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We kick off the third stage—O Circuit Day 3—with a slightly shorter trek, though it’s no less intense. Today, we’ll hike from the Dickson Sector to Los Perros Campground, crossing one of the wettest (and most mosquito-filled) sections of Torres del Paine National Park.
Here’s what today’s hike looks like:
- 🥾 Distance: 7.8 miles (12.5 km)
- ⏱ Time in motion: 3h 30 min.
- 🕓 Total time: 4h 30 min
- 📈 Accumulated positive elevation gain: 1,410 feet (430 m)
- 📉 Accumulated negative vertical drop: 246 feet (75 m)
- 🔄 Difficulty: Medium
- 📍 View route on Wikiloc
Day 3 of the O Circuit begins
We wake up under a clear sky, just like the day before. Even though today’s stage is shorter, tomorrow will be the most demanding of the entire circuit—so we take it easy.
Breakfast at Dickson is served at 7:30 AM and it does not disappoint: toast, ham, cheese, scrambled eggs, butter, jam, muesli, yogurt… a feast to start the day strong. We pack our bags, check the weather forecast, say goodbye to the lodge team, and hit the trail.
Forest, mosquitoes and first viewpoints
Today’s route features a steady incline, with some steeper sections and flatter ones, but not a single real descent along the way.
We head into a dense, humid, and shady forest. Just as we were warned: this is the park’s mosquito capital. While hiking, they’re not too annoying, but the moment we stop… they swarm. We apply repellent and limit breaks to the bare minimum.
After the first big climb, we reach a viewpoint with a spectacular view. Quick photo stop, and we continue. The landscape doesn’t change much during the first 6 miles (10 km), but the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature never fades.
Landscape Shift and Goodbye Mosquitoes!
We eat lunch on the go, giving the mosquitoes no chance to catch up. Not long after, the environment starts to change: we cross a few wooden bridges, the terrain becomes rockier, and the vegetation thins out. The temperature drops about 9°F (5°C), and best of all… the mosquitoes vanish!
We know we’re getting close when we start to see the glacial moraine. We look up and there it is—an impressive glacial lagoon, with Los Perros Glacier touching the water. This is the glacier that gives the campground its name.
Arrival at Camping Los Perros
We descend to a second viewpoint, pause briefly to take in the view, and after five more minutes of hiking, we reach Los Perros Campground. We sign in with CONAF, check in, and head to the dining area.
This is the most basic campground on the circuit. There’s no hot water, and although they sometimes serve dinner (usually lentils), it’s not guaranteed. Like many other travelers, we’ve come prepared with our own food. There’s also a small shop and the option to rent a camp stove. So tonight we’re having a warm meal of soup and noodles.
We’ve earned it—bon appétit!
Have you already done Day 3 of the O Circuit?
Share your experience in the comments!
And if you’re getting ready for the adventure, remember: bring mosquito repellent, your own food, and a charged camera to capture that stunning glacier
👉 👉 Keep reading about Day 4 of our adventure.
