Where you need to be for the next great total solar eclipse
It has been a challenging and special 2020, but that doesn’t mean it has to end up overshadowed by the pandemic!
At the end of this year, a new total solar eclipse will take place, and the Araucanía region, in south of Chile, will be one of the best places to witness it. The date? December 14th, 2020.
Pucón and Villarrica, in the Araucania District, are in the core shadow of this solar eclipse. Already in July 2019, Chileans and visitors from all over the world could experience a total solar eclipse in the north of the country.
For this new atronomical event, anyone within the 56-mile-wide path of totality can witness the moon pass fully between the sun and Earth. The phenomenon will reach Chile’s west coast at 1PM and will take around 20 minutes to cross over Argentina’s east coast.
The specific locations in Chile that will be within the privileged zone are Puerto Saavedra, Isla Mocha, Carahue, Freire, Nueva Imperial, Loncoche, Villarrica, Pucon and Lican Ray. Even the regional capital Temuco will be within the umbra.
Not only for the eclipse
If you choose the Araucania District as your “eclipse destination”, you probably know that it is among the most beautiful and attractive areas in the south of Chile. Pucón is the perfect spot for outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting, canopy, kayaking, zip line and water sports in the Villarrica Lake.
From Puerto Saavedra you can visit Lake Budi, and learn about all the traditions of the Mapuche people. Stay in the rucas and share with families who have a deep cultural legacy. You can also get to know the surroundings of the lake, enjoy birdwatching and horseback riding in the middle of a beautiful natural environment.
If adventure is your thing, then climbing the Villarrica volcano and appreciating the landscape from above is a recommended tour - but only for the more experienced ones!
Other interesting activities may include visiting the Trancura River, practice trekking in the Huerquehue National Park, explore the volcanic caves at the foot of Villarrica volcano or get amazed at the ancient araucaria forests near Laguna Quillelhue.
Hot springs? This is the land of the “termas”. Soak in natural pools of thermal waters rich in minerals, surrounded by native forests with snowy peaks in the background. Doesn’t sound that bad, right? 270 geothermal pools are in Chile, and this area has some of the best ones: Termas de Coñaripe, Termas Geométricas, Termas Huife and San Luis, just to name a few.
As you can see, not only extraordinary eclipses you find in Chile!
Need to book accommodation, renting a car or just getting some advise? Write to info@contactchile and we will gladly help you with your traveling plans in Chile!
