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Circuit C in Torres del Paine

CTrekking guide

Circuit C in Torres del Paine

Circuit C explores the wildest side of Torres del Paine: the north and west face of the massif, the quietest stretch of the O Circuit. On the map the route draws a “C”, linking the Paine River valley, Lake Dickson, Los Perros Glacier, John Gardner Pass and Grey Glacier. It takes 5 days and 4 nights in campsites and ends with a catamaran ride across Lake Pehoé.

From CLP 1,590,000 per person ≈ US$1,616

Special launch price: US$2,900 for two people.

Premium: Circuit C Trek

01The route, day by day

The route, day by day

  1. Day 1

    Paine River valley · Serón

    From the Central sector, the trail wraps around the north of the massif through meadows and forest to Serón camp. About 13 km to find your rhythm.

  2. Day 2

    Lake Dickson

    A long day along the Paine River valley, open steppe on one side and mountains on the other, to Lake Dickson and its glacier. Around 18 km.

  3. Day 3

    Los Perros Glacier

    A gradual climb through lenga forest to Los Perros camp, at the foot of its glacier and lagoon. About 11 km.

  4. Day 4

    John Gardner Pass · Grey Glacier

    The big day: crossing John Gardner Pass, at around 1,200 m, with your first view of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, then descending alongside Grey Glacier. Around 20 km.

  5. Day 5

    Lake Pehoé and return

    Grey Glacier viewpoints to Paine Grande, a catamaran across Lake Pehoé to Pudeto and transfer back to Puerto Natales. About 11 km of hiking.

Lake Grey Southern Ice Field Lake Paine Lake Pehoé Lake Nordenskjöld John Gardner Pass Serón01 Lake Dickson02 Los Perros03 Grey Glacier04 Pehoé05 Pudeto to Puerto Natales ↘ N

Illustrative map, not to scale.

02W Trek vs. Circuit C

W Trek vs. Circuit C

W TrekCircuit C
Duration3 days with W Xpress (4 to 5 days the classic way)5 days and 4 nights
Where you sleepYour hotel in Puerto Natales (W Xpress)Park campsites, tent and sleeping bags included
RouteBase of the Towers, French Valley and Grey GlacierSerón, Lake Dickson, Los Perros Glacier, John Gardner Pass and Grey Glacier
DifficultyDemanding because of long daysMore demanding: several days in a row and a mountain pass at around 1,200 m
CrowdsThe busiest route in the parkA much quieter sector
FormatShared groupPrivate, designed for two people

Discover the W Trek

03Tips for Circuit C

Tips for Circuit C

  • Arrive in good shape: five hiking days in a row, one of them 10 hours or longer.
  • Wear waterproof, broken-in hiking boots.
  • Expect strong wind and cold on John Gardner Pass, even in summer.
  • The north of the park is hiked in one direction only and only in season: ask us about dates.
  • Travel light: you can add a porter for your personal gear.
Premium: Circuit C Trek Multi-day · 5 days / 4 nights · ChallengingPremium: Circuit C Trek

From CLP 1,590,000 per person ≈ US$1,616

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?FAQ

FAQ

What is Circuit C?

A 5-day expedition along the north and west side of Torres del Paine: the wildest stretch of the O Circuit, from the Paine River valley to Grey Glacier, crossing John Gardner Pass.

How many kilometers is it?

About 70 km in 5 days, with daily stages of 11 to 20 km.

How hard is it?

It's demanding: long days, several consecutive hiking days and the crossing of John Gardner Pass at around 1,200 m. You need good fitness and previous trekking experience.

How is it different from the W?

Circuit C is a continuous multi-day expedition inside the park, with a different pace and far fewer people on the trail. It's more technical and needs more preparation.

What does the Hack Patagonia expedition include?

Private transfers to and from Puerto Natales, a private guide, a tent for two, sleeping bags and mats, meals throughout the expedition and the return catamaran across Lake Pehoé. The park entrance fee is paid separately.

When can I do it?

In high season (spring and summer), when the park opens its northern sector. Message us and we'll check dates and campsite availability.