2020’s BIGGEST EVENT: THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE IN CHILE

Prepare your favorite snack and tell all your friends to grab onto their seats, because the most anticipated astronomical show is about to happen. 

The world’s greatest window to the universe will witness a new Total Solar Eclipse this December 14th at 13:03 Chilean time, at which time the umbra that produces the eclipse will completely blacken the skies in the areas of La Araucania, Los Rios and Bio Bio in Southern Chile. A totally magical experience will allow attendees to witness this natural phenomenon while sitting in a native forest, amongst wildlife, volcanoes and the native people who will share their ancestral beliefs and cosmo vision with us and with the world.

@2012MARCELO VILDOSOLA

The importance of the Eclipses in Chile

The upcoming astronomical event named “The Grand Eclipse of La Araucania” has been highly anticipated by thousands of inhabitants of the area and by scientists from all over the world. That’s because a phenomenon like the one we’re about to witness will not happen again for another 300 years in the same place, or for another 20 years in continental Chile. So, why wait so long when you can experience it very soon? There’s really no excuse to miss the Total Solar Eclipse in Chile this time.

The Solar Eclipse Route 

The regions of Bio Bío, La Araucanía and Los Ríos are the main destinations where this event will take place. World class destinations that offer its visitors the delight of sightseeing its great volcanoes, forests and popular holiday spots, frequented by nationals and foreigners who seek to relax and be in close contact with nature.

679 kilometers (422 miles) south of Santiago, the Chilean capital, is where the route of the eclipse begins, in the city of Temuco, the first of the privileged locations that will see the umbra of this total solar eclipse. Temuco is also the threshold into the Mapuche people’s land and their ancestral culture in the entire area. The Region’s capital has several important national parks such as the Tolhuaca National Park, which stands out for their protection of native species, and the Nahuelbuta National Park. Nahuelbuta, or “great jaguar” in Mapuche language, is located on the highest point of the Nahuelbuta Mountain and is known

for its majestic views and landscapes full of Araucaria trees. Also in the area of the Araucanía is Conguillío National Park, an extensive park that will take your breath away with the Araucaria trees that reach the skies as well as its unexplored woods. 

As you enter the park, its paths will allow you to come across the great Llaima Volcano, one of the most active in South America, and a must-see in this area, along with other outdoor and extreme sports, such as skiing and mountaineering.

As you continue along the Solar Eclipse Route, you will approach the coast of the picturesque Lake Budi, a place that allows you to interact with the native people, enjoy their cuisine and live unique experiences such as spending the night in a traditional Mapuche house while enjoying the most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Further south you will come across the Villarrica Volcano, another of South America’s most active volcanoes, so beautiful that it steals the spotlight and stars in all the photos that are taken from several of its surrounding towns. One of these is Pucón, a popular resort where families go because of its nice warm weather in the summer and the smell of hot chocolate in the air. This city is a good place for those seeking to do extreme sports but also wanting to relax, as both outdoor activities and several hot springs can be found in the area.

Continuing this route onwards to Lake Calafquén, you will enter a town of the same name, which offers stunning views, horseback riding, trekking and water sports. Finally, on the shores of this lake you can indulge in Licanray‘s recreational activities and family fun.

From where should I watch the Total Solar Eclipse this 2020?

All the places where you can see the total solar Eclipse seem fantastic, don’t they? We understand your excitement! Don’t stop dreaming about Chile and all the magical places that will be waiting for you when we can meet again. 

For the time being, worry not; you won’t miss a thing because this natural spectacle will be broadcasted worldwide by different national and international platforms that will be streaming it live and showing the amazing images that will be taking place in southern Chile. Here’s a list of some of the media platforms for you to follow this coming Monday, December 14th in your local time.

Time and date

https://www.timeanddate.com/live/eclipse-solar-2020-december-14

Exploratorium

https://www.exploratorium.edu/eclipse 

Unitarium

http://time.unitarium.com/events/eclipse/122020/live.html

CNN Chile

https://www.cnnchile.com

Chilevisón 

https://www.chilevision.cl/senal-online

Don’t forget!  We will be waiting for you to tune-in to the live streaming sessions from our observatories in La Araucanía. We want to encourage you to continue dreaming about Chile, planning your trip and getting to know all of our world-class destinations that are bound to satisfy your senses with their fusion of adrenaline, nature and relaxation.