Hans Lampe
Journalist · Viajando Chile
Articles by Hans Lampe (121)
Chile truckers' strike, day two: buses suspended from Puerto Montt, blockades on Routes 68 and 78 and the fuel price cap withdrawn
Day two of Chile's truckers' strike, Wednesday 11 November 2026: Tepual and Pullman Bus suspended Puerto Montt-Santiago departures, lanes are occupied on Route 5 South, Route 68 and Route 78, and the Government withdrew the bill capping fuel price rises at CLP 20. What to check before travelling.
The best hikes near Santiago, Chile 2026: 9 trails with price, distance and difficulty
We compare 9 hikes near Santiago with verifiable data: Google Maps rating and reviews, 2026 entry fee from each park, distance, trail length and Conaf visitor numbers. From the Salto de Apoquindo waterfall to the El Morado glacier and the summit of Cerro La Campana, with a verdict for each type of traveller.
World Ski Awards 2026: Nevados de Chillán is again Chile's best ski resort
Nevados de Chillán won Chile's Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards 2026, its ninth win in the award's 14 editions. Hotel Termas Chillán was named best ski hotel and Hotel Antumalal best ski boutique hotel. The full list of Chilean winners since 2013.
The best campsites in Chile 2026 by region, with prices
Chile's best campsites in 2026, north to south: Pan de Azúcar, Radal Siete Tazas, Conguillío, Huilo Huilo, Alerce Andino and Torres del Paine. Price per pitch or per person with source, park entry fee, season and who each one suits.
German tourist dies on Llaima volcano: Conaf reminds climbers that registration is mandatory
A 65-year-old German tourist died on Sunday 8 November 2026 after an accident on the Llaima volcano, in Conguillío National Park. According to Conaf, he had not registered his entry. What is known, what Conaf requires and what to check before climbing a volcano in Chile.
Chile truckers' strike: Route 5 blockades and a cruise diverted from Iquique, what travelers need to know
Chile's indefinite truckers' strike began on Tuesday 10 November 2026 with blockades and single-lane traffic on Route 5 North (Pozo Almonte) and South (Paine, San Fernando, Los Ángeles, Victoria). The Viking Polaris skipped Iquique and sailed on to Valparaíso. Where the blockades are, why truckers are protesting and what to check before traveling.
The longest rivers in Chile 2026: the Loa leads with 440 km, followed by the Biobío and the Baker
Ranking of the longest rivers in Chile: the Loa (440 km), the Biobío (380 km) and the Baker (370 km measured from the Fénix Chico river) top a list of 20 rivers and river systems over 160 km. With each basin's area, the longest river in each region and the source of every figure.
Andean cat confirmed in Aguas de Ramón Park, minutes from Santiago
Parque Cordillera camera traps recorded the Andean cat, one of South America's most threatened felines, inside Aguas de Ramón Natural Park, in La Reina and Las Condes. The monitoring data, the species' conservation status and how to visit the park (hours and admission).
Torres del Paine will plant up to 47,000 lenga trees by 2027 to restore burned forest
Conaf, Fundación Reforestemos, Ultranav and Explora formed an alliance to plant up to 47,000 lenga trees in Torres del Paine by 2027: 30,000 in 2026, 24,000 inside the national park and 6,000 in the Explora reserve. Large fires damaged about 39,000 hectares of the park, according to Conaf.
Villa O'Higgins seeks international flights to El Calafate: customs will visit the airfield on Tuesday
The presidential delegate for Capitán Prat, Roberto Recabal, is pushing to open the Villa O'Higgins airfield to international flights in summer, with a connection to El Calafate. On Tuesday 10 November there will be a technical visit with Customs. What is proposed, what is missing and how to reach the end of the Carretera Austral today.
Malalcahuello, Chile: national reserve, hot springs, Corralco and things to do in summer and winter
Guide to Malalcahuello, the mountain village of Curacautín in La Araucanía: the National Reserve and its trails open in 2026, Lonquimay volcano and Navidad crater, hot springs, the Corralco ski resort, things to do in summer and winter and how to get there from Santiago and Temuco.
Torres del Paine 2027 tickets are not on sale yet: fees await the budget office and the new parks service would get half the planned funds
With summer approaching, Pases Parques does not sell Torres del Paine tickets for 2027 dates because the Budget Office (Dipres) has not set the fees, according to deputy Alejandro Riquelme. What we know, current prices, January-March visitor numbers and the 21.6 billion peso SBAP budget gap.
