Chile · Trekking

8-Day Big Circuit Macizo Paine, Torres del Paine

8 Days Round trip from Puerto Natales Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Complete the 8-day Big Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park
  • 02 Hike through the Dickson zone, forests, mountains, and river valleys
  • 03 See Glacier Los Perros and panoramic views of Glacier Grey
  • 04 Cross Paso John Garner, the highest point of the circuit
  • 05 Trek to French Valley and Base Torres
  • 06 Stay in a mix of campsites and refugios along the route
  • 07 Breakfast, lunch, dinner, accommodation, and shared transport included

Take on the full Macizo Paine circuit on this 8-day trekking adventure through Torres del Paine National Park. Designed for active travellers in good physical condition, this route combines some of the park’s most rewarding hikes with nights in campsites and refugios, surrounded by forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, and glaciers.

Along the way, you’ll hike through the Dickson zone, reach Glacier Los Perros, cross the dramatic Paso John Garner for panoramic views over Glacier Grey, and continue through some of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes. With meals, accommodation as per itinerary, and round-trip shared transport included, this is an immersive way to experience one of Chile’s great trekking routes.

Hiking towards Paso John Garner, with an altitude of 1.200 m.a.s.l., which is the highest part of the Circuit.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Puerto Natales City, Torres del Paine National Park
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Day 1: Puerto Natales - Seron

We will departure from Puerto Natales at 7:30 on a regular bus service to Torres del Paine and we will arrival at 9:45. in Laguna Amarga entrance, where you will fill a form, pay the entrance ticket to the park and watch a short video regarding park regulations. Then, shuttle to the Welcome Center Estancia Cerro Paine.

Hiking to Serón.(Distance: 13 km–8 miles / Time: 4 hrs. apx. / Difficulty: medium) 

Dinner at Serón and lodging at Camping Serón.

2
Day 02

Day 2: Seron - Dickson

We will breakfast at Camping Serón and Box Lunch pick up. Hiking to Dickson area, walking at the edge of Paine River. (Distance: 18 km-11 miles / Time Apx: 6 hrs / Difficulty: Medium)

Dinner at the cafeteria. Lodging at Refugio Dickson.

3
Day 03

Day 3: Dickson - Los Perros

You will have breakfast at the cafeteria and Box Lunch pick up. Hiking to Camping Los Perros (Distance: 11 km-7 miles / Time Apx: 4,5hrs / Difficulty: Medium/high).Dinner (ration pack) at the Quincho. Lodging at Camping Los Perros.

4
Day 04

Day 4: Los Perros - Grey

You will have breakfast and Box Lunch (ration packs). We suggest you start walking early, about 07 am. Hiking towards Paso John Garner, with an altitude of 1.200 m.a.s.l., which is the highest part of the Circuit. After Paso John Garner you continue hiking downhill towards Refugio Grey. (Distance: 22 km-14 miles / Time Apx: 11 hrs / Difficulty: high). IMPORTANT: Depending on weather conditions, CONAF park rangers have the authority to close the trails. Also, park rangers may not allow you to continue if you are not well equipated. Dinner at the cafeteria. Lodging at Refugio Grey.

5
Day 05

Day 5: Grey - Paine Grande

You will have breakfast at the cafeteria and Box Lunch pick up. Hiking to Refugio Paine Grande, passing by different viewpoints. (Distance: 11 km-7 miles / Time: 3, 5 hrs. apx. /Difficulty: medium) Dinner at the cafeteria. Lodging at Refugio Paine Grande.

6
Day 06

Day 6: Paine Grande - Los Cuernos

Breakfast at the cafeteria and Box Lunch pick up. Hiking to CONAF Italiano campsite (Distance: 7 km-3 miles / Time: 2 hrs. apx. /Difficulty: easy). In CONAF you can leave your backpack to the park ranger in order to ascend to French Valley (Distance: 3 km-2 miles / Time: 2, 5 hrs. apx. /Difficulty: medium). Hiking to Refugio Los Cuernos (Distance: 5 km-3 miles / Time: 2,5 hrs. apx. /Difficulty: medium).Dinner at the cafeteria. Lodging at Refugio Los Cuernos.

7
Day 07

Day 7: Los Cuernos - Las Torres

Breakfast at the cafeteria and Box Lunch pick up. Hiking to Refugio Torre Central, walking at the edge of Norsdenkjöld Lake. (Distance: 12 km-7 miles / Time: 4, 5 hrs. approx. /Difficulty: medium)Dinner at the cafeteria. Lodging at Refugio Torre Central.

8
Day 08

Day 8: Base Torres - Puerto Natales

Breakfast at the cafeteria and Box Lunch pick up. Hiking to Base Torres, through Asencio Valley. (Distance: 22 km- 14 miles / Time: 8 hrs. approx. /Difficulty: high).Back to Welcome Center to take the shuttle to Laguna Amarga and then the bus back to Puerto Natales at 7 PM.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Puerto Natales 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • 7 nights of accommodation
  • Round-trip shared transfer

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fee to the National Park
  • Guides
  • Medicals or travel insurances
  • Any additional services not stated In the itinerary

Know before you go

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • You must be in a good physical condition
  • We recommend you to bring: road map (that will be given at the entrance of the park), thermic water bottle (minimum 1 liter), first-aid kit, torch, compass o GPS, Anti-UV sunglasses, trekking shoes, impermeable clothes, solar cream, cargo trousers, tent and sleeping bag, windbreaker, hat, thick socks, gloves, polar sweaters.
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • In cases where a refugio isn’t available, accommodation in campsites will be arranged for. Cost from the total will be reimbursed accordingly.
  • We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
  • Mon to Sat from 9 to 18 Hs and Sundays from 10 to 19 Hs
  • After office hours

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Puerto Natales, CL
Tour start
Puerto Natales, CL
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Puerto Natales.

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