Torres del Paine keeps O Circuit closed until 31 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 01:47 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Torres del Paine National Park keeps its O Circuit closed through 31 October 2026, leaving travellers from Puerto Natales with access focused on other routes. The park, also known locally by its Spanish name, remains open in parts while the Macizo Paine circuit awaits a technical and weather assessment.
O Circuit closure continues through 31 October 2026
The Corporación Nacional Forestal, known as CONAF, says the Macizo Paine circuit will remain closed through 31 October 2026. The route is also called the O Circuit because it circles the Paine massif rather than following only its western side.
CONAF's 14 September 2026 notice says the John Gardner Pass is closed with the circuit. The pass is a crucial section of the longer route, and its reopening depends on a technical and climatological evaluation by the forestry authority. The CONAF trail notice also says further safety measures may be adopted if conditions require them.
How the closure changes the park experience
The closure affects the full mountain circuit, including the back side leading through Serón, Dickson, Los Perros and the John Gardner Pass. It does not amount to a closure of the whole protected area, so visitors can still consider routes that CONAF lists as available.
The official park information describes Torres del Paine as a protected area in Chile's Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region. It was created on 13 May 1959 and became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Its landscape includes granite mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and sub-Antarctic vegetation, while the Paine massif reaches 3,050 metres above sea level. These fixed features explain why a closure of the high mountain circuit changes the itinerary without removing the park's other landscapes. CONAF's park information also records the protected area's location and trail network.
The W route and Base Torres remain subject to seasonal safety information. CONAF recommends trekking poles and microspikes in sectors where winter conditions may still make walking difficult. The authority lifted the general guide requirement for those two routes from 16 September 2026, while retaining the possibility of safety measures based on the terrain.
Visiting Torres del Paine National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The O Circuit and the John Gardner Pass are closed through 31 October 2026. Any reopening depends on a further assessment by CONAF.
- The W route and Base Torres are not covered by the O Circuit closure, but winter conditions can still affect parts of both trails. CONAF recommends poles and microspikes where conditions require them.
- The park lies in Chile's Magallanes Region, with access from Puerto Natales by the Y-290 route or by routes connecting through the park entrances. CONAF also lists road access from Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas.
- The terrain includes mountain paths, glacial landscapes, exposed sections and steep walking. The official trail information lists the Base Torres viewpoint approach as demanding and the John Gardner section as closed during the current restriction.
- Spanish is Chile's official language and the national currency is the Chilean peso.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Torres del Paine National Park
When does the O Circuit closure end at Torres del Paine National Park?
The Macizo Paine circuit is closed through 31 October 2026. Reopening depends on CONAF's technical and weather assessment.
What has changed at Torres del Paine National Park?
The O Circuit and John Gardner Pass remain closed, while the W route and Base Torres continue under seasonal safety measures.
Where is Torres del Paine National Park and how do you get there?
The park is in Chile's Magallanes Region, with access routes connecting it to Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas.