Across Andes 2026: 300 riders from 25 countries will cover 800 km and eight volcanoes from Pucón
Across Andes 2026 Volcano Edition starts on Sunday 22 November from Pucón's main square: more than 300 riders from 25 countries, 800 km of gravel and bikepacking through La Araucanía and Los Ríos, eight volcanoes and a 128-hour limit. Programme, checkpoints and what it means for tourism.
Pehuenche pass reopens on Monday 9 November and Tierra del Fuego crossings will open 6am to 10pm in summer
The Pehuenche pass between Chile's Maule region and Malargüe reopens on Monday 9 November 2026 from 8am to 8pm towards Argentina and 8am to 7pm towards Chile, with snow chains required, after months closed by snow. In Tierra del Fuego, San Sebastián and Bellavista switch to summer hours, 6am to 10pm. Status of the crossings and how many tourists use each one.
Free national parks in Chile this Sunday, 8 November: the 22 protected areas with free entry for National Family Day
On Sunday 8 November 2026, Chile's first National Family Day, 22 parks, reserves and natural monuments in 15 regions offer free entry. Full list with opening hours, how to get the ticket on Pases Parques and how many visitors each one received in 2025.
Torres del Paine: road closure on Saturday 7 November for the Patagonia Running race, plus this season's news
The road from km 53.2 of route Y-150 to the Río Serrano gate of Torres del Paine will be closed from 11:30 to 13:30 on Saturday 7 November 2026 for the Patagonia Running school race. Also: work on 11 roads, a new medical post, offline audio guides and how many visitors come in November according to Conaf.
Agua Negra pass may only open in late December: Coquimbo suggests Argentines reach La Serena via Los Libertadores
The opening of the Agua Negra pass between San Juan (Argentina) and Coquimbo (Chile) could slip to late December 2026 or early January 2027 because of snow. A delegation from Coquimbo and Sernatur travelled to San Juan to recommend crossing via Cristo Redentor-Los Libertadores. Tourist numbers by pass, routes and what to check before travelling.
La Araucanía's border crossings get CLP 1.38 billion ahead of summer as Mamuil Malal closes for roadworks
Chile's government approved CLP 1.376 billion for the Mamuil Malal, Icalma, Liucura and Pino Hachado border complexes. On November 5, Mamuil Malal closed to traffic from 12:00 to 19:00 for works on Neuquén's Route 60. Tourist arrivals by crossing and what to know before crossing in summer.
Tourist who smoked in Queulat National Park must pay 400 euros to firefighters and is banned from parks for a year
A Ukrainian tourist was arrested for smoking on the La Morrena trail in Queulat National Park, and a court in Puerto Cisnes banned him from Chile's national parks for a year. What Chilean law says about fire in protected areas, the penalties, and recent cases of tourists expelled.
Highest and lowest temperature ever recorded in Chile (2026): 42.2 °C in Los Ángeles and −28.3 °C in Balmaceda
Chile's official temperature records according to the Chilean Meteorological Office (DMC): the high is 42.2 °C in Los Ángeles (January 26, 2017) and the low −28.3 °C in Balmaceda (June 1958). Ranking of 32 stations, records by region, the new ones of 2026 and why Quillón's 44.9 °C is not official.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Argentina: November 9 holiday and possible delays at the Cristo Redentor pass
Pope Leo XIV will be in Argentina from November 8 to 11, 2026, and Monday the 9th is a national holiday there. Cristo Redentor border authorities expect more traffic toward Chile and ask travelers to check their documents. Pass status on November 4 and what to bring.
Futaleufú, Chile: rafting, how to get there, weather and things to do in 2026-2027
A guide to Futaleufú in northern Chilean Patagonia: rafting the Futaleufú River (class IV and V rapids, from CLP 75,000 for the short section), how to get there via the Carretera Austral or from Argentina, the weather month by month and the Futaleufú National Reserve.
Magdalena Island: how to see the penguins from Punta Arenas, prices and the 2026-2027 season
A guide to Magdalena Island and Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, 35 km from Punta Arenas: October to March season, ferry (CLP 96,000) or speedboat (CLP 111,000) tours, one hour on the island, the lighthouse, Conaf's rules and the colony's decline.
The 15 largest islands in Chile in 2026: Tierra del Fuego, Chiloé and Wellington top the ranking
2026 ranking of the largest islands in Chile according to the USGS, Esri and UNEP-WCMC Global Islands database: Tierra del Fuego (47,272 km², shared with Argentina), Chiloé (8,321 km²) and Wellington (5,864 km²). Area, region and which ones you can visit.
