The Torres del Paine "O" Circuit (6–10 days) is the full loop around the Cordillera del Paine—the "W" plus the more remote backside that gets fewer trekkers. All told, the total distance of the "O" is approximately 110 kilometers depending on side hikes. The route can be walked in either direction but the majority of trekkers go counterclockwise and finish at the Laguna Amarga ranger station or Refugio Lago Pehoe. If you have the time and motivation, this is one of the premier hikes in Patagonia and will help you beat the Torres del Paine crowds. 
 

Torres del Paine "O" Circuit Facts

Distance: 110 km
Time: 6-10 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Start/end: Most people start and finish at the Laguna Amarga ranger station or Refugio Lago Pehoe
Transportation: How to Get to Torres del Paine
Shorter option: W Circuit
 

Trek Overview

The route is long and challenging but there is a solid infrastructure of refugios along the way. Camping is required on the backside of the "O"; on the rest of the circuit trekkers have the option of camping or staying at refugios. Unlike true wilderness treks, you will be able to stock up on supplies and are never too far from other people.

What are the differences between the "W" and "O" Circuits? The "W" (4–6 days) is an abbreviated version of the "O" that passes through the heart of the Cordillera del Paine. The backside of the "O" doesn’t pass as close to the big rock formations but is beautiful Patagonia terrain nonetheless. Also, there are fewer people on the backside—on our trek during peak season there were approximately 60 tents per camping area on the "W" sections and 20 tents per camping area on the "O" (about one-third of the people).

Choosing between the two circuits often comes down to time: if you only have two weeks in Patagonia spending 8 or 10 days on the "O" may be too big of a commitment (although you could argue that it isn’t). Many trekkers on the "O" are part of grand tours of Patagonia and South America; many on the “W” are working with less time.
 

Torres del Paine Map

You see a helpful trekking map of Torres del Paine here. The "O" Circuit can be walked in either direction. Most people start and finish at the Laguna Amarga ranger station or Refugio Lago Pehoe, the drop-off point for the catamaran. The walking times on the CONAF map are reasonably accurate but good hikers will hike slightly faster.

Powered by Drupal

"W" Circuit in Torres del Paine

The "W" Circuit in Torres del Paine is Patagonia’s most famous trek and often gets mentioned among the world’s top trails. Over the course of 4 to 6 days—depending on your specific route and hiking speed—the 60-plus kilometer "W" makes its way...

Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine (pronounced PIE-nay) National Park in southern Chile is the crown jewel of Patagonia. Rising high is the Cordillera del Paine, one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ranges, including the famed rock formations...

El Chaltén and Los Glaciares

El Chaltén is a dusty climbing town with a contagious outdoor vibe. The self-proclaimed “trekking capital of Argentina” sprang up in the 1980’s for political purposes but is now supported entirely by outdoor tourism. Towering above...

El Calafate and Perito Moreno

The town of El Calafate is the hub for the mammoth Perito Moreno glacier, one of Patagonia’s most impressive sites. Located 80 kilometers west of town, the terminal face...

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, located at the southern reaches of Argentina on the island of Tierra del Fuego, often is referred to as, "The End of the World." It’s arguably the world’s southernmost city (the small Chilean settlement of Puerto Williams...

Best Backpacking Tents of 2024

In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. Uses and budgets vary, and the ideal tent for beginners and those taking shorter trips differs...

Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024

Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Trends in backpacks these days err towards minimalism...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2020

The mirrorless revolution is in full swing. These impressive digital cameras pack large image sensors into compact bodies, offering some of the best image and video quality on the market with less bulk than a DSLR...

Best Hiking Boots of 2024

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...

Best Hiking Shoes of 2024

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight...