every campsite, refugio, and key viewpoint along the full O Circuit loop. Use it to visualise the counter-clockwise route from Laguna Amarga through the remote back side and into the W Trek integration. For on-trail navigation, download the route to MAPS.ME or AllTrails before leaving Puerto Natales — there is no cell signal inside the park.

QUESTION: How long is the O Circuit in Torres del Paine?

ANSWER: The O Circuit is approximately 120 to 130 kilometers (75 to 80 miles) long and typically takes 7 to 9 days to complete.

QUESTION: Is the O Circuit harder than the W Trek in Patagonia?

ANSWER: Yes, the O Circuit is significantly harder than the W Trek because it is nearly double the distance and includes the challenging John Garner Pass.

QUESTION: When does the O Circuit in Torres del Paine open for the 2026 season?

ANSWER: The O Circuit typically opens on November 1st and remains accessible until the end of March or April, though specific dates depend on CONAF regulations and weather.

QUESTION: Can you hike the O Circuit in Torres del Paine solo?

ANSWER: Yes, solo hiking is permitted on the O Circuit, provided you have all campsite reservations confirmed in advance and are experienced in multi-day trekking.

QUESTION: Do I need to book campsites for the O Circuit in advance?

ANSWER: Yes, you must have confirmed reservations for every night of the O Circuit before entering the park; rangers will check your vouchers at various trailheads.

QUESTION: What is the highest point on the O Circuit trek?

ANSWER: The highest point on the O Circuit is the John Garner Pass, which sits at approximately 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) and offers views of the Grey Glacier.