Sustainable Trails
Torres del Paine’s rapid increase in popularity amongst outdoor enthusiasts has resulted in a number of sustainability and visitor management challenges. Key amongst these has been the deterioration of the Park’s iconic ‘O’ and ‘W’ hiking trails, which in turn negatively impacts surrounding flora and fauna and the visitor’s ability to enjoy them.
Footage from a week of trail-building in the park with a group of incredible volunteers. Thank you @Lenticularstudio for the awesome work.
A Trail Problem
Owing to the park’s estancia heritage, few of the 80kms that comprise the now iconic ‘W’ and ‘O’, or Macizo Paine, trekking circuits were initially or subsequently designed for hikers. Cattle and horses were the original creators of most of the trails still in use in the park today.
Relentless precipitation and improper drainage have resulted in severe degradation. This degradation has led to circuits characterized by flooded, heavily inclined, and debris-filled trails, many of which become impassable in spring or post-rain.
Such conditions not only result in a less enjoyable recreational experience and prolong trail closures, but cause hikers to widen existing tread or create destructive side trails that impact surrounding habitats.
Our Trail Methodology
We believe that sustainable trail construction and maintenance is multi-disciplinary. To protect Torres del Paine’s habitats, our trail design and construction methods take into account the following:
Controlling the movement of water along a trail to prevent erosion, destructive side trails (braiding), and flooding.
Creating a design that minimizes damage to local flora and fauna, and protects the park’s natural sanctuaries.
Giving visitors a safe, immersive hiking experience with exceptional viewpoints and breath-taking perspectives.
Using native lumber and locally--sourced materials for construction projects like boardwalks and bridges.
Project Highlights
New Paine Grande - Italiano Trail
In partnership with CONAF and Conservation VIP, our team has constructed a new 10-kilometer trail on the W Circuit’s second most heavily trafficked route. This new trail, designed using sustainability standards, will officially open in the 2021-2022 season.
Dickson Boardwalk and Interpretive Panels
Thanks to support from the European Outdoor Conservation Association, we constructed a 170--meter boardwalk traversing a vulnerable wetland area along the Park’s ‘O’ Circuit. We also installed two interpretive panels about the area’s flora and fauna.
Infrastructure Projects on the ‘W’ Circuit
Since 2016, we have supported CONAF and Conservation VIP with the construction of:
3 suspension bridges
500+ meters of boardwalk