Torres del Paine gets a Carabineros police outpost inside the park from November through March 2027
Chile's Carabineros police opened the temporary outpost in Torres del Paine National Park on November 2, 2026, at Administración Serrano, with six officers until the end of March 2027. What they do, how many visitors arrive in high season and which rules apply to tourists.
Nahuelbuta National Park: CLP 4.77 billion proposed to rebuild trails, viewpoints and campsites destroyed in 2022
The governor of La Araucanía presented the Regional Council with a CLP 4,773 million project, drawn up by Conaf, to restore the Nahuelbuta National Park infrastructure burned in the November 2022 attack. What it includes, when it could be approved and what the park is like for visitors today.
Andes Conecta Pass: 3-for-2 lodging and 15% off for travelers crossing between Mendoza and Chile's Maule via Pehuenche
The Andes Conecta Pass, backed by Sernatur and southern Mendoza, offers 3-for-2 lodging and 15% off restaurants and tours from November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 for travelers crossing via the Pehuenche or Vergara passes. How it works and the current status of the passes.
Lake Todos los Santos, Chile: how to get there, the boat to Peulla and 2026 prices
Guide to Lake Todos los Santos in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park: how to reach Petrohué from Puerto Varas, the catamaran to Peulla, the Cruce Andino to Bariloche (from US$277 for residents and US$355 for foreigners), schedules, park entry and when to go.
Salar de Atacama and Chaxa lagoon: flamingos, tickets, hours and how to get there
Guide to the Salar de Atacama, Chile's largest salt flat (about 3,000 km² at 2,300 m), and Chaxa lagoon in Los Flamencos National Reserve: three flamingo species, CLP 13,714 entry for foreigners, open 8:00 to 20:00 and how to get there from San Pedro de Atacama.
Bosque Fray Jorge National Park: how to get there, hours, tickets and open trails
Guide to Bosque Fray Jorge National Park, the fog forest in the semi-arid Coquimbo Region: trails open in November 2026, Thursday to Sunday hours from 9:00 to 17:00, entry fees, how to get there on route D-540 from La Serena and Ovalle, and its 33,066 visitors in 2025.
Pehuenche Pass reopening delayed by avalanches on the Chilean side: tentative date is November 7
The Pehuenche Pass between Talca and Malargüe has been closed since July 15, and its reopening slipped about a week because of avalanches on route 115-CH. Cristo Redentor is open 24 hours. Border crossing status as of November 2, 2026.
Maipo River tragedy: what is known about the rafting accident and what to check before booking adventure tourism in Chile
Three women died on November 1, 2026 when a raft crashed on the Maipo River near Santiago. Sernatur said it was a private family outing, not a hired service. What is known, the proposed "Safe Tourism" bill and how to check a rafting operator in Chile.
Southern Patagonian Ice Field: three in four visitors enter from Argentina and Chile charges no entry fee
According to Conaf, 75% of visitors to the Chilean side of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field enter from Argentina via the Marconi Pass. There were 44 recorded expeditions between 2016 and 2026, the refuge is free and revenue was zero. Figures, rules and how to visit.
Cochamó Valley, Chile: how to get there, La Junta reservations, toboganes and when to go in 2026-2027
Guide to the Cochamó Valley in Chile's Los Lagos Region: the mandatory La Junta campsite reservation (CLP 12,000 per night in the 2026-2027 high season), registration at the visitor centre, the 4-to-6-hour trail, the rock slides, buses from Puerto Montt and the best time to go.
Alerce Andino National Park: trails, entrance fee, opening hours and how to get there from Puerto Montt
Guide to Alerce Andino National Park, 46 km from Puerto Montt, Chile: the Correntoso, Sargazo and Chaicas sectors, the trails to Sargazo lake and the ancient alerce trees, hours from 9:00 to 17:00, tickets on Pases Parques, how to get there by car or bus and its 62,687 visitors in 2025.
Cascada de las Ánimas: 2026 prices, waterfall hike, rafting and how to get to the Cajón del Maipo sanctuary
Guide to the Cascada de las Ánimas Nature Sanctuary in San Alfonso, near Santiago: CLP 25,000 entry in high season (November to March), the waterfall hike, Maipo River rafting from CLP 35,000, horseback rides, zip lines, camping and how to get there from Santiago.
Isla Damas and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve: how to get there, boats, hours and prices
Guide to visiting Isla Damas from Punta de Choros, in Chile's Humboldt Penguin National Reserve: Conaf opening hours (Wednesday to Sunday until December 2026), what boats and the landing cost, the island trails, the wildlife you can see and how to get there from La Serena.
