TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Torres del Paine O Circuit independently: 7-day self guided trek around the Torres del Paine massif
- Dive into a world of eternal ice fields, granite needles & alpine lakes and resist the strong gust of wind as you cross the John Gardner pass on your own
- Overnight in spectacular campsites surrounded by superb mountain scenery and ancient forest
- Observe iconic animal species such as guanacos, pumas and condores on the self guided hikes
Insider Tip
- Paddle between huge icebergs on the Grey Lake and hear the creaking movements of the vast Grey Glacier
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Hike the Torres del Paine Big O Circuit on your own in 7 days.
Admire on your self guided hikes the peerless gleaming glaciers and hardy tailored mountains formed by the movement of glacier tongues. Hike on your own along emerald-green shining lakes and massive Patagonian ice fields until you finally reach the famous granite towers of Torres del Paine. The National Park obtained its name from its three imposing rocky needles, which offer an impressive sight. Watch the wonderful Patagonian sunset and admire the enclosing mountains turn into an incomparable red color.
7 days from/to Puerto Natales
- 7 days self guided trekking
- Kayak tour or Ice hike
- 1 Panoramic boat trip
- 6 nights expedition tent
- 6x breakfast
- 6x box lunch
- 6x dinner
from 2.190 USD
ITINERARY Self Guided Torres Del Paine Big Circuit
Day 1: Puerto Natales - Torres del Paine National Park - Trek Seron
Day 1 – Torres del Paine National Park – Trek to Camp Serón
In the morning you take a regular bus to the Torres del Paine National Park and will see some of the native wildlife of this fantastic region like Guanacos and Ñandus. Driving time 2-3 hours, driving distance approx. 130 km. In the afternoon your first hike leads you to Campamento Seron. Depending on the weather and season you will spot varios birds and plants like the Palomita (a white orchid). Appr. walking time: 4-5 hours, walking distance: 12 km (7,5 miles), elevation gain of approx. 350 m (1,150 ft) ascent and descent. You spend the night in our tents with unobstructed views of the starry sky on campsite Seron. (-/-/D)
Day 2-4: Treks Dickson - Los Perros - John Garner Pass - Camp Grey
Day 2 – Trek to Camp Dickson
Today you hike along Lago Paine and Rio Paine to the wonderful Refugio and Campamento Dickson. Near the camp you will get a picturesque view on the enclosing Dickson Glacier. There will be enough time to enjoy this inviting campsite while sitting together and sharing your overwhelming impressions. Appr. walking time: 6-7 hours, walking distance: 18,5 km (11,5 miles), elevation gain of approx. 350 m (1,150 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Dickson. (B/BL/D)
Day 3 – Trek to Camp Perros
You leave the camp on Lago Dickson and walk through a mystic Magellan forest of Southern beech trees to reach your next camp. Campamento Los Perros is fabulously situated at the edge of a forest and glacier of the same name. Appr. walking time: 4-5 hours, walking distance: 9,5 km (5,9 miles), elevation gain of approx. 400 m (1,300 ft) ascent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Los Perros. (B/BL/D)
Day 4 – Trek Paso John Garner – Camp Grey
Today you probably face the most exhausting but most impressive part of the tour. You leave the camp Los Perros and hike uphill to the Paso John Garner where you can admire a striking view over the Southern Patagonian Ice field. Altitude Paso John Garner: 1250m. Afterwards you scale down along the impressive Grey Glacier to your next camp. Appr. walking time: 8-10 hours, walking distance: 22 km (13,7 miles), elevation gain of approx. 800 m (2,600 ft) ascent and 1,300 m (4,300 ft) descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Grey. (B/BL/D)
Day 5-6: Kayak tour or Ice hike Grey Glacier- Treks Paine Grande - French Valley
Day 5 – Optional Kayak-tour or Ice hike – Trek to Camp Paine Grande
