Hacienda los Andes, Chile

Hacienda los Andes was a wonderful project by Daniel Verschatse, who turned this hotel in the Rio Hurtado valley, with its observatory, into a magnet for amateur astronomers from all over the world.

On August 1, 2024, the hacienda hotel burned down completely during a firestorm. An improperly laid power cable had come loose during a storm and ignited trees. The fire spread very quickly due to the strong gusts of wind that prevailed that day.

The observatory above was largely spared, but after the loss of the main buildings, the equipment was dismantled and stored.

The images now serve as a reminder of what was once possible.

 

Hacienda los Andes, the hotel

 

Patio to the west

 

Patio to the east

 

Oasis

 

Observatory

 

View to the north over the observatory and the valley of the Rio Hurtado

 

Roll of roof building with AP175EDF

 

TEC 200 in the cabrio-dome

 

Daniel Verschatse viewing the sun

 

Eduardo, Daniel, TEC 500 and Friedhelm, © Pedro Borja

 

Rough country

 

Astrofarm from afar

 

Astrofarm in the rough country