Five members of a hiking party — two Mexicans, two Germans and one British citizen — died after a sudden blizzard struck Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, officials said on Nov. 18. Four other members of the same group were found alive. Rescuers faced extreme conditions, including heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures and winds up to 190 km/h (118 mph), while searching near the remote Los Perros camp. Authorities closed the Paine Massif circuit to focus on search, rescue and evacuation efforts.
Five Tourists Killed in Sudden Blizzard at Torres del Paine; Four Others Rescued
Five members of a hiking party — two Mexicans, two Germans and one British citizen — died after a sudden blizzard struck Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, officials said on Nov. 18. Four other members of the same group were found alive. Rescuers faced extreme conditions, including heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures and winds up to 190 km/h (118 mph), while searching near the remote Los Perros camp. Authorities closed the Paine Massif circuit to focus on search, rescue and evacuation efforts.
04:24 PM, 11/19/2025Environment
Five tourists have been confirmed dead after a sudden and violent blizzard swept through Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, officials said on Nov. 18. The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) reported rescuers found two Mexican nationals, two German nationals and one British national among the fatalities. Four other members of the same party were located alive.
The group entered the park together and was reported missing earlier. Rescuers discovered the victims and survivors near the Los Perros camp, an area roughly a five-hour trek from the nearest vehicle access point. Authorities closed the Paine Massif (Macizo Paine) circuit—an approximately 80.8-mile trekking route—to facilitate search-and-rescue operations.
CONAF said the operation began on Monday and teams encountered a "sudden change in weather conditions" while searching. Crews worked amid intense snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and hurricane-force winds reported up to 190 km/h (118 mph), which severely hampered recovery and evacuation efforts.
"I would like to recognize the teams from Carabineros, the Army, Socorro Andino, and CONAF, who have worked tirelessly from the very first moment on search, rescue, and now evacuation efforts for the people lost in the area," Chilean President Gabriel Boric wrote on X, offering condolences and pledging support to the victims' families.
Regional authorities also expressed their sympathies and thanked the institutions involved in the operation. Investigations and follow-up work remain ongoing as officials continue to coordinate recovery and support for the families affected by the tragedy.
Context: Torres del Paine is a remote but popular destination for long-distance trekkers in southern Patagonia, about 2,900 km (roughly 1,800 miles) south of Santiago. Rapid weather changes and extreme wind conditions are known hazards in the region, underscoring the risks of multi-day backcountry trips when severe storms develop.