Grey Glacier: boat trip, kayaking, trails and 2026-2027 prices in Torres del Paine
Guide to Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine, Chile: the Grey III boat trip from Hotel Lago Grey (CLP 120,000 round trip in the 2026-2027 season), kayaking and ice hiking, the trail from Paine Grande, how to get there from Puerto Natales and which park pass you need.
Torres del Paine O Circuit opens November 1 with the repaired Guardas bridge: rules and closure thresholds
Conaf kept the opening of the Macizo Paine circuit (the O) on November 1, 2026 after repairing the Guardas bridge, damaged since August. It is the first full season since the 2025 tragedy. What changed, the wind and snow thresholds for closing the John Gardner Pass and entrance fees.
Valle Nevado extends its season to December 1: skiing in December for the first time
Valle Nevado has extended its 2026 season for a second time and will operate until Tuesday, December 1, on selected dates and from 8:30 to 14:00 from November 8. It adds up to 154 days and more than 7.4 meters of snow, and expects over 310,000 visits. Calendar and figures.
Chile-Argentina border crossings this holiday weekend: Cristo Redentor open 24 hours, Pehuenche closed
The Cristo Redentor crossing remains open 24 hours in both directions, with waits of 20 to 30 minutes; Pehuenche is still closed by bad weather; Jama reopened from 8:00 to 20:00, and the Araucanía and Los Lagos crossings require snow chains. Status as of November 1, 2026.
Laguna del Laja National Park: trails, opening hours and how to get to the Antuco volcano
Guide to Laguna del Laja National Park, in Antuco: 11,600 ha, the Antuco volcano and Sierra Velluda, five trails with distances, Pases Parques opening hours, how to get there from Los Ángeles and why its high season is winter.
Nahuelbuta National Park: how to get there, trails and the Piedra del Águila among monkey puzzle trees
Guide to Nahuelbuta National Park, in Chile's Coastal Range: 6,831.9 ha of araucaria forest according to Conaf, its five trails with distances and times, the view from Piedra del Águila, how to get there from Angol and Cañete, and visitor numbers.
Rural buses to Magallanes parks: schedules and fares from CLP 320 to the Magallanes Reserve and CLP 1,300 to Torres del Paine
Chile's regional Transport office and Conaf encourage travelers to use subsidized rural buses to reach the Magallanes National Reserve, Laguna Parrillar, Pali Aike, the Milodon Cave and Torres del Paine. Schedules, fares and park opening hours, as of October 29, 2026.
Pichachén pass: Biobío's new border complex reaches 88% and the summer opening is still under review
Work on the new Pichachén border complex, in Antuco, is 88% complete and should finish in the first quarter of 2027, according to the Biobío Public Works office. The opening of the pass to Argentina for the 2026-2027 summer is still under review. Investment, timelines and what to know before crossing to Neuquén.
Coquimbo's reservoirs recover: Recoleta and Cogotí at 100% and tourism returns to La Paloma for the summer
After the 2026 rains, the reservoirs of the Coquimbo Region reached 72.3% of capacity, with Recoleta and Cogotí full and La Paloma near 70%. Visitors are returning to Isla Condorito and Las Ruinas. Figures by reservoir and what to know to visit the Limarí and Elqui valleys.
Ojos del Caburgua: entrance fee, opening hours and how to get there from Pucón in 2026
The Ojos del Caburgua, about 20 km from Pucón, charge around 2,000 pesos per adult and open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. How to get there by car or bus, what they are, the Laguna Azul and what else to see at Lake Caburgua, with October 2026 data.
The most active volcanoes in Chile in 2026: Villarrica leads with 41 eruptions since 1900
2026 ranking of Chile's most active volcanoes according to the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program: Villarrica has had 41 confirmed eruptions since 1900, Llaima 35 and Láscar 25. The most recent eruptions, the most explosive ones and how they compare with Sernageomin's risk ranking.
The most visited national park in each region of Chile in 2025: Los Lagos, La Araucanía and Magallanes account for 72% of visits
2025 ranking of visits to Conaf's protected areas by region: Los Lagos leads with 887,275 visits and Vicente Pérez Rosales is its most visited park. The most visited protected area in each of Chile's 16 regions, with official data.
Jama Pass, Sico and Hito Cajón closed by snow in El Loa: what to know if you are traveling to San Pedro de Atacama
El Loa's provincial authority closed routes CH-23 and CH-27 and the Jama, Sico and Hito Cajón border crossings over a snow forecast, and Senapred issued a preventive alert with 5 to 15 cm of snow on October 29 and 30, 2026. Status of each crossing and tips for travelers.
