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
DOWNLOAD YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
• PAINE BIG CIRCUIT PACK LIST (ENGLISH)
• PAINE BIG CIRCUIT PACK LIST (SPANISH)
• TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK MAP
• MAGALLANES & ANTARCTIC REGIONAL MAP
• PUERTO NATALES MAP
Trip Map
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Torres del Paine – Round Trip Hike to Las Torres Lookout Point
- 2 hours by private transfer
- 8-10 hour round-trip, 21 km
- 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 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.
Day 2
Trek from Camping Las Torres to Serón – Trekking Through Lush Beech Forests
- 4-5 hours, 9 km
- 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 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.
Day 3
Serón to Dickson – Accompanied by Wildflowers & Craggy Peaks
- 6-7 hours, 18,5 km
- 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.
Day 4
Dickson to Los Perros – Alongside Mountains, Rivers & Glaciers
- 5 hours, 9 km
- 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.
Day 5
Los Perros to Grey via the Famous John Gardner Pass
- 10-11 hours, 22 km
- 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 Gardner Pass. At this Pass, 1200 meters 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.
Day 6
Grey to Paine Grande – *Optional Morning Activities at Grey Lake (must be booked in advance)
- 3.5 hours, 11 km
- 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!
Day 7
Trek the French Valley and Transfer to Puerto Natales
- 7-8 hours, 17 km
- 35 minutes by catamaran
- 2 hours by private 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 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 private transfer who will take us safely back to Puerto Natales.
INCLUDED
- All Private 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), Guided Ratio 1:6 Guests
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 metres from Refugio Torre Central. 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 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
Camping Grey is the closest to Glacier Grey and it is the starting point for the glacier excursions, such as ice hiking over the glacier, kayaking around the icebergs or hiking up to the hanging bridges for a panoramic view over the Patagonian Southern Ice Field. Camping Grey is also part of the W Circuit and Paine Massif Circuit. Camping features shared bathroom facility and hot shower. (Hot shower 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 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.It features shared bathroom and hot shower. (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.
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 2022/2023: (valid until April 2023)
2 Guests in Group: USD$ 2.895 per person
3 Guests in Group: USD$ 2.595 per person
4-8 Guests in Group: USD$ 2.495 per person
Single Tent Supplement: USD$ 250 per person
PBC1
7 Days- October 20, 2022 / October 26, 2022
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC2
7 Days- November 1, 2022 / November 7, 2022
- 6 Guests
- 2 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC
7 Days
- November 7, 2022 / November 13, 2022
- 2 Guests
- 6 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC3
7 Days- November 10, 2022 / November 16, 2022
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC4
7 Days- November 21, 2022 / November 27, 2022
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC5
7 Days- December 1, 2022 / December 7, 2022
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC6
7 Days- December 12, 2022 / December 18, 2022
- 5 Guests
- 3 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC7
7 Days- December 22, 2022 / December 28, 2022
- + USD $50 Christmas Fee
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC8
7 Days- December 23, 2022 / December 29, 2022
- + USD $50 Christmas Fee
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC9
7 Days- December 29, 2022 / January 4, 2023
- + USD $50 New Year's Fee
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC10
7 Days- December 30, 2022 / January 5, 2023
- + USD $50 New Year's Fee
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC11
7 Days- January 5, 2023 / January 11, 2023
- 7 Guests
- 1 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC12
7 Days- January 16, 2023 / January 22, 2023
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC13
7 Days- January 26, 2023 / February 1, 2023
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC14
7 Days- February 6, 2023 / February 12, 2023
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC15
7 Days- February 16, 2023 / February 22, 2023
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC16
7 Days- February 27, 2023 / March 5, 2023
- 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC17
7 Days- March 9, 2023 / March 15, 2023
- 4 Guests
- 4 SPACES AVAILABLE
- Book
PBC18
7 Days- March 20, 2023 / March 26, 2023
- 7 Days
- Book
FAQ's
Q: Where do I keep my luggage that I won´t need during my trek while I am hiking in the park?
A: The majority of the hotels and hostels will store luggage for their guests who are staying with them prior to and after their travels in the park. If not, we will happily store your luggage securely in our office until you arrive back from your trek and will deliver this to your hotel where you will be staying in Puerto Natales. We ask that you come to our Office between the hours of 09:00 – 13:00 or 15:00 – 19:00 to drop these off if you are not able to make it to the briefing the day prior to your trip.
Q: Do I need to carry my own camping gear during this trek?
A: Guests who participate in the Paine Big Circuit trek are required to bring and carry their own sleeping bag and sleeping mat. If you wish to rent these items from us, you may do so in our office. The cost is USD$ 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 your guide/s, they should be in Chilean pesos. If you do leave tips in US dollars – make sure the bills are unmarked and undamaged. A good guide who does the job well, has good English and provides a great service, can expect CLP 10,000 to 15,000 a day in total per day from the group. For a good assistant guide, each should get about half that of the guide per day, CLP 5,000 to 8,000 per day. It is usual to leave your driver or chauffeur a tip too. Normally around CLP 2,000 to CLP 3,000 per person. 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$ 750 *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).
EQUIPMENT RENTAL: (must be booked in advance)
– Sleeping Bag / Sleeping Mat Rental: USD$ 6 per item, per night
– Trekking Poles: USD$ 6 per pair, per day
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$ 200 per person -OR- 2.5 Hour Kayak Excursion on Grey Lake USD$ 115 per person
Reviews

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

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.