Civil Strife affecting Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine
Jan 13th, 2011, 07:11 PM
#1
Original Poster
Civil Strife affecting Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine
I notice this on another travel forum. Posting it here just in case possible travelers to southern Patagonia are not aware.
http://www.allchile.net/chileforum/topic5375.html
http://www.allchile.net/chileforum/topic5375.html
Jan 14th, 2011, 10:09 AM
#3
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From US Embassy, Chile:
(They have one bit of info wrong. It is not the elimination of the 80% subsidy, but the lowering of it by 16.8%)
The U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile recommends that U.S. citizens traveling in or planning travel to southern Chile read the following guidance closely. Travelers may encounter travel and transportation difficulties related to ongoing public demonstrations and strikes in the Magallanes (XII) Region. This area includes the popular summer tourist destinations of Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, and Torres del Paine National Park. The protests are disrupting air and road travel to/from the area, and may negatively affect travel plans. The U.S. Embassy in Santiago recommends that if you have planned travel to the area that you check with your tour operator, hotel, airline, and/or the U.S. Embassy and that you inform yourself of possible risk and inconvenience. Those deciding to travel to the area should avoid large gatherings or increased police presence.
Since Tuesday, January 11, several thousand people have been protesting the national government's decision to eliminate natural gas subsidies. These protests have resulted in road closures, the closure of many businesses, delays at airports, suspended transportation services, and difficulty traveling into and out of cities to visit major tourist destinations, including Torres del Paine National Park. CONAF, Chile's national park service, recommended on January 13 that tourists delay traveling into Torres del Paine. Roads from Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas to Argentina have also been blocked. An unknown number of tourists, including Americans, are unable to make planned flights or travel freely due to strikes and roadblocks. At a minimum, delays to travel plans should be anticipated. Two Chileans died in an apparent accident at a roadblock, and police have arrested over 40 protestors. It is unclear when the situation will return to normal; protest leaders are currently negotiating with local and central authorities.
Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. Avoid them if possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, pay attention to what the local news media has to say, and follow all official instructions. Contact airports, tourist agencies, and hotels in advance of your travel. Secure your travel documents at all times in a safe location. You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates on your whereabouts and, when necessary, changes in your itinerary.
(They have one bit of info wrong. It is not the elimination of the 80% subsidy, but the lowering of it by 16.8%)
The U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile recommends that U.S. citizens traveling in or planning travel to southern Chile read the following guidance closely. Travelers may encounter travel and transportation difficulties related to ongoing public demonstrations and strikes in the Magallanes (XII) Region. This area includes the popular summer tourist destinations of Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, and Torres del Paine National Park. The protests are disrupting air and road travel to/from the area, and may negatively affect travel plans. The U.S. Embassy in Santiago recommends that if you have planned travel to the area that you check with your tour operator, hotel, airline, and/or the U.S. Embassy and that you inform yourself of possible risk and inconvenience. Those deciding to travel to the area should avoid large gatherings or increased police presence.
Since Tuesday, January 11, several thousand people have been protesting the national government's decision to eliminate natural gas subsidies. These protests have resulted in road closures, the closure of many businesses, delays at airports, suspended transportation services, and difficulty traveling into and out of cities to visit major tourist destinations, including Torres del Paine National Park. CONAF, Chile's national park service, recommended on January 13 that tourists delay traveling into Torres del Paine. Roads from Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas to Argentina have also been blocked. An unknown number of tourists, including Americans, are unable to make planned flights or travel freely due to strikes and roadblocks. At a minimum, delays to travel plans should be anticipated. Two Chileans died in an apparent accident at a roadblock, and police have arrested over 40 protestors. It is unclear when the situation will return to normal; protest leaders are currently negotiating with local and central authorities.
Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. Avoid them if possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, pay attention to what the local news media has to say, and follow all official instructions. Contact airports, tourist agencies, and hotels in advance of your travel. Secure your travel documents at all times in a safe location. You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates on your whereabouts and, when necessary, changes in your itinerary.
Jan 14th, 2011, 12:50 PM
#4
Original Poster
The US Embassy statement seems a bit of a softpeddle on the situation, with reported 400+ tourists trapped in Puerto Natales and perhaps 1,000 in the national Park. Sky has cancelled flights and LAN may be next if the protesters are blockading fuel supplies to the airport in Punta Arenas.
The link I posted has some firsthand reports.
The link I posted has some firsthand reports.
Jan 15th, 2011, 07:06 PM
#6
Original Poster
Following the allchile.net forum is pretty interesting, they basically are using the tourists as pawns/hostages. Those staying at Explora were treated especially badly as apparently the owner of Explora wouldn't grovel sufficiently.
I'd suggest that anyone who still has flexibility in their plans go to the Argentina side instead.
I think BBC finally picked up the story.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12200792
I'd suggest that anyone who still has flexibility in their plans go to the Argentina side instead.
I think BBC finally picked up the story.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12200792
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