Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Chile Earthquake Update Chile Earthquake Update
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Santiago, Chile
Posts: 7
Chile Earthquake Update
Hi guys,

My family, friends and myself are all safe after a horrific night and evacuation from our apartment block.

Basically everywhere north of Santiago is ok and the coast from Valparaiso north as well.

We have witnessed fuel rationing in Santiago.

Tur Bus, the major company, is still driving south, which says a lot about the roads.

If you must go south from Santiago make sure you can get well south of Concepcion in one go with all fuel and gear..... don't plan on any stops - at all.

Concepcion right now is under martial law due to food riots.

The south itself is fine for visiting.

I'll try to be helpful here, or try our blog to contact me. We even have a small garden for a tent if you need an emergency stop over.
__________________
A website about Chile, by people who live in Chile
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Santiago, Chile
Posts: 7
Update
Hi,

The main highway (route 5) south of Santiago to Puerto Montt is open and traffic flowing - there are a few diversions in place.

It is still recommended that you avoid all areas between Santiago and Valdivia.

So that would be a long day ride/drive in one go. It is approx 800 - 900 km to Valdivia - which by the way is a nice place to end up and worth seeing.

Copec, the big Chilean gas station chain, on its website say the following services are open -
Northbound:
- Km 67, San Francisco de Mostazal.
- Km 237, Talca.
- Km 410, Chillán.
- Km 697, Freire.
- Km 906, Trafún.

Southbound:
- Km 66,5, San Francisco de Mostazal.
- Km 265, Talca salida sur.
- Km 518, Los Angeles salida sur.
- Km 646, Lautaro.


As I have driven around Chile I found Copec services to be a great place to overnight - it is probably best to do just that if you must stop en-route. Some even have hot showers.


This is just information from Copec, there will of course be other services but at least here you now have definite figures.


Take care.
__________________
A website about Chile, by people who live in Chile
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
I am now near Puerto Montt. At least some stations in this area seem to be limiting petrol purchases, and there are lines at the petrol stations. Since I've got a motorcycle, I don't use much petrol and haven't actually had any problems myself, but I'm noticing that people are tense and there's some obvious hoarding. For example, I see people in the supermercados wheeling baskets full stacked high with bottled water towards to checkout.

There are also a lot of rumours around, including that there are armed highway bandits stopping cars between here and Santiago. I doubt that this is particularly true, but it's an indication that people are nervous and ready to believe almost anything. That's how panics start, and panic--in my view, at least--can be dangerous.

Personally, I'm heading across the border to Argentina tomorrow--not because I'm scared or uncomfortable, but because I believe it's not a good idea to compete with local people for limited resources. If gas, water, food staples, cash from ATM's or other supplies are in limited supply, I might as well leave them for the people who don't have the option of slipping across the border for a while.

Hope that perspective is helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Santiago, Chile
Posts: 7
Good point mate,

Have a safe trip and keep in touch.
__________________
A website about Chile, by people who live in Chile
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,049
Thumbs up
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Personally, I'm heading across the border to Argentina tomorrow--not because I'm scared or uncomfortable, but because I believe it's not a good idea to compete with local people for limited resources. If gas, water, food staples, cash from ATM's or other supplies are in limited supply, I might as well leave them for the people who don't have the option of slipping across the border for a while.
A nice attitude to read about, under the circumstances: alturism is a admirable trait in a person, but I hope you can hope back over later: the South is really worth seeing.

I also hope the Chilean population as whole can get back on it's feet and their hardship is as short-lived as possible.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Mar 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
Thanks. I'm coming from the south (Ushuaia, Ruta 40, Carraterra Austral, etc.) and heading slowly homeward, and I've already passed through much of the north on my way down a few months ago, so it's not as if I'm sacrificing much.

Chilenos, in my experience, are bearing up well and acting constructively. They are better at dealing with adversity than, for example, Americans....but then I could easily make this point about almost anyone in the world. Coming through Chaiten (wiped by a volcano a couple of years ago and just beginning to be re-settled against government policy) and heading into the current earthquake zone points up a few crucial points both about human resiliency and our vulnerability to natural forces. Since my own home is near the foot of a large, active volcano and along a similar subduction fault, the lessons are not merely academic.

Safe journeys!

Mark
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Chile Earthquake Feb 27, 2010 Blazeafar South America 5 24 Mar 2010 17:44
earthquake kevinhancock750 Iceland 0 31 May 2008 09:00
Earthquake! Dan 23 The HUBB PUB 19 29 Feb 2008 08:50
Earthquake in northern Chile BCK_973 South America 3 19 Jun 2005 06:08
Bam earthquake bastiennewentzel Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 5 1 Jan 2004 12:40

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:30.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top