Patagonia: Torres del Paine Full O Circuit

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia. Please arrive before 4 pm into Puerto Natales. If arriving on day 1 you’ll be picked up from Puerto Natales airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This quaint city, backdropped by snow-capped mountains, is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park – the home of your 11-day hiking expedition. This afternoon, meet your group at a welcome meeting and learn more about the exciting days ahead. Tonight, you’ll feast at a group dinner of Patagonian classics.

This morning, wake up with the sun and drive to Torres del Paine National Park. Your group will have breakfast on the road, stopping for a coffee break on the way. Your trip leaders will brief you on some effective trekking techniques and provide an overview of the natural and cultural history of the area. When you arrive at Ascencio Valley, your trek will begin! Enjoy views of the Ascencio River as you head toward Refugio Chileno, where you’ll take a snack break and rehydrate. Then, continue through a beautiful forest of native lenga trees (or beech trees) until you reach a glacial moraine – a ridge made from earth that has been pushed by the glacier. From the moraine, hike towards an incredible view of the Torres del Paine rock towers. The granite towers and glacial lake make for a breathtaking landscape – the perfect spot to round out your first day of trekking. Head back to the Refugio – your accommodation (and dinner spot) for the night.

This morning, load up on gear and head out across the ancient glacial moraines. Here, you’ll begin your hike around the Paine Massif – the jagged mountain peaks that stand tall between blue and green lakes, rivers and forests. At the base of the massif, grab a snapshot of the group by the turquoise waters and take in some truly breathtaking scenery. Trek through a forest of beech trees and look out for austral parakeets, varied species of geese and the Patagonian fox. After a few hours, you’ll arrive at your accommodation at camp Seron. You’ll have some free time until dinner to explore the campsite, have a drink or get to know your fellow trekkers as you pitch your tents.

Wake for an early breakfast at the campsite and begin your hike to Dickson Lake, which sits on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap. The lake is fed by the glacier of the same name and now runs into both Chile and Argentina. You’ll be hiking past bright, blooming notro bushes (also called Chilean fire bushes after their bright red colour), endemic to the Patagonian region, and crossing a small stream beside the lake. Continue the trek along the winding river until you reach your Refugio for the night. Nestled in grassy hills with a high horizon of peaks, the Dickson campsite will be a welcome respite. Here, you’ll have the chance for a hot shower before a group dinner is served. Dickson is known as a magical place, with a truly unique surrounding landscape and otherworldly feel. Make sure to stargaze tonight (if the clouds permit)!

Today, you’ll pack up your gear and have breakfast at the campsite, before heading out on one of the best days of the trek. Your trail will bring you through pristine, old-growth beech forests that feel completely untouched by human steps – this is where the incredible red-headed Magellanic woodpecker can often be seen (keep your eye out, birdwatchers!). Your hike will also bring you up close and personal to the Perros Glacier, which spills over the surrounding rocks, giving the impression of ice-blue lava stuck in time. Take in fantastic views of the nearby lake and the glacier backdrop as you take some time to rest and recharge. From here, head to Los Perros, where your camp site among the bending trees will be set up and waiting for you. You’ll have some free time until dinner.

Today, get ready for one of the longest and toughest (but rewarding) days of the journey. Start the day’s trek by climbing up to John Garner Pass – named after the British mountaineer in 1976. This is arguably the most famous pass on the trek, as it boasts an altitude of around 1,200 metres above sea level. Here, you’ll have amazing views of glaciated peaks and on a clear day – the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Head down the pass through a thick forest, directly above the massive Grey Glacier. Along the way, you’ll have lunch and then begin the trek down to Lake Grey. The glacier stretches out below, like a huge white highway. Upon arrival on the valley floor, trek to the Grey Refugio for the night, where you’ll have free time to relax until dinner is served.

This morning is free for you to relax and recharge after yesterday’s monumental hike. After lunch you have the option to enjoy the Grey Glacier hike, your guides will brief you on today’s route and the extra gear needed. Take a Zodiac boat across the lake until you reach the west side of Grey Glacier. When you arrive at the glacier, disembark on the land in between the ice (called a glacial island, or nunatak) and hike across the small island until you reach the ice. After a safety briefing, begin an exploration of Grey Glacier (for approximately 3 hours). Observe crevasses, rivers, lagoons and tunnels in different tones of blue and have an unavoidable I’m-so-far-from-home moment. Return to the Zodiac and ride back to the docking point. When you arrive back at the Refugio, you’ll have some free time before dinner.

After breakfast, head to the northeast side of Lake Grey. Here, you’ll have the option of exploring the icebergs and the Grey Glacier by kayak. Your trip leaders will provide a thorough safety briefing and introduction to the gear and then you’ll be on your way, winding through the electric blue icebergs that dot the lake. After kayaking, head back to the Refugio and pack up your gear to begin your trek for the day. Cross a high plateau that overlooks Lake Grey on your way to Lake Pehoe. Take in the expansive views until you reach your accommodation for the night – a comfortable lodge where you’ll have the afternoon to relax until dinner. You may want to try the local Chilean drink, a pisco sour, while overlooking the Paine Grande and Los Cuernos mountains.

After breakfast, begin your trek to the French Valley. The French Valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in Torres del Paine National Park. It is unique because of the hanging glaciers and towering granite walls and spires. You may even witness the glaciers calving (dropping giant icebergs), which creates a natural symphony perfectly suited to the granite amphitheatre. Get closer to the granite spires and eventually see the unique turquoise colour of the glacial Lake Pehoe. Pehoe translates to ‘hidden lake’ in the Tehuelche Indian language, but the immensity of this blue expanse is not to be misjudged. After a pitstop to take in the stunning scenery, trek out of the valley and continue walking to the extraordinary Lake Nordenskijold. There, you’ll check in to your Refugio and have time to set up and settle in before dinner.

Today is the last full day of adventure, so make sure to take it all in. Begin the day by trekking along the beautiful Lake Nordenskjold (named after Swedish geoscientist Otto Nordenskiold, who discovered the lake at the beginning of the 20th century), which sits below the hanging glaciers of Mount Almirante Nieto. The mountain rises to an elevation of 2,640 metres and is one of the most impressive views along your trek home. Have lunch on the way before reaching Hosteria Las Torres, where you’ll meet your awaiting private shuttle. Say goodbye to the national park as your driver takes you back to Puerto Natales. Check in to your hotel and reflect on your monumental journey with a warm shower and a quick rest. Meet back up with your group for the final celebratory dinner out on the town of Natales. What a trip it has been!

This morning after breakfast you are free to depart at anytime. If you are departing today your shuttle driver will take you back to the bus station or airport in Puerto Natales. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.