Torres del Paine O Circuit: Everything You Need to Know

[Updated info for 2025-2026 season] It’s the big one. The entire circuit. The hidden face of the Park. Also that of those who have the time, courage and physical preparation to complete it. The O, a name that refers to the circular shape of the circuit, completely circles the entire Torres del Paine massif. This trek is a mental and physical challenge, in which nature will take over your senses, very different from the much more traveled W route. Cover image by @saulsantosfotografia

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difficulty

height

Duration	8 days
Distance	93.2km
Technical difficulty	Medium High
Physical	Loud
Trails	Marked
Maximum	1200 meters above sea level
Slope	+6517 m -6572 m

How long does it take to perform the O?
The complete circuit is 93.2 kilometers long, and it is normal to invest a minimum of 7 or 8 days to finish it. Your physical condition and inclement weather may condition your walking pace. This is a journey to take seriously, in which you will have much fewer comforts than in the W.

Why do the O instead of the W?
The O is much wilder, and provides the opportunity to merge with nature in a more intimate way than in the W. For better or worse, the W has become considerably overcrowded, and the traffic of people in high season is quite a lot. There are very few who dare to use the O, and this gives a calmer experience to the visitor, willing to spend more than a whole week walking.

In addition, in case you were not sure, the O includes the W, so it would be like an extension of the route. You will not have to give up the most typical postcards of Torres del Paine, and you will also see another more virgin and inhospitable part. You will have the full perspective and you will be able to see places such as Los Perros Glacier, Lake Dickson and the best panoramic view of the Southern Ice Fields.

At Denomades we have the O Circuit in camping, it is self-guided and includes food and round trip transfers from Puerto Natales.

When is the best time to do the O?
Forget to do this circuit in winter. In addition to being crazy, the road remains closed. From November to March is the appropriate time slot to do it with certain guarantees. At this time of year temperatures range between 20 and 5 ºC, but the thermal sensation is much lower when the Patagonian wind blows and also at night. Keep in mind that the weather there will be unstable and it will almost certainly rain. Prepare your equipment to have to withstand cold and rain. You can check the Park’s official daily reports for the latest news.

Is it true that the entire circuit has the hardest section of the Park?
Yes. It is the so-called John Gardner Pass, the most hated and revered by all the climbers in the Park. In addition to being the highest pass (1,200 meters above sea level), to reach it you must overcome a slope of 600 meters for 4 hard kilometers and, when you are at the top, descend for another 4 kilometers. This section is really exhausting, after a hill overcome, another one appears and so on until it begins to undermine the hiker’s morale. But the views from the top of the Southern Ice Field make it all make sense.

Do I have to pay any extra or special entrance to do the complete circuit?
No. The entrance to Torres del Paine for stays of more than 3 days is the same. Remember that you can get your ticket on the www.aspticket.cl page and thus avoid waiting times at the gates.

· 2023-2024 Season:

Chilean

old

of age and older

Ticket more than 3 days	Chilean	Disabled	Foreigner
Child under 12 years	Free	Free	Free
Teens ages 12 to 17	7,800 CLP	Free	49 USD
Adults 18 years	13,500 CLP	6,500 CLP	49 USD
Adult over 60 years of age	Free	Free	49USD

Can I do it without a tent?
No. In the northern area of the Paine massif, where the route of the complete circuit runs, there is only one refuge, the Dickson. The distance between the Grey Refuge and the Dickson Refuge is 30.7 kilometers, totally unreachable, considering that John Gardner Pass is in between. You have to carry a tent, sack and stove, in addition to all the food, and spend the nights at the Paso, Perros or Serón Camp. We have already said that the route was suitable only for the aerrados.

Have more questions? To have more information on how to get to the Park, directions of the route, equipment, and other information of interest click here to enter our article on the W where all these points are detailed.

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There are many ways to experience Torres del Paine. Denomades.com offers you all the available options at the best price. Information is power! Click here.

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