Transfer of Chile's national parks from Conaf to the SBAP: 40% complete in Magallanes and set for March 1, 2027
The transfer of Chile's national parks from Conaf to the new Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service (SBAP) is about 40% complete in Magallanes and set for March 1, 2027. What is known, what park rangers say and what changes for visitors.
Huerquehue National Park: trails, how to get there from Pucón and what is open in 2026
Guide to Huerquehue National Park near Pucón, Chile: the Los Lagos trail (10.8 km), which trails are closed until December 15, 2026, how to get there, camping, when to go and how many visitors it gets, with Conaf data.
Cristo Redentor pass reopens on a special schedule: only into Chile on Tuesday and both ways from Wednesday
The Cristo Redentor (Los Libertadores) pass between Chile and Argentina reopens on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 12:00, only in the Argentina-to-Chile direction. On Wednesday the 28th, traffic toward Argentina runs from 4:00 to 16:00, and from 16:00 in both directions. Schedule, queues and tips.
Puerto Montt-Bariloche direct flight: the efforts to bring it back this summer
Puerto Montt and Bariloche are working to restore the 45-minute direct flight between the two cities this summer. A customs scanner is still needed at El Tepual airport, funded with CLP 146 million by the Los Lagos Regional Government. What is known, what is missing and how to travel in the meantime.
Laguna San Rafael: how to get to the glacier, tours, season and what to know before you go
Guide to Laguna San Rafael National Park, in Chile's Aysén Region: how to get to the San Rafael glacier from Puerto Río Tranquilo, Puerto Chacabuco or by light aircraft from Coyhaique, reference tour prices, Conaf trails and the best time to go.
Lauca National Park: how to get to Lake Chungará, trails and tips for the altitude
Guide to Lauca National Park, in Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region: how to get to Lake Chungará via route 11-CH, free entry, Conaf trails, altiplano wildlife, the Parinacota volcano and tips to avoid altitude sickness.
Embalse El Yeso: how to get there, what to do and access conditions in 2026
Guide to Embalse El Yeso, in the Cajón del Maipo near Santiago: how to get there, the April-to-August vehicle closure, the entrance fee for the Embalse El Yeso Natural Park (CLP 3,450 per adult), the dam-wall trail and what to check before driving up.
Queulat National Park: guide to the Hanging Glacier, trails, opening hours and how to get there
Guide to Queulat National Park, on the Carretera Austral: the La Morrena trail to the Hanging Glacier (Ventisquero Colgante), Laguna Témpanos, Conaf's 12 trails, opening hours Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:30 and how to get there from Puyuhuapi and Coyhaique.
The largest marine protected areas in Chile in 2026: the official ranking by size
Chile's largest marine protected area is the one around Rapa Nui, at 579,368 km², more than three-quarters of the size of mainland Chile. The ranking of marine parks, reserves and coastal protected areas according to the Ministry of the Environment's official register.
Cristo Redentor pass closes again due to bad weather: the next update is on Tuesday 27 October
The Cristo Redentor (Los Libertadores) pass between Chile and Argentina closed again on Sunday 25 October 2026 because of the bad weather forecast in the Andes, just two days after reopening. The Pehuenche pass is also closed. Closing times, when the next update is due and alternatives.
After the Laguna del Inca avalanche, Chilean authorities propose regulating avalanche risk
After the avalanche of 17 October 2026 at Laguna del Inca, Portillo, which left three dead, the Valparaíso Presidential Delegation called for avalanches to be recognised in law and for an agency to be put in charge of preventing them. What is being proposed and what mountain visitors should know in spring.
Kawésqar National Park: Conaf and 16 communities form the first council to manage Chile's second-largest park
On 22 October 2026 the first Management Council of Kawésqar National Park was formed, with Conaf and 16 Kawésqar communities. What the council will do, what the protected areas law says and how to visit this 2.8-million-hectare park in Magallanes.
Chile's 10 highest volcanoes in 2026, according to the Global Volcanism Program
Ranking of the highest volcanoes in Chile with data from the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program: Ojos del Salado (6,879 m), Llullaillaco (6,739 m) and Incahuasi (6,638 m) lead. The highest lying entirely in Chile is Pular.
Laguna Cejar: 2026 entrance fee, how to get there and where you can float
Guide to Laguna Cejar in San Pedro de Atacama: 2026 entrance fee (CLP 15,000 per adult), how to buy tickets, rules for bathing in Laguna Piedra, how to get there and what to bring.
