Deep in the Andes Mountains, where the silence of the mountain holds one of the most moving stories of the 20th century, every year hundreds of people decide to embark on a different journey. It is not just any tour: it is a journey into the very soul of human resilience.
The expedition to the Valley of Tearsthe place where the plane carrying the Uruguayan rugby team went down in 1972, is no longer a little-known destination. Today, after the impact of films such as The Snow Society and the growth of conscious tourism, this experience has become one of the most sought after by those who want to connect with something deeper.
The article published by La Nación in May 2024 confirms it: this excursion, which seemed unthinkable, is gaining strength every season. And the fact is that it is not only about visiting a historical site, but also about traveling a path of introspection, effort and homage.
At Crown Tours we have been organizing this journey for years, with a deep respect for history and professional logistics that guarantee a safe, emotional and well cared for experience. The expedition lasts three daysand includes two nights in a comfortable base camp in the middle of the mountain. The tour is done by making a trekking or horseback ridingaccompanied by expert guides, local baqueanos and a trained team that takes care of every detail.
During the journey, you hike remote trails, cross rivers, sleep in the shelter of the mountain camp and share the spirit of community with other expedition members. Arriving at the crash site, where the wreckage of the plane and a memorial with messages written by visitors still remain, the experience becomes deeply moving.
There, between imposing mountains and a wind that seems to bring echoes of the past, it is impossible not to be moved. Each stone, each word carved in this improvised tribute, reminds us that hope can overcome any adversity.
The experience is designed for people of all ages, with no need for previous mountain experience. What is needed is the desire to experience something different. Many of our travelers arrive moved by the story of the survivors; others, by the need to close personal processes. Some simply feel they have to be there. And they all agree on the same thing: do not come back the same.
At Crown Tours we designed this expedition from the heart. We worked side by side with local guides, with baqueanos like Guillermo Araya -who even accompanied one of the original survivors on his return- and with a logistic team that combines sensitivity and professionalism.
We know that arriving in the Valley of Tears is a personal goal for many. That's why we make sure that everything is ready so that all you have to do... is feel.
