Five tourists killed by severe snowstorm in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park
Five foreign tourists died after being trapped by a powerful snowstorm in Torres del Paine National Park, southern Chile, on Monday, November 17, 2025. Four other members of the group were rescued alive amid strong winds and heavy snow.
Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile. Credit: CONAF
Five foreign tourists were killed after being caught in a violent snowstorm in Torres del Paine National Park, located in Chile’s Magallanes region of Patagonia, on Monday.
The group of nine was trekking along the park’s remote circuit route when weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. At the time of the accident, they were traversing the sector near Los Perros camp, one of the most remote areas of the park, accessible only by several hours of trekking through mountainous terrain.
Authorities confirmed the deaths of two German nationals, two Mexican nationals, and one British woman. Four others—whose nationalities have not yet been publicly released—were rescued alive and transported to the regional hospital in Puerto Natales.
President Gabriel Boric Font said that winds in the region reached over 190 km/h (118 mph) at the time of the incident.
“To the families, friends, and loved ones of the five individuals of Mexican, German, and British nationalities who tragically lost their lives in the incident that occurred in Torres del Paine, I extend my deepest condolences,” the President said.
According to the Chilean National Emergency Office (ONEMI), the storm intensified unexpectedly, producing sustained winds up to 193 km/h (120 mph) and heavy snow that created white-out conditions.
Rescue operations were conducted by park rangers and Chilean Air Force personnel but were hindered by limited visibility, snow accumulation, and blocked mountain passes. Recovery efforts continued through Tuesday, November 18, as teams attempted to reach the site by land and helicopter when weather allowed.
Officials in the Magallanes region have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident and the safety protocols in effect during the trek.
Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, attracts more than 300 000 visitors each year, many undertaking multi-day trekking routes in highly variable weather. November marks the late-spring transition in Patagonia, a period known for sudden temperature drops and extreme wind events.
The snowstorm was associated with a fast-moving cold front that crossed southern Patagonia on November 17, producing near-hurricane-force gusts and heavy orographic snowfall across the Andes foothills.
As of Wednesday, November 19, the park remained closed to visitors while search and rescue teams completed recovery and safety assessments.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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