A Night Out That Ended in a Mountain Refuge

The story that kept Chile on edge began in the early hours of July 16, 2026. Three people left the Terrazielo nightclub in Peñalolén, a commune in Santiago, and decided to drive more than 100 kilometers to the Termas del Valle de Colina hot springs in the Cajón del Maipo canyon to continue the party.

Those involved were identified as Manuel Orellana, known as 'El Chino' (32), Martina Núñez (22), and Magdalena Retamal (31). The trip was made in a vehicle that was not 4x4 and, according to local media, had an outstanding warrant for unpaid installments. The adventure coincided with the onset of a violent frontal system that caused heavy snowfall in the Andes, trapping the three young people in the mountains.

Six Days of Survival and a Helicopter Rescue

The group managed to survive by taking refuge in a property at the Termas del Valle de Colina, owned by Hernán Covarrubias. The shelter had enough supplies for a month: canned food, beds, blankets, warm clothing, and a fully equipped kitchen. Images released after the rescue showed bottles of wine, pