CHILE: Tourism Not Affected By Seismic Event Measuring 7.6

Tourism is reported to be operating as normal throughout Chile inspite of seismic event measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale.

On December 25 Chilean authorities reported a seismic event measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale with an epicenter at Quellón, to the south of Chiloé Island, more than a thousand kilometers from the nation’s capital of Santiago.

As a standard preventive measure in the wake of an event of this magnitude, the authorities ordered an evacuation of the region’s coastal areas due the potential risk of a tsunami; this warning was rescinded at 7pm on December 25, with the entire country returning to normal.

Citizens and tourism services located on Chile’s coasts are fully prepared for this type of situation, with an impressively calm, organized, and rapid response to the tsunami warning.

From Chile’s far northern destinations in Arica & Parinacota Region through to its southernmost reaches, the country’s tourist sites were not affected. Conditions are entirely as normal in areas such as San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings.

In central regions, popular destinations such as Santiago and its surroundings, Valparaíso, and areas known for their vineyard tours are fully operational and were not affected in any way. In Southern Chile, areas such as the O’Higgins, Maule, Biobío, Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos Regions (including the Chilean Lake District), and Chilean Patagonia – home to the Torres del Paine National Park – are fully operational and working as normal.

Air Transport
• Airports throughout Chile are operating as normal, including the country’s international hub in Santiago, Arturo Merino Benítez Airport.

Road Transport
• The country’s main highways are operating as normal.
Popular destinations on Chiloé Island, near the epicenter:
• Canal de Chacao crossing operating as normal.
• Castro Airport operating as normal.
• No roads are blocked on the island, except for some connectivity issues affecting Chonchi District and Quellón District.
• Chiloé’s 16 churches, which are listed as World Heritage and three of which are national monuments, are all 100% open and operational.
• There has been no damage to the island’s National Parks and National Monuments.
• There is no damage to the Puente de las Almas (Bridge of Souls).
• Forts: Ahui, San Antonio, and Pauco have suffered no damage.
• The handicrafts fairs and markets in Dalcahue, Castro, Ancud, and Chonchi are 100% operational and undamaged.
• Wetlands areas: Undamaged.
• Beaches: Lechagua, Cucao, and Mar Brava are undamaged, but temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
• Palafitos (stilt houses): Castro and Chonchi, undamaged.
• Hiking trails: 100% open and available.
• Hotels and restaurants: 100% open and available.
• Tour operators: 100% open and available.
• Ferries: Operational, both to and from Chacao and serving the smaller islands.

CHILE: San Pedro de Atacama Bike Tours

The unparalleled landscapes of the Atacama Desert are the ideal setting for doing adventure sports. The pleasant climate and user-friendly trails have made San Pedro de Atacama the perfect destination to tour on two wheels.

The recently-released book “Live the Altiplánico Experience San Pedro de Atacama” offers a compilation of maps, photos, and texts from over 20 places and routes to discover the surrounding areas of one of the most photogenic destinations in the north of Chile.

The book has useful information about how to visit this tourist destination via self-guided bike routes. According to the authors, the idea is for visitors to venture out on their own to enjoy San Pedro de Atacama from atop two wheels and at their own rhythm. It is an invitation to experience the landscape and culture in a personalized and sustainable way.

The book’s maps are very detailed, allowing visitors to learn about the distances, milestones, and altitude of each place. It also gives readers tips on how to get to each point, a description of the trail, the level of difficulty, and even whether there are spots to get water or food along the way.

One of the classic routes runs 17 kilometers (one way) from San Pedro through the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and has a medium level of difficulty. The Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountains) provides the backdrop here, which is a unique geographic feature that has been shaped by water and wind over millions of years. There are numerous stopping points along the way such as the Cavernas de la Sal (Salt Caverns), the Duna Mayor (Great Dune), and an old salt mine, as well as gorgeous viewpoints that look out over canyons and the Licancabur Volcano.

Another route with a low level of difficulty takes visitors to the Inca Ruins and the Church of San Isidro. This route extends for 8.5 kilometers in one direction where visitors reach an old administrative hub of the Inca culture. The church is located very close to here, which was built in 1913 by the Italian settler Lucas Cenzano, and to this day is still maintained by his descendants.