Torres del Paine Avid Hiker Circuit
Chile Adventure Tours

Torres del Paine Avid Hiker Circuit

The crossing of Oggioni Pass is considered a mountaineering pass, this is for hikers who don’t follow the path, they look for it, test it, and earn every step.
If that sounds like you, keep going… this is where Patagonia starts to feel real.

A Patagonia based adventure operator and local expert, designing and delivering custom, high-quality travel experiences in Chile.

    Categories: , , , Tags: , ,

    Patagonia Off the Beaten Path

    Torres del Paine O Circuit via Oggioni Pass

    A remote crossing through Patagonia’s most untouched terrain, where few trails exist, and every step feels earned.

    Active, Guided

    Adventure Style

    Demanding – Challenging

    Difficulty

    8 Days

    Duration

    Beyond the Circuit, The Hidden Route of Torres del Paine

    This is not your typical Torres del Paine trek.
    From the moment you step into Torres del Paine National Park, the route begins to separate itself from the rest. After reaching the iconic towers, you move beyond the marked trails and into terrain where navigation matters and solitude is real.
    The crossing of Oggioni Pass, considered a mountaineering pass defines this journey. There are no clear paths, only cairns, instinct, and the reward of moving through a part of Patagonia very few ever see.

    Create Your Tailor-Made Journey

    Itinerary Overview

    This 8-day trekking program explores the full circuit of Torres del Paine National Park with a rare and demanding variation over the Oggioni Pass. Designed for experienced hikers, it blends the classic O Circuit with a remote, off-trail crossing that adds a true expedition feel.

    The journey begins at Base Torres before leaving the main routes behind. From Campamento Japones, you enter unmarked terrain where the Oggioni Pass—considered a mountaineering pass—becomes the key challenge. Weather, route finding, and terrain all play a role, making this a dynamic and rewarding experience.

    After the crossing, the route reconnects with the traditional circuit, leading through ancient forests, over the John Gardner Pass, and along Glacier Grey. The final days explore the French Valley and Lake Nordenskjold.

    After an early breakfast you will depart from Puerto Natales towards Torres del Paine National Park with your guide. You will hop on a bus and be taken to the park entrance at Laguna Amarga, which is about 2 hours away. You will begin your trek by hiking up Almirante Nieto – a mountain taking you to an incredible view of Lake Nordenskjold and Silence Valley. 

    After passing by Refugio & Camping Chileno, you will hike for one hour through a dense Lenga forest. After leaving the forest, you will approach the park ranger base, Campamento Las Torres. You will leave your belongings with the rangers before continuing up a steep moraine with just a day pack. Finally, you will see the icon of Torres del Paine National Park – Las Torres! 

    After returning to Campamento Las Torres, you will hike to a climber’s camp called Campamento Japones. Campamento Japones is the original camping area where the climbing pioneers stopped to refuge from poor weather and to prepare their climb to the top of the granite towers. This is a basic and un-supported backcountry camp. You will have dinner and begin to prepare for tomorrow’s big day!

    Guided Hike: Sector Las Torres – Las Torres Lookout – Campamento Japones
    Total Distance: 11 kilometers / 6.8 miles
    Average Time: 6.5 hours     

    Following an early breakfast, you will pack up and begin today’s hike. The Oggioni Pass is very unique and off the beaten track – very few visitors to the park take this hike! The trail is only marked by small stone towers left behind by previous hikers. You will begin by following the trail to the back side of Las Torres, but then – as the trail continues straight – you will detour and hike towards a waterfall. You will pass over the waterfall (on a natural stone bridge) and then hike over two glacial moraines. Finally, you will start climbing uphill. If you have a good map, you will be able to see Oggioni Mountain on the backside of Silence Valley. After making it over the pass, you will walk through a thick forest and from a distance you will be able to see Refugio & Camping Dickson. You will continue walking until you finally reach the camp. Today is a long day and you will be happy to arrive after such an exciting, as well as challenging, day! 

    *Important: Today is reserved for a first attempt at the pass. If the weather conditions are not suitable, you will stay another night at Campamento Japones and make a second attempt tomorrow.

    Guided Hike: Campamento Japones – Paso Oggioni – Sector Dickson
    Total Distance: 12 kilometers / 7.5 miles
    Average Time: 9 hours     

    Today can be used as a rest day or used as a day to explore the surrounding and very scenic area of Refugio Dickson. In the chance that the pass is not made on day two, then today will be reserved for a second attempt.

    After breakfast you will continue hiking along the circuit. Today the trek is approximately four hours long and it will take you through one of the oldest forests in the park. The trail will lead you past Lengas and Coigues (both of which grew shortly after the glaciers receded). Finally, you will reach a moraine at the foot of Glacier Los Perros where you will set up camp.

