Hans Lampe
Journalist · Viajando Chile
Articles by Hans Lampe (60)
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.