A group of tourists ignored worsening forecasts and began the O Circuit trek in Torres del Paine.
The park, deep in icy Patagonia, attracts 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually, many aiming for its famous trails.
On 17 November, a violent blizzard struck the O Circuit trail, killing five trekkers and stranding dozens in whiteout conditions for hours.
The tragedy highlighted weaknesses in park safety measures and shortcomings in Patagonia’s emergency response.
The group of about 30 international hikers departed the Los Perros campsite between 5 and 7 a.m., aiming to cross John Garner Pass.
Light rain and moderate winds greeted them, typical for the area, but conditions worsened rapidly with elevation gain.
By late morning, visibility shrank to just a few metres, and strong gusts created whiteout conditions that confused hikers and obscured the trail.
The O Circuit, or Paine Massif Circuit, is a 130–140 km multi-day loop circling the massif.
It ranks among Patagonia’s most challenging trekking routes.
After 10 a.m., trekkers encountered near-horizontal snow, gusty winds, and sudden total loss of visibility.
Reaching the exposed upper section of John Garner Pass, the group became scattered as some turned back and others pressed onward, unaware of the storm’s rapid intensification.
Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and lack of natural shelter trapped several hikers, resulting in five deaths: two Mexicans, two Germans, and one British hiker.
Survivors later discovered their bodies near the top of the pass.
Gaps in Warnings and Response
Survivors reported unclear or delayed weather warnings from park staff.
Staff told hikers that forecasts predicted only moderate winds, calling conditions “normal” despite obvious hazards.
The trail remained open even as the storm intensified, forcing hikers to navigate dangerous terrain without guidance.
Hikers organized initial rescues themselves because no officials were present to coordinate evacuations.
The absence of trained personnel during the critical early hours left tourists to help one another in extreme whiteout conditions.
CONAF, Chile’s National Forestry Corporation, holds authority over the park and should monitor conditions, control access, and close trails when needed.
Official survival guidelines stress following rangers’ instructions and checking trail conditions before setting out.
Ranger Shortages and Systemic Issues
During high season, park rangers should control access, monitor trails, and issue warnings.
Survivors confirmed no rangers patrolled the dangerous pass when the blizzard hit.
Visitors assumed safety and proceeded without guidance.
Ranger shortages coincided with the 16 November 2025 Chilean presidential election, halving staff presence.
CONAF confirmed no rangers were stationed near Los Perros or John Garner Pass during the storm.
Reports indicated only about 51 personnel were on site in the park that day.
Staffing challenges in Chile’s national parks have persisted.
By 2025, only 450 highly qualified rangers covered roughly 13.2 million hectares of protected land.
A 2018 Lincoln Institute report highlighted that many parks operate with fewer than five employees.
In June 2025, thousands of CONAF staff went on strike over resource shortages and administrative issues.
Across the border in Argentina, rangers quit rapidly due to dissatisfaction with the national park administration under Javier Milei.
