Malalcahuello – Corralco, actions for prevention of Coronavirus

In Malalcahuello, A small rural town close to the ski centre Corralco on Volcano Lonquimay, the owners of local businesses are preparing to receive tourists again, hoping that that will be prior to the end of the ski season of 2020.

Chile has been affected badly by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the capital, Santiago, where there is a significant percentage of the population living in crowded living conditions and who need to work each day to earn their daily income. Malalcahuello and Corralco, however, have escaped the worst of the pandemic, with just a few cases registered.

The local tourism organisation, made up of local businesses, is coordinating the development of protocols in conversation with the health and tourism authorities of the region. The owners are making the necessary plans and changes to their establishments to ensure the safety of their guests and staff.

Of all the accommodation options available in and around Malalcahuello, cabins are a good option in terms of being able to maintain distance and independence. Fortunately, Malalcahuello is replete with cabins for all levels of budgets.

What can you do to ensure you choose the right accommodation?

1. On the larger tourism and booking agencies online such as booking.com and Airbnb, you can see the evaluation scores that guests have awarded the establishment, focussing particularly on their scores for cleaning. It´s also useful to read their comments as they often mention whether the place was clean or not
2. Ask for a copy of their cleaning/COVID-19 protocol and ask the owners/staff what measures they are taking.
3. Ask theym what are the check-in and check-out times, this will give you an idea if there is enough time for the cleaning and ventilation of the habitation. Check what level of contact the clients are required to have with the staff; perhaps it is not necessary to have contact with the staff or you may be able to select the level of interaction you want (for example, decide if you want the cleaning service or not).
4. What forms of payment do they accept. Can you pay by bank transfer or credit card or do they only accept cash? Remote forms of payment are safer in terms of transmission of germs.