Entrance to the Andes Museum 1972

Discover the harrowing tale of the survivors from the 1972 FAU 571 flight crash in the Andes Mountains by visiting the Andes Museum 1972.

Entrance to the Andes Museum 1972

Explore a compelling exhibit that recounts one of the most significant air disasters in history at the Andes Museum 1972, situated in the vibrant center of Montevideo. This event, commonly referred to as "the tragedy and miracle in the Andes", left an indelible mark on many generations.

On Thursday, October 12, 1972, flight FAU 571 embarked from Montevideo airport en route to Santiago de Chile. Due to poor weather conditions, the flight was rerouted to Mendoza in Argentina to wait for clearer skies. The next day, Friday, October 13, they attempted to traverse the Andes once again.

Tragically, the aircraft never reached its destination, crashing in a rugged section of the Argentine Andes, at an altitude exceeding 12,139 ft (3,700 meters). After 72 days, 16 individuals were ultimately rescued in Chile. They endured temperatures plummeting to -30 C° without any shelter, food, or water, which led them to resort to anthropophagy for survival.

Your ticket to the museum allows you to view a memorial honoring the victims and explore the personal accounts of the survivors. Housed in a historic 19th-century mansion, the museum features numerous installations, exhibits, and interactive displays that narrate the stories of resilience, collaboration, and hope displayed by the survivors. Additionally, you will encounter various personal artifacts once belonging to the crash victims.

Hours

The Andes Museum 1972 welcomes visitors during the following hours:

• Monday - Friday: 10 am - 5 pm
• Saturdays: 10 am - 3 pm
• Sundays: closed

Guided Tour of the Museum

For those interested, a guided tour of the Andes Museum 1972 can be arranged.