Women’s Patagonia O Circuit Hiking Adventure with Kendell

Welcome to Puerto Natales! We’ll meet at our hotel for a trek briefing, where we will go over the coming adventure and give you your welcome kit. We’ll enjoy dinner before getting a nice early night ready for a 7am departure in the morning to the start of the trek.

Lodging: The Veat Hotel – https://www.theveathotel.com/

On the first day of the O Circuit, you’ll start by taking a 7:00 am bus from Puerto Natales to the Laguna Amarga gate of Torres del Paine, where you’ll register as a visitor. A short minibus ride will then take you to the Welcome Center of the Cerro Paine Reserve, marking the beginning of your adventure.

You’ll pick up your lunchbox at the central refuge and embark on an 8.7-mile (14 km) hike to the Serón campsite. The route features an initial ascent of 820 feet (250 meters) through a Lenga Forest, offering views of the Paine River valley. This is followed by a 1.86-mile (3 km) descent and a 2.48-mile (4 km) stretch across a meadow with free-roaming horses.

Upon arriving at the Serón Sector, you’ll stay at a premium campsite with showers, a common dining room, and meals provided, allowing you to rest and celebrate your first day on the trail.

Difficulty: Medium – low

Distance: 8,69 mi. (14 km.)

Total approximate time: 4-5 hours

Positive elevation gain: 951,4 ft. (290 m.)

Lodging: Camping Serón

Today’s route is divided into two sections. The first section starts with a flat 1.86-mile (3 km) walk along the Paine River, followed by a 2.48-mile (4 km) stretch where you ascend and descend 656 feet (200 meters) along the slopes of Mount Paine. This part of the trail offers stunning panoramic views of the light blue Paine Lake and the Paine Massif in the background.

The second section of the route is mostly flat with small ups and downs. After descending from Cerro Paine, you’ll encounter a CONAF park ranger post and a restroom—facilities that are not common along the trail.

This part of the route runs close to the Paine River and tends to be hot and humid, with many mosquitoes. You’ll cross walkways installed to prevent erosion in wetland areas. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the Dickson Sector, which offers camping facilities and a lodge with a small dining room, cozy rooms, and excellent showers.

Once at the Dickson Sector, be sure to visit the nearby glacier beach. This tranquil spot by the lake, with the Dickson Glacier in the background, is perfect for relaxing.

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 11,61 mi. (18.7 km.)

Approximate total time: 6-7 hours

Positive elevation gain: 1181 mi. (360 m.)

Lodging: Refugio Dickson

Start your day with breakfast, pick up your lunchbox, and set out on one of the quietest routes of the entire O Circuit. This trek covers just over 7.76 miles (12.5 km) with no major slopes. Gradually, you’ll ascend to the Los Perros campsite. After a small initial ascent, you’ll find yourself immersed in the Lenga Forest, which you’ll traverse for most of the route. The dense forest canopy creates a shady environment, making it an ideal habitat for countless birds.

Take your time on this short, undemanding route, making frequent stops to enjoy birdwatching. In some sections, the trail approaches river slopes with scenic viewpoints perfect for relaxing, though be aware of mosquitoes in the forest.

As you near the end of the route, you’ll cross a couple of wooden bridges and make a small ascent of 330 feet (100 meters) up the moraine of the glacial lake to reach the Los Perros Glacier. This moment is a highlight of the trek, as the ascent suddenly reveals the stunning view of the lake with the glacier hanging in the background—a truly magical sight.

While traversing the forest, look out for the Magellanic Woodpecker, an endemic species of the region. One of the best observation spots is a small clearing in the Lenga Forest, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding glaciers.

We’ll finish the day at the Los Perros campsite, one of the more remote sites on the trek. As such, the facilities and food are more basic than other lodgings.

Difficulty: Medium-low

Distance: 7,76 mi (12.5 km)

Total approximate time: 4-5 hours

Positive elevation gain: 1410,76 ft. (430 m.)

Lodging: Los Perros Sector Camping

Start your day early, as this is one of the longest and most challenging routes of the O Circuit in Torres del Paine. The latest recommended departure time from Los Perros camp is 8 am. This route, divided into three parts, is demanding but incredibly rewarding.

In the first part, you’ll leave the Lenga Forest and ascend to the John Gardner Pass, covering 3.1 miles (5 km) with an elevation gain of 562 meters. This section often has snow, so consider wearing gaiters, and be prepared for clouds and rain with a handy raincoat. As you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the South Patagonian ice field, various glacier tongues, the Grey Glacier, and possibly even a rainbow.

The second part involves descending from Gardner Pass to the trail near the glacier. This section is particularly challenging due to the steep terrain and the presence of stones and aerial roots, which require careful navigation. This part ends at the CONAF camp known as “El Paso,” where many travelers stop to eat their lunch.

The third part of the stage keeps the Grey Glacier in sight on your right, offering spectacular views. You’ll also enjoy crossing three suspension bridges before finally reaching the Grey Sector, where you can relax and have a drink at the large bar or terrace.

Difficulty: High

Distance: 10,68 mi. (17.2 km.)

Approximate total time: 9-10 hours

Positive elevation gain: 2919,95 ft. (890 m.)

Lodging: Grey Sector Refugio

After a challenging stage, the route between the Grey and Paine Grande Sectors offers a much easier trek. Many travelers take advantage of the lighter day to participate in optional activities on the Grey Glacier, such as kayaking among the icebergs or hiking on the glacier with crampons. These activities are conducted in the morning, allowing plenty of time for the 3 to 4-hour hike later in the day. Note that these activities are not included in the tour price and must be booked as extras.

