An alliance between Conaf Magallanes, Fundación Reforestemos, Ultranav and Explora will plant up to 47,000 lenga trees in Torres del Paine by 2027 to restore native forests damaged by fires. This year's goal is 30,000 trees: 24,000 in Torres del Paine National Park and 6,000 in the Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, a private area of about 6,000 hectares, El Mostrador and G5noticias reported.
The alliance was presented with a symbolic planting in the park, with park superintendent Mónica Alvarado. According to Conaf, large forest fires damaged around 39,000 hectares of the park, which brings together 17 ecosystems, from the Patagonian steppe to lenga, ñirre and coigüe forests.
View the data as a table
| Lenga trees to plant by 2027 | up to 47,000 |
| Lengas in the 2026 stage | 30,000 |
| Hectares damaged by major fires | ~39,000 |
Who does what in the Torres del Paine reforestation
| Organization | Role in the alliance |
|---|---|
| Conaf Magallanes | Identifies and prioritizes the areas to work on, provides technical knowledge and monitors progress |
| Fundación Reforestemos | Coordinates, carries out and designs the forestry plan; raises citizen donations online |
| Ultranav | Supplies all the seedlings from its Otway nursery on Riesco Island |
| Explora | Funds the logistics, labor and transport of the 47,000 seedlings |
Sources: El Mostrador and G5noticias, 8 and 9 November 2026. Neither reports the project's total cost.
"Restoring these ecosystems requires technical knowledge, continuity and a long-term view," said John Revello, Conaf's regional director in Magallanes. Suzanne Wylie, executive director of Reforestemos, recalled that the foundation was born after the 2011 fire in the park and that they hope to double the 47,000-tree goal with citizen donations.
The stages: from the 2025 pilots to the 2027 goal
| Stage | Lenga trees | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 2025, pilots | 2,000 (two of 1,000) | Torres del Paine |
| 2026 | 24,000 | Torres del Paine National Park |
| 2026 | 6,000 | Explora Torres del Paine Reserve |
| Goal by 2027 | Up to 47,000 in total | Park and reserve |
Sources: El Mostrador and G5noticias. The 2027 balance (about 15,000) is our calculation from the total goal and what was planted in 2025 and 2026.
- 2011Fire in the parkInspires the creation of Fundación Reforestemos.
- 2025Two 1,000-tree pilots
- 202630,000-lenga stageSymbolic planting and alliance announcement (8-9 Nov).
- 2027Goal: up to 47,000 lengasWith public donations, Reforestemos aims to double it.
What it means for visitors to Torres del Paine
The plantings take place in areas Conaf prioritizes within the park, generally burned sectors near the southern roads and lakes, such as Pehoé and Grey. Anyone hiking the W or the O circuit will pass through healthy lenga forests in the French Valley or on the way to Los Perros, and grey slopes where burned trunks can still be seen.
- Fire is still the risk: in the park it is forbidden to light fires outside designated areas and to smoke on trails; see what you need to know about the 2026-2027 fire season.
- Tickets: as of 9 November, Conaf has not yet opened sales for 2027; we explain it in our piece on Torres del Paine tickets and budget. The 2026 fees are in Torres del Paine entrance fee.
- Trekking: to choose a route, see the W and O circuits and, if you prefer a guide, the Torres del Paine tours from Puerto Natales.
Does your company work in Patagonia and want to reach travelers who care about nature?
See advertising optionsFrequently asked questions
How many trees will be planted in Torres del Paine?
Up to 47,000 lenga trees by 2027; 30,000 in the 2026 stage.
How many hectares have burned in Torres del Paine?
About 39,000 hectares from large forest fires, according to Conaf as cited by El Mostrador.
Can I help with reforestation?
Reforestemos accepts citizen donations on its website to fund trees; the alliance also seeks to involve volunteers, schools and municipalities in the region.
