Entrance to the Andes Museum 1972

Discover the incredible story of the survivors from the 1972 crash of flight FAU 571 and how they endured the severe conditions of the Andes at the Andes Museum 1972.

Entrance to the Andes Museum 1972

Embark on a journey through an exhibit dedicated to one of history's most devastating air disasters at the Andes Museum 1972, situated in the vibrant center of Montevideo. Here, you will delve into an event that has resonated with many and is famously referred to as "the tragedy and miracle in the Andes".

On Thursday, October 12, 1972, flight FAU 571 departed from Montevideo airport on its way to Santiago de Chile. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the flight was diverted to Mendoza (Argentina) to wait for an improvement. The following day, Friday, October 13, they attempted the crossing of the Andes again.

Regrettably, the aircraft did not reach its destination and crashed in a remote part of the Argentine Andes, at a height exceeding 12,139 ft (3,700 meters). After 72 days following the accident, 16 individuals were eventually rescued in Chile. They battled extreme temperatures of -30°C without any shelter, facing the dire challenge of no food or water, leading them to the harrowing decision of resorting to anthropophagy.

Your entrance to the museum grants you access to a memorial honoring the victims, alongside insights into the personal accounts of the survivors. Housed within a charming 19th-century mansion, the museum features an array of displays, showcases, and interactive panels that recount tales of unity, perseverance, and resilience from those who endured the ordeal. Additionally, you will encounter personal artifacts belonging to the victims of the crash.

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

If you wish, a guided tour of the Andes Museum 1972 can be arranged.