The hike itself is relatively short at 6.83 miles (11 km). It begins with a flat stretch, followed by a gradual climb with a 656-foot (200-meter) elevation gain, where the forest opens up. The descent then leads to the Paine Grande Sector. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy stunning views on both sides: Lake Grey with the glacier in the background to your right, and the Paine Massif with Cerro Paine Grande, the highest peak at over 9,185 feet (2,800 meters), to your left.

In the final downhill stretch, the trail diverges from Grey Lake and heads towards the Paine Grande Sector, situated in front of Pehoé Lake. This sector is one of the largest in the park, featuring a spacious and well-equipped refuge and a lively bar.

Difficulty: medium – low

Distance: 6,83 mi. (11 km.)

Approximate total time: 3-4 hours

Positive elevation gain: 1082,68 ft. (330 m.)

Lodging: Paine Grande Sector Refugio

To understand this route, it’s important to note that part of it is optional. You can choose to skip the ascent to the French or British viewpoints and go straight to your accommodation, reducing the route by 8 miles (13 km) and most of the elevation gain. Your assigned accommodation may be in the Francés Sector or in Cuernos, which are 2.48 miles (4 km) apart.

The route is divided into three parts. The first part is a relatively flat 5.59-mile (9 km) stretch leading to Campamento Italiano, a CONAF ranger station. Just before you reach the camp, there’s a junction where you can head directly to Francés or Cuernos. However, it’s highly recommended to at least climb to the French viewpoint. At Campamento Italiano, you can leave your backpack at the nursery and take only essentials for the climb.

The second part involves a 1.55-mile (2.5 km) ascent with a 984-foot (300-meter) elevation gain through the French Valley to its viewpoint, offering spectacular views of Mount Paine Grande and its hanging glaciers. You might even hear the ice cracking. Continuing to the British viewpoint involves a further 2.48 miles (4 km) and an elevation gain of 918 feet (280 meters). At the top, large rocks provide a 360-degree panoramic view.

After enjoying the viewpoints, you’ll descend back to Campamento Italiano to retrieve your backpack. Many travelers have lunch here if they didn’t at the viewpoints. From the camp, it’s about 1.55 miles (2.5 km) to the Francés Sector or an additional 2.48 miles (4 km) along Lake Nordenskjöld to Cuernos, if that’s your assigned accommodation.

Both Francés and Cuernos offer small, cozy accommodations that are not easily accessible, making them special.

Difficulty: medium – high

Distance: 14,29 mi. (23 km.) to Francés Sector / 16,7 mi. (27 km.) to Cuernos Sector.

Approximate total time: 8 hours to Francés Sector / 10 hours to Cuernos Sector

Positive vertical drop: 2624,67 ft. (800 m.) to the Francés Sector / 3215,22 (980 m.) to the Cuernos sector.

Lodging: Cuernos Sector Refugio

After a challenging day, you’ll welcome the ease of this route, allowing for a more relaxed pace. Starting from the Cuernos Sector, you’ll encounter only a small initial slope of 655 feet (200 meters). The remainder of the journey is mostly flat, offering serene views of the Cuernos del Paine on one side and Nordenskjöld Lake on the other.

Upon reaching the Central Sector, you’ll notice the larger campsite and refuge, akin to the Paine Grande Sector. Both sectors serve as entrance gates to the park, bustling with fellow travelers. Here, you’ll have ample opportunity to mingle, enjoy the spacious common areas, and, of course, indulge in refreshments at one of the liveliest bars along the route.

Difficulty: medium – low

Distance: 10,56 mi. (17 km.) from the Francés Sector / 8 mi. (13 km.) from the Cuernos Sector

Total approximate time: 6:00 hours from Francés Sector / 4:30 hours to Cuernos Sector.

Positive elevation gain: 1706 ft. (520 m.) from Francés Sector / 1115,49 ft. (340 m.) from Cuernos Sector

Lodging: Torre Central Refugio

This route is undeniably the most popular in Torres del Paine, divided into three distinct sections. Initially, you’ll cover 1.25 miles (2 km) with minimal elevation gain, crossing the river valley. The next 1.86 miles (3 km) entail an ascent along a treeless path to the Paso de los Vientos, offering panoramic vistas.

The subsequent 2.48 miles (4 km) involve a gentle stretch, passing by the Chileno Sector and gradually entering the Lenga Forest until you reach the Moraine—a rocky area marking the beginning of the third section, known as the most challenging and technical part of the day.

For nearly 1.24 miles (2 km), you’ll navigate among large rock blocks on a steep slope, culminating in the reward: the Base Torres viewpoint. Here, a glacier lake is framed by the three granite towers that define the park. Take your time to relax, capture photos, enjoy lunch with unparalleled views, and soak it all in.

The return journey retraces your steps along the same trail that led you to the park’s most iconic vistas. Upon reaching your lodging in the Central or Chileno Sector, retrieve your backpack and head to the Welcome Center. From there, board the minibus to the park entrance, Portería Laguna Amarga, where you’ll catch the bus to Puerto Natales around 21:30, concluding this incredible adventure on the O Circuit Patagonia.

Difficulty: medium – high

Distance: 13,67 mi. (22 km.)

Approximate total time: 9-10 hours

Positive elevation gain: 3517 ft. (1,072 m.)

Lodging: The Veat Hotel – https://www.theveathotel.com/

Today is sadly the final day. You will no doubt have enjoyed a solid post-trek sleep in your hotel after your amazing adventure. We’ll gather for breakfast and share memories from the last 10 days before we each embark on the next leg of our travels.