Currently protests are taking place across Chile over economic inequality. Since Friday, October 18, 2019, spontaneous protests and violence have spread through the country, leaving 15 people dead. If you currently have clients traveling to the country, you can reassure them that the tourism is currently operating as normal.
The Undersecretary of Tourism and the National Tourism Board (SERNATUR) have reported that the majority of the tourism businesses and activities throughout the country continue to operate as normal, including the most visited destinations such as San Pedro de Atacama, Elqui Valley, Rapa Nui, Juan Fernandez Island, the Chilean Patagonia, and Torres del Paine National Park. In addition, the cities of Valparaiso, Concepcion, Coquimbo and Rancagua continue to operate business and transportation normally, although accessibility from Santiago may be impacted.
The capital city of Santiago will have limited public transportation and commercial activity while the situation with protests continues.
The Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is operating as usual; however, some airlines have rescheduled flights to and from the capital, causing impacts to travel. The airports in all other regions of the country are fully-operational. Travelers are encouraged to contact the airlines directly to confirm if flights have been impacted. Bus terminals throughout the entire country are operating as normal.
Transfers and taxis to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport are operating partially, and passengers should expect delays in travel to and from the airport. In the event that the authorities restrict transit on public roads, travelers are recommended to have a passport and copy of boarding pass readily available to ensure passage to and from the airport.
The Undersecretary of Tourism and the National Tourism Board encourages tourists to be well-informed of the situation and act accordingly. Be familiar with the destinations to which you are traveling, and be respectful of the rules stipulated by local authorities. Use official taxi services at the airports and tourist service providers certified by SERNATUR. Tourists may contact the Tourist Information Offices for further information and inquiries.
Links of interest:
- Airport: contact airlines directly to inquire on travel impacts
- Public transportation: Ministry of Transportation – usuarios.subtrans.gob.cl/
- Metro network in Santiago:metro.cl/
- Recommendations and procedures for entry into Chile: Ministry of Foreign Affairs –minrel.gob.cl/recomendaciones-para-ingresar-a-chile/minrel/2008-06-19/154047.html
For more information, visit sernatur.cl and chile.travel. Check out our Travel Advisor column, “South America: Now More than Ever.”
