Torres del Paine O Trek: Complete Guide for the 2026-2027 Season

[Updated information for the 2026–2027 season] This is the ultimate Torres del Paine adventure: the complete circuit around the massif, including the park’s more remote and lesser-known northern section. Designed for travelers with the time, determination, and physical preparation required to complete it, the O Circuit takes its name from the loop it traces around the entire massif.

It is both a physical and mental challenge, offering a deeper connection with nature and a much more remote experience than the more popular W Trek. Cover image by @saulsantosfotografia

How long does it take to perform the O Trek in Torres del Paine?

The complete O Circuit is approximately 93.2 kilometers long and normally takes at least seven or eight days to complete. Your walking pace will depend on your physical condition and the weather conditions along the route.

This is a demanding trek that requires serious preparation. You will also have access to fewer facilities and comforts than on the W Trek.

Why do the O instead of the W Trek?

The O Circuit is wilder and more remote, offering the opportunity to experience nature in a quieter and more intimate way.

The W Trek has become increasingly popular and can be very busy during the high season. Far fewer travelers choose to complete the O Circuit, making it a more peaceful experience for those willing to spend more than a week trekking through the park.

The O Circuit also includes the entire W Trek, so you can think of it as an extended version of the route. You will still visit Torres del Paine’s most iconic viewpoints while also discovering its more remote and untouched northern section.

Along the way, you will see places such as Los Perros Glacier, Lake Dickson, and one of the best panoramic views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

At Nomades we have the O trek 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 Trek in Torres del Paine?

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. The O Circuit includes the John Gardner Pass, one of the most demanding and rewarding sections of Torres del Paine.

At approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, it is the highest point on the circuit. Reaching the pass involves climbing around 600 meters over a demanding four-kilometer section, followed by a steep descent of approximately four kilometers.

This section can be physically and mentally exhausting. Each time you reach the top of one hill, another one seems to appear ahead of you. However, the spectacular panoramic views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field make the effort worthwhile.

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.pasesparques.cl page and thus avoid waiting times at the gates.

2026-2027 Season

Can I do it without a tent?

No. You will need camping equipment for some sections of the route.

Accommodation options are much more limited along the northern side of the Paine massif than on the W Trek. The distance between Grey and Dickson is approximately 30.7 kilometers, with the demanding John Gardner Pass located between them. Completing this entire section in a single day is not realistic for most hikers.

You should therefore be prepared to carry a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and the food required for the trek. Depending on your itinerary, you may spend the night at campsites such as Serón, Dickson, Los Perros, or Paso.

As mentioned earlier, this route is recommended only for experienced and well-prepared trekkers.

Camp Dickson

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.

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

You can follow us on Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram. Won't you regret it? If you liked this article, reward us with 5 stars!