A group of tourists attempted the O Circuit trek despite worsening weather and absent park rangers. Torres del Paine National Park, hidden in icy Patagonia, attracts roughly 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. Thousands of them tackle the park’s famous trails each year. On 17 November, a sudden blizzard struck the remote O Circuit, killing five trekkers and leaving dozens stranded in whiteout conditions for hours. The disaster exposed gaps in park safety and highlighted ongoing concerns about management and preparedness.
The trekkers, about 30 international hikers, departed the Los Perros campsite between 5 and 7 a.m. They aimed to cross John Garner Pass. The morning started with light rain and moderate winds, conditions typical for the region. As they climbed, weather worsened rapidly. By late morning, visibility dropped to just a few meters, and winds surged far beyond forecasts. Whiteout conditions made it nearly impossible for hikers to stay on the trail.
The O Circuit, also called the Paine Massif Circuit, stretches 130 to 140 km and circles the entire massif. It ranks among Patagonia’s toughest routes. By 10 a.m., trekkers encountered horizontal snow, violent gusts, and near-zero visibility. They reached the exposed upper section of John Garner Pass, above the treeline. Some tried to turn back, while others continued upward, unaware of the storm’s growing intensity. The extreme cold, heavy snow, and lack of shelter trapped several hikers. Rescuers later found five dead: a Mexican couple, a German couple, and a British trekker.
Park Safety Gaps Exposed
Survivors reported they received no clear or timely warnings about worsening conditions. Camp staff told hikers that forecasts predicted only moderate winds, described as normal for the area. The trail remained open despite evidence of dangerous weather.
Many blamed the park for responding too slowly. Survivors said no officials coordinated rescues initially. Stranded hikers had to organize help themselves until assistance arrived. No trained personnel monitored the remote section of the O Circuit, leaving tourists to manage the crisis in severe conditions.
CONAF, the National Forestry Corporation of Chile, oversees Torres del Paine’s trails. They monitor conditions, control access, and issue closures or warnings. Official survival advice instructs hikers to follow rangers’ guidance and check in for trail updates.
Ranger Absence and Staffing Challenges
During high season, park rangers normally monitor trails, weather, and entrance points while updating visitors about risks. Survivor accounts indicate no rangers were present near John Garner Pass when the storm struck. With no officials to evaluate risks or close the trail, hikers assumed conditions were safe.
Rangers were reportedly off duty to vote in Chile’s 2025 presidential election, reducing staff presence by roughly half. CONAF confirmed no rangers operated near Los Perros or John Garner Pass that day. Only about 51 personnel remained on site across the park.
Staff shortages in Chile’s national parks have persisted for years. By 2025, the country employed only 450 highly qualified park rangers for 13.2 million hectares. A 2018 report noted many parks operate with fewer than five staff members. Recent strikes highlighted administrative issues and resource shortages. On the Argentinian side of Patagonia, rangers have been resigning in large numbers due to new administrative challenges under the Javier Milei government.