    Guided Hike: Sector Dickson – Sector Los Perros
    Total Distance: 11 kilometers / 6.8 miles
    Average Time: 4.5 hours

    You will wake up and have breakfast in a beautiful forest. In the morning, you will start climbing a slow but steady hill for approximately 200 meters. The trail is very moist and the beautiful Lenga and Coigue trees cover this portion of the trail. After an hour and fifteen minutes, you will reach the end of the forest and you will finally begin trekking up rockslides towards the John Gardner Pass. After forty more minutes of hiking, you will reach smaller patches of trees all the while gaining a bit of elevation. From this part of the trail, you will be able to see Glaciar Amistad, Cerro Blanco Sur, Punta Puma and – finally – the John Gardner Pass.

    From here, you will begin climbing until you reach 1,200 meters. You will have an astonishing view of Glacier Grey and Patagonia’s Southern Ice Field. After catching this breath-taking view, you will begin hiking downhill for about two hours until you reach Campamento Paso for a short rest. From here you will continue hiking for four more hours along an undulating trail with views of Glacier Grey, Lake Grey, and Ferrier Hill. Before reaching Campamento Grey you will cross several of the parks famous suspension bridges, ultimately bringing you to some close-up views of Glacier Grey. Once you reach Grey you will have time to shower and rest before enjoying a nice hot meal in the Refugio.

    Guided Hike: Sector Los Perros – Sector Grey
    Total Distance: 22 kilometers / 13.7 miles
    Average Time: 11 hours

    After a restful night and an energizing breakfast you will be ready to hike again. Say farewell to your guide, as they will be leaving you early today to catch the first bus back to Puerto Natales.

    When you are ready, depart for a four hour hike along Lake Grey and then through a small forest. Most days this section of the park is very windy due to the openness provided by Lake Grey, Glacier Grey and the Southern Ice Field. In the afternoon you will arrive to Camping Paine Grande on the shore of the beautiful Lake Pehoe.

    There are two optional excursions you can take today in the morning while at Refugio & Camping Grey – ice hiking on Glacier Grey or kayaking on Lake Grey. Let us know if you are interested and we can make reservations.

    Hike: Sector Grey – Sector Paine Grande 
    Total Distance: 11 Kilometers / 6.8 Miles 
    Average Time: 4 Hours

    Shortly after breakfast you will begin hiking towards Campamento Italiano. This camp is 2.5 hours away. Once you arrive to Campamento Italiano you can leave your large pack and continue into the French Valley with just a small daypack. You will hike across a moraine and through a forest until you come to a clearing. Here you will be blown away by both the wind and the spectacular views of Lake Nordenskjold, Skottberg and Pehoe behind you, the hanging French Glacier just ahead of you and by many other peaks. After leaving the lookout you will return to gather your large pack and continue another 2.5 hours to Camp Cuernos where you will spend the night.

    Hike: Sector Paine Grande – Sector Los Cuernos
    Total Distance: 17.3 Kilometers / 10.7 Miles 
    Average Time: 7 Hours

    In the morning you will have breakfast and then prepare to hike again. You will leave Cuernos, located on the shore of Lake Nordenskjold and at the foot of the Cuernos and walk for four hours towards Refugio & Camping Central, located at the base of Almirante Nieto and the Asencio Valley. There will be a few rivers you will pass over by hopping across rocks. As you hike you will catch glimpses of glaciers and the mountaintops hovering over you. Finally, you will arrive to the welcome center where you will catch a transfer and then a bus back to Puerto Natales.

    Hike: Sector Los Cuernos – Welcome Center
    Total Distance: 11 Kilometers / 6.8 Miles
    Average Time: 4.5 Hours

    What’s Included

    • 7 Nights camping in Torres del Paine National Park (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats included)
    • 5 Days of expert-guided trekking (including technical guidance over Oggioni Pass)
    • 3 Days of self-guided trekking along the standard W section
    • Porters for 3 days of trekking (to carry group camping gear and food)
    • Bus to and from Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park
    • Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park
    • Round-trip shuttle between Las Torres and Laguna Amarga
    *Requires high physical fitness and comfort on unmarked, rugged mountain terrain

    Not Included

    • Personal porter service (hikers must carry their own personal items)
    • Accommodations in Puerto Natales before/after the trip
    • Airline tickets
    • Meals not explicitly listed in the itinerary
    • Personal trekking gear (boots, waterproof clothing, backpack)
    • Medical and emergency rescue insurance
    • Tips for guides, porters, and staff
    Hiking the Torres del Paine Circuit
    Torres del paine

    Let’s Take You There

    Our team knows this region inside out, and we’ll guide you with honest advice, the right logistics, and the small details that make a big difference out there. Reach out to our adventure specialists, and we’ll shape something that truly fits you.

    Connect With a Travel Specialist