Piedras Rojas and the altiplanic lagoons: how to get there, tickets and what to see at the Aguas Calientes salt flat
Guide to Piedras Rojas and the Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons near San Pedro de Atacama: distances, altitude, how to buy tickets from the Socaire community, how to get there and how to avoid altitude sickness.
Radal Siete Tazas National Park: how to get there, trails, opening hours and tickets
Guide to Radal Siete Tazas National Park in Chile's Maule Region: how to get there from Molina and Talca, Conaf's trails with distances and times, opening hours, tickets on Pases Parques and camping.
Termas Geométricas: the hot springs are now called Termas Martini, what changed, prices and how to get there
Since 1 October 2026 the Termas Geométricas hot springs near Coñaripe have operated as Termas Martini, under new management. The 18 pools, water temperature, how to get there from Pucón and Coñaripe, and how much it costs.
Osorno Volcano: how to get there, height, ski resort and things to do all year round
Guide to the Osorno Volcano, the 2,652-metre snow-capped cone facing Lake Llanquihue: how to get there from Puerto Varas, the ski and mountain resort, the viewpoints, the Petrohué Falls and what to know about its volcanic risk.
La Campana National Park: sectors, trails and how to get there from Santiago and Viña del Mar
Guide to La Campana National Park in Chile: its three sectors (Granizo, Cajón Grande and Palmas de Ocoa), its 16 trails with distances and times according to Conaf, the climb up Cerro La Campana, the Chilean palms and the park rules.
Chile's 10 largest national parks in 2026, according to the official registry
Ranking of the largest national parks in Chile by area, with data from the National Registry of Protected Areas of the Chilean Ministry of the Environment. Bernardo O'Higgins leads with 3.5 million hectares; Torres del Paine is 12th.
Cape Froward makes National Geographic's list of the best places to visit in 2027
National Geographic included Cape Froward, in Chile's Magallanes Region, in its Best of the World 2027 list. On the same day, Chile's Ministry of the Environment began the indigenous consultation to create a 183,045-hectare national park. How to get there and what to do.
Laja Falls (Saltos del Laja): how to get there, what to do and when to go
Guide to Saltos del Laja, in Chile's Biobío Region: four waterfalls of 20 to 35 metres next to Route 5, 25 km from Los Ángeles. How to get there by car or bus, entry, boat trips, accommodation and the best time to visit.
Huilo Huilo: guide to the biological reserve, its hotels, waterfalls and how to get there
Guide to Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, in Neltume, Chile's Los Ríos Region: 100,000 hectares of Valdivian rainforest, the Huilo Huilo and El Puma waterfalls, the Montaña Mágica and Nothofagus hotels, hot springs and how to get there from Panguipulli, Valdivia or Temuco.
Torres del Paine entrance fee 2026: prices, how to buy and opening hours
Entry to Torres del Paine costs CLP 32,400 per day for foreign adults and CLP 9,400 for Chilean adults in 2026; the 2-or-more-day pass is CLP 48,500 and CLP 14,200. Official fees, who enters free, how to buy on pasesparques.cl and opening hours.
Chile's 10 largest lakes according to the official DGA inventory (2026)
General Carrera is Chile's largest lake, with 951 km² within Chile, followed by Llanquihue (864 km²) and O'Higgins (499 km²). Ranking of the largest lakes in Chile with data from the lake inventory of the General Water Directorate (DGA).
Cristo Redentor pass: gradual reopening, with private cars allowed from Friday October 23
The Cristo Redentor (Los Libertadores) border pass between Chile and Argentina reopens in stages after the snow closure of Sunday October 18: trucks on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22, and all vehicles from Friday October 23, 2026. Hours, what to check before leaving and alternatives.
La Parva will open two more weekends: skiing until November 1
La Parva is extending its 2026 season and will open from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October and from October 30 to November 1, with up to five lifts. What we know, how to get up the mountain and what is happening with Valle Nevado and the Farellones road.
Weather front: mountain roads closed on October 21, from El Yeso to Termas del Flaco
Because of the weather front, access to the El Yeso reservoir, San Gabriel, the Farellones road and the road to Termas del Flaco remain closed as a precaution, as do the ports of the Valparaíso region. Which roads to avoid, how much rain fell and what is coming on Thursday 22.
Chile's 10 largest glaciers according to the official DGA inventory
Chile's largest glacier according to the DGA Public Glacier Inventory is the O'Higgins, at 772.5 km², followed by San Quintín (763.3) and Greve (754.8). Ranking of the 10 largest, where they are, which ones you can visit and why Pío XI comes fifth.