In the morning you can choose an optional 3 hours day kayak excursion on the Lago Grey along the icebergs of the Grey Glacier or an optional 4-5 hours ice hike on Glacier Grey (extra costs per person; reservation recommended in advance) - or enjoy some free time to relax. In the afternoon you hike along Lago Grey to the black lagoon (Laguna Negra) while exploring and learning about the surrounding nature. From there, you walk down to the camp Paine Grande that is beautifully located at the turquoise colored Lago Pehoe. Appr. walking time: 4-5 hours, walking distance: 12 km (7,5 miles), elevation gain of approx. 350 m (1,150 ft) ascent and descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Paine Grande. (B/BL/D)
Day 6 – Hike to the French Valley
Today, you walk along the splendorous Lago Skottsberg to Campamento Italiano. Subsequently you move towards the French valley and its viewpoint “Mirador” where you gain deep insight into the mountains. With a bit of luck you witness ice cracking off the Paine Grande (3,050m) sounding like a roaring thunder. After 6-7 hours of walking you come back to Camp Paine Grande on Lago Pehoe. Walking distance: 18 km (11 miles), elevation gain is about 600m ascent/descent. Overnight: in tents on campsite Paine Grande. (B/BL/D)
Day 7: Trek Torres del Paine Towers - Puerto Natales
Day 7 – Panorama boat trip – Trek to the Torres del Paine Granite Needles – Puerto Natales
In the morning you cross Lake Pehoe with the catamaran (approx. 30 min) and continue your journey in a private transfer to the Las Torres sector (approx. one hour panoramic trip).
Afterwards, you will hike to get an excellent view on the no. 1 highlight: The famous Torres Towers. At first it leads you up to the Ascencio Valley where you take a break at the Refugio Chileno next to the lovely Ascencio River. After 2+ hours and a tough ascent you are rewarded for your efforts: You will stand in front of the impressive Needles with a green lagoon lying at your feet. Altitude Las Torres Lookout: 900m (2,950 ft). Appr. walking time: 8 hours, walking distance: 19 km (11,8 miles), elevation gain of approx. 950 m (3,120 ft) ascent and descent.
After this challenging hike you take our private transfer back to Puerto Natales (driving time 2 hours, driving distance approx. 130 km). Arrival in Puerto Natales between 9pm and 10pm. (B/BL/-)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Accommodation: 6 nights in Torres del Paine National Park in roomy, high quality 2-person-expedition-tents
- Meals: 6 x breakfast, 6 x box lunch, 6 x dinner
- Transport: all public and private transfers as per the detailed itinerary
- Boat ride: Catamaran on Pehoe Lake
- Entry fees: to Torres del Paine National Park
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Single supplement for 6 nights in single tents: extra charge 350 USD p.p.
- Trekking guide
- Local PORTERS for the transportation of personal belongings can be hired for an additional fee
- Meals and beverages not indicated on the itinerary
- Sleeping bag, camping mat, hiking poles (can be hired)
- Tips for porters
- Airport pick up & drop off: can be booked for additional costs
- Kayak tour on Grey Lake (160 USD p.p.) or ice hike on Grey Glacier (220 USD p.p.) on Day 5
- Local payments
- International and domestic airfare and airport charges
- Travel insurance is not included in this tour. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to the start of the trip.
DEPARTURE DATES & BOOKING
Frequently Asked Questions - Self Guided TORRES DEL PAINE Big Circuit
USEFUL INFORMATION
- This trip is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people.
- Best season: from November to March.
- Here you will find more useful information about trekking in Torres del Paine
ACTIVITY LEVEL
This multi-day trekking tour is suitable for experienced and independent hikers who like to hike on their own and at their own pace. You love the physical challenge and have no problem finding your own way along the marked hiking trails without a guide. In the event of illness or injury during the trek, you can easily take care of yourself and therefore do not need any logistical support from our travel agency for the rest of your trip.
.
Excellent physical fitness are necessary requirements for this tour. Furthermore, you should be able to walk with your backpack long distances (once to 10 hours a day) with some strenuous ascents and descents. Differences in elevation from 250 m to 1,300 m per day (from 820 ft to 4,265 ft).