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Volcano Chaiten Erupts!

May 6, 2008 - This has been an active year for seismologists in Chile. Monday the order was given by President Bachelet to evacuate the town and the area around Chaiten which is south of Puerto Montt and across the gulf from the Island of Chiloe. The relatively new volcano less than five miles north of  the town spewed cinder and ash miles in the air. The explosions and clouds of ash and smoke are of such magnitude that agriculture in the area will be seriously affected for years to come. Besides the inhabitants animals were also evacuated for their safety.

The evacuation was conducted by trucks, buses, the Air Force and the Navy had a ship nearby to help all that had not evacuated earlier. The major concern is for the families living in the area but the environmental effects are also of great concern.

March 7, 2008  - Chile attends South American Summit Meeting

In the capital of the Dominican Republic the presidents of Central and South America met at the emergency summit meeting called Cumbre del Grupo Rio to try and find a solution the recent political confrontation between Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. Chile’s president Michelle Bachelet represented Chile.

Political Problems: This emergency meeting highlights some of the serious problems in Latin America and in particular northern South America. The result of the meeting was a calming of the political accusations between the three northern countries. The on-going gorilla war by the FARC in Colombia should provide an opportunity for cooperation between the three countries that share common borders. Unfortunately, the war has been used to showcase the political ambitions of Venezuela and divide the countries at a time when political and economic cooperation should be their major goal.

A Better Example: Fortunately, the southern South American countries of Chile and Argentina are relatively free of the political and economic turmoil present in the North. Chile continues to be model for economic stability in the region while maintaining a low political profile which encourages growth and tourism.

Volcano Llaima Erupts – Again!

To start off the New Year the active Volcano Llaima erupted sending smoke, fire and ash lighting up the night sky visible miles away. Immediate action was taken to close the area around the volcano which sits in the Conguillio National Park. Fortunately no one was hurt but some families had to evacuate for awhile until the eruptions stop and it is safe to return.

When not erupting the volcano forms the focal point for a number of outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, boating and, of course, climbing the 9,400 plus feet high volcano. Because of its short 60 miles distance due east from Temuco it is a popular place to visit year around. The park named after Lake Conguillio has an excellent Visitor’s Center which not only has information about the park but also has an exhibition on volcanism because of the nearby volcano.

Llaima is one of two relatively active volcanoes in Chile with the second, Volcan Villarica, just to the south near the very popular resort area of Pucon. Recently, Llaima erupted back in 1996 and again in2002 with a similar dramatic eruption to the recent blast.

Seasons Greetings y Un Feliz Navidad

From all of us at Amazing Chile Tours we wish all of our readers the very best for the holidays and a very healthful and prosperous 2008. It is our hope that you will have the opportunity to travel and learn more about the world around you. May it be nearby or around the world but we always learn as we travel and this hopefully makes us better Global Citizens.

Please remember also that there are many less fortunate than us and this is the time that we can make a difference in the life of a child or a family. You may want to visit our page on Social Tourism under FAQ.

Y a todos los ciudadanos en Chile, Argentina y Peru mandamos los mejores deseos para Navidad y un muy prospero ano nuevo!

Earthquake creates damage but no loss of life.

On Wednesday, November 14th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit 27 miles southeast of the port city of Tocopilla in Northern Chile according to the Associated Press. Tocopilla is about 100 miles north of Antofagasta. There was structural damage to some buildings and homes in Tocopilla and the small town of Maria Elena nearby. Power was cut briefly in the area and as far away as the large Chuquicamata open-pit copper mine just north of Calama.

Fortunately there was no loss of lives and only a few people were reported injured. For more complete information see Google news. For more information about this area go to "Fascinating Cities and Towns".