Marble Caves of Chile: how to get there, boat and kayak tour prices and the best time to go
Guide to the Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol) on Lake General Carrera, in Aysén: how to get to Puerto Río Tranquilo, 2026 prices for the boat trip (from about CLP 20,000) and kayak tours, when to go to enter the caves and what else to do nearby.
The best places to ski in Chile: 8 ski resorts, 2026 prices and how to get there from the airport
The best places to ski in Chile in 2026: Valle Nevado, Portillo, La Parva, El Colorado, Nevados de Chillán, Corralco, Antillanca and Lagunillas. Lift ticket prices, slope kilometers, how to get there from Santiago airport and why Brazilians and Europeans come.
Farellones road closure due to red alert: hours for October 20 and 21
Santiago's transport authority is restricting the Farellones road (G-21) and route G-251 on Tuesday October 20 and early Wednesday October 21, 2026, due to avalanche and mudslide risk. Hours, exemptions and what to do if you had plans in the mountains.
The most dangerous volcanoes in Chile in 2026: the Sernageomin ranking
Chile's most dangerous volcano is Villarrica, first in Sernageomin's specific risk ranking, followed by Calbuco and Llaima. List of the top 20 out of 87 active volcanoes, with region, score and current alerts in 2026.
Nevados de Chillán remains on yellow alert: what travellers to Las Trancas and the hot springs should know
The Nevados de Chillán volcanic complex had an explosion of about 600 metres on October 13 and a lava flow, and remains on yellow technical alert with a 2 km perimeter. What it means for tourism in Ñuble.
Carretera Austral: Sernatur's platform showing roadworks and travel times for the 2026-2027 season
Sernatur launched version 2.0 of "Plan your Trip on the Carretera Austral": roadworks map by date, a planner with 22 points and 462 combinations, offline use and three languages. What it includes and how to use it before driving through Aysén.
Road trip music for Chile's coast: a playlist for the drive and the sunset
Road trip music for Chile's coast: how many songs you need for each route, what to play on each stretch, Chilean songs for the road and sunset times in Arica, Iquique, La Serena, Valparaíso and Pichilemu.
Agua Negra Pass has no opening date: officials now point to January 2027
Snow clearing on the Agua Negra Pass is about 33% done, with up to 7.82 meters of snow. Officials have ruled out December and point to January 2027, the latest opening in two decades. Alternatives for crossing.
A puma in Lago Peñuelas National Reserve: the second record in five years
A visitor filmed a puma on October 11 in the upper part of Lago Peñuelas National Reserve, near Valparaíso. Conaf confirmed the record, the second since 2021. What to do if you see one and how to visit the reserve.
Most visited national parks in Chile in 2025: Conaf's ranking
2025 ranking of Chile's most visited protected areas according to Conaf: 2,989,788 visits across 105 areas. Vicente Pérez Rosales leads with 597,307, followed by Torres del Paine and Malalcahuello.
Chile's natural records in 2026: the highest volcano, the driest place and the deepest lake
Fact sheet of Chile's natural records: Ojos del Salado, the world's highest volcano; Arica and Quillagua, the driest places according to Guinness; Lake O'Higgins and the Pío XI Glacier.
Road trip games with friends: ideas for the drive and the night at the cabin
Road trip games with friends in Chile: for long stretches of highway, for areas with no signal and for the night at the cabin or campsite.
Torres del Paine O Circuit: the reopening planned for November and the rules to hike it
The O Circuit, or Paine Massif circuit, stays closed until October 31, 2026 and could reopen from November 1 if the weather allows. What is known, what is still pending and what to book.
Flowering desert 2026: Atacama fills its hotels at the peak of the bloom
The 2026 flowering desert covers about 17,667 km² and Atacama destinations have occupancy rates of up to 75%. Where to see it, how long it lasts and what is banned.
Hot springs in Chile: a guide to thermal waters from north to south
Guide to Chile's hot springs: Puritama in Atacama, Jahuel, Cauquenes, Termas de Chillán, Geométricas and Puyehue. Where they are, how far from the nearest city and when to go.
Things to do in Pucón: Villarrica volcano, Huerquehue, Ojos del Caburgua and hot springs
Guide to Pucón: Lake and volcano Villarrica, Huerquehue National Park, Ojos del Caburgua, nearby hot springs and adventure activities. How to get there and when to go.
Things to do in Cajón del Maipo: El Yeso reservoir, Baños Morales and El Morado
Guide to Cajón del Maipo: how to get there from Santiago, El Yeso reservoir, the Baños Morales hot springs, El Morado glacier, rafting on the Maipo River and tips for a day trip.
Skiing into November: Valle Nevado extends its 2026 season
Valle Nevado is extending its ski season into November thanks to the October snowfall. When La Parva, El Colorado and Chile's other resorts close.
Cristo Redentor pass: open 24 hours after the October snowfall
The Cristo Redentor border crossing between Chile and Argentina is open 24 hours again for all vehicles after the snowfall. Status, temperatures and what to check before crossing.
El Tatio geysers: complete guide to booking your tour with Tur.com
What the pre-dawn excursion to the El Tatio geysers is like, what the tour includes, who shouldn't attempt it because of the altitude, and how to book it online with Tur.com.
Valle Nevado: guide to Chile's largest ski resort
Slopes for every level, nightlife and the best on-mountain hotel infrastructure: a guide to Valle Nevado, an hour and a half from Santiago.
El Colorado and La Parva: skiing in Farellones an hour from Santiago
The two ski resorts closest to Santiago, linked to Valle Nevado by the Tres Valles pass: what sets them apart and how to choose which one to ski.
Portillo: Chile's most historic ski resort, next to Laguna del Inca
Host of world championships and training ground for international ski teams: a guide to Portillo, Chile's most iconic ski resort.
Nevados de Chillán: skiing and hot springs at the foot of an active volcano
One of the longest ski runs in South America and natural hot springs in the same place: a guide to Nevados de Chillán, in the Ñuble region.
Corralco: boutique skiing on Lonquimay Volcano
One of Chile's least crowded ski resorts, deep in Araucanía: a guide to Corralco, on the slopes of Lonquimay Volcano.
Antillanca: the family-friendly ski resort in the Los Lagos region
Near Puyehue National Park and a chain of volcanoes and lakes: a guide to Antillanca, one of Chile's southernmost ski resorts.
Skiing in Pucón: the ski slope on Villarrica Volcano
The same volcano you climb in summer, you ski in winter: a guide to Pucón's ski resort, on the slopes of Villarrica Volcano.
How much does it cost to ski in Chile: a price guide by resort
Lift tickets, equipment rental, lessons and lodging: what to expect budget-wise depending on which ski resort you choose in Chile.
When is ski season in Chile: a guide by resort
Chile's ski season runs from June to September or October depending on the resort and the year: when it makes sense to travel based on what you're after.
What to bring to ski in Chile for the first time: gear and clothing
A practical guide to what gear and clothing to bring (or rent) for a first ski trip to Chile, without overspending on unnecessary purchases.
Trekking in Torres del Paine: the W and O circuits explained
Differences between the W circuit (4-5 days) and the O circuit (7-9 days) in Torres del Paine National Park, and how to choose based on your time and fitness level.
San Pedro de Atacama: what to do in the world's driest desert
The Tatio Geysers, Valley of the Moon and salt flats: a guide to planning a trip to San Pedro de Atacama, in northern Chile.
The Carretera Austral: a guide for a multi-week road trip
What the Carretera Austral is, how long it takes to drive, and how to plan a road trip through Chilean Patagonia from Puerto Montt southward.
Villarrica Volcano: how to climb it and what you'll need
One of Chile's most-climbed active volcanoes: what the ascent of Villarrica from Pucón is like, how long it takes, and what gear you'll need.
Conguillío National Park and Llaima Volcano
Ancient araucaria forests, lava-formed lakes, and Llaima Volcano in the background: a guide to Conguillío National Park, in the Araucanía region.
Route 5 North: driving from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama
How to plan a road trip along Route 5 heading north, with the main stops between Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama.
Surfing in Chile: the best beaches from Pichilemu to Arica
Chile has more than 4,000 kilometers of coastline with waves for every level. A guide to the country's best-known surf beaches.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and the Petrohué Falls
Chile's oldest national park: Osorno Volcano, Lake Todos los Santos, and the Petrohué River falls, near Puerto Varas.
The Seven Lakes Route in Araucanía
A one-day driving route through seven lakes in Araucanía, between Villarrica, Pucón and Panguipulli, with volcanoes in the background.
Cerro San Cristóbal and urban hiking in Santiago
How to climb Cerro San Cristóbal in Santiago -on foot, by funicular or by bike- and which lookout has the best view of the city.
Cerro Castillo National Reserve, Patagonia's lesser-known side
A much less crowded alternative to Torres del Paine: a guide to Cerro Castillo National Reserve, in the Aysén region.
How to plan a road trip through Chile's Central Valley wine country
A 3-4 day itinerary combining Santiago, wine valleys and the central coast, no organized tour required.