Socorro Andino Chileno (Chilean Mountain Rescue Service) is an organization dedicated to providing mountain rescue services in Chile. The group was established in 1949 and is affiliated with the Federación de Andinismo de Chile (Chilean Mountaineering Federation). Its primary mission is to assist and rescue climbers, trekkers, and other individuals involved in mountain activities who encounter dangerous situations, such as accidents, injuries, or extreme weather conditions.
The team consists of experienced mountaineers, climbers, and volunteers who are trained in various rescue techniques, including high-altitude rescues, avalanche response, and emergency first aid. Socorro Andino Chileno collaborates with local and international organizations, including law enforcement, fire departments, and medical teams, to conduct search and rescue operations.
In addition to rescue operations, Socorro Andino Chileno promotes safety and education in mountaineering. They offer training programs and workshops to help individuals prepare for safe mountain adventures, covering topics such as navigation, survival skills, and risk management in alpine environments. Their operations are mainly funded by donations and volunteer efforts, making them a crucial component of mountain safety in Chile.
The Andean Relief Corps (CSA) is a volunteer organization that specializes in search and rescue in mountains and hard-to-reach areas in Chile. It is the oldest organization specialized in mountain rescue in Latin America 1 and its work is carried out free of charge.
At Socorro Andino Chileno, our mission is to ensure the safety of all those who engage in mountaineering, trekking, and outdoor adventures in Chile’s mountainous and remote regions. We are committed to:
Mountain Rescue Operations: We provide professional and efficient rescue services for individuals in danger or distress in Chile’s challenging mountain environments, from the towering Andes to the volcanic landscapes of Patagonia. Our volunteer teams are highly trained to respond to accidents, injuries, avalanches, and extreme weather conditions, often in high-altitude or difficult-to-access areas.
Prevention and Education: We believe in preventing accidents before they happen. To this end, we offer training, safety workshops, and educational programs to equip adventurers with the knowledge and skills needed to explore Chile’s wilderness responsibly. This includes promoting safe practices, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness.
Collaboration and Coordination: We collaborate with local authorities, emergency services, and international partners to ensure efficient and well-coordinated rescue operations. By working together, we enhance our ability to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively, even in the most challenging environments.
Volunteer Spirit and Service: As a volunteer-driven organization, we are motivated by a strong sense of service to our community and fellow adventurers. We are passionate about mountaineering and dedicated to giving back by helping those in need, no matter the conditions or challenges we face.
Environmental Respect: In addition to saving lives, we are committed to protecting the natural environments where we operate. We promote responsible outdoor activities and environmental stewardship, encouraging adventurers to respect and preserve the beautiful and fragile ecosystems of Chile’s mountains.
At Socorro Andino Chileno, we strive to be a beacon of safety and support for anyone who ventures into Chile’s mountains, driven by a shared love of nature and a deep commitment to protecting human life in the most extreme circumstances.
At Socorro Andino Chileno, our vision is to become a national and international leader in mountain rescue, safety, and education. We aim to ensure that everyone who explores Chile’s mountains can do so with confidence, knowing that they are supported by a network of highly skilled and dedicated rescue professionals. Our vision includes:
Excellence in Mountain Rescue: We aspire to continuously improve our rescue capabilities through advanced training, cutting-edge equipment, and a dedicated team of volunteers. Our goal is to reduce the time and risk involved in mountain rescue operations, ensuring swift and effective responses to emergencies in even the most remote and challenging terrains.
A Culture of Safety and Preparedness: We envision a future where safe mountaineering practices are the norm. By expanding our educational programs and public awareness campaigns, we aim to foster a strong culture of safety, risk management, and preparedness among outdoor enthusiasts in Chile and beyond.
Sustainability and Environmental Leadership: We are committed to becoming a model organization in environmental stewardship. Our vision includes promoting sustainable practices in all our operations and inspiring adventurers to minimize their environmental impact while enjoying Chile’s natural beauty.
Strong Partnerships and Community Engagement: We seek to strengthen our relationships with local and international organizations, fostering collaboration and shared learning in mountain rescue and safety. We also aim to deepen our engagement with local communities, ensuring they benefit from our presence through education, training, and support.
Volunteer Empowerment and Growth: Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We envision a future where Socorro Andino Chileno attracts and empowers a diverse and passionate group of volunteers who are united by their love of mountaineering and dedication to saving lives.
Through this vision, Socorro Andino Chileno seeks to be a beacon of safety, knowledge, and environmental responsibility, while preserving the adventurous spirit that draws people to Chile’s extraordinary mountains.
To be the national benchmark for search, rescue, prevention and education of mountain activities in Chile.
The Association of Mountain Guides from Chile (Asociación de Guías de Montaña de Chile, AGMT) consists of over 150 members. These members are professional mountain guides certified by various international organizations, including the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). The association represents a diverse group of highly skilled guides specializing in different areas, such as mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, and ski touring.
The AGMT works to ensure that its members adhere to international safety standards and maintain high levels of professionalism in their guiding activities throughout Chile’s vast and diverse mountain ranges.
The first private mountain rescue association The Mountain Rescue Association of South America (MRAS), founded on October 1, 2020. This private organization is based in Peru and Bolivia and plays a fundamental role in search and rescue service in rugged terrain & in High Mountain special.
