Field notes

Routes, seasons, park rules, wildlife and gear in Patagonia and the Andes, from the guides who work there.

Patagonia · 6 min read

O Circuit Torres del Paine 2026-27: Reopening and Rules

Is the O Circuit open for 2026-27? What CONAF has confirmed, the rules after the 2025 storm, John Gardner Pass and if you need a guide, by local guides.

By Matías Córdova

Lake District · 13 min read
Climbing Volcanoes in Chile: Routes, Seasons and Gear
How to climb Villarrica, Osorno, Lonquimay and Llaima: difficulty, summer climbs vs winter ski descents, gear, fitness and guide rules, by local guides.
By Matías Córdova and Diego Costa
Patagonia · 9 min read
Hiking Boots or Trail Runners in Patagonia: A Guide's View
Boots or trail runners for the W Trek, O Circuit or Base Torres? A Torres del Paine guide on terrain, wind, water and what the research says.
By Matías Córdova
Aysén · 11 min read
Las Horquetas Trek: Cerro Castillo's 4-Day Traverse
Las Horquetas trek in Cerro Castillo, Aysén: stages, campsites, season, park rules and how it compares with the W Trek, written by a Patagonia guide.
By Matías Córdova
Patagonia · 11 min read
Puma Tracking in Torres del Paine: Season, Ethics, Odds
How puma tracking in Torres del Paine works: when to go, where pumas live, the 2025 viewing rules and honest sighting odds, from a local park guide.
By Matías Córdova
Central Andes · 14 min read
Skiing in Chile: Resorts, Season and How to Plan
When to ski in Chile, how to choose between Valle Nevado, Portillo and the volcanoes, plus altitude, road chains and backcountry, from a local instructor.
By Diego Costa
Patagonia · 15 min read
Torres del Paine Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip
How to plan Torres del Paine, from local guides: getting there, when to go, the 2026 park pass, refugios, the W vs the O and the winter guide rules.
By Matías Córdova

Field notes

O Circuit Torres del Paine 2026-27: Reopening and Rules

Climbing Volcanoes in Chile: Routes, Seasons and Gear

Hiking Boots or Trail Runners in Patagonia: A Guide's View

Las Horquetas Trek: Cerro Castillo's 4-Day Traverse

Puma Tracking in Torres del Paine: Season, Ethics, Odds

Skiing in Chile: Resorts, Season and How to Plan

Torres del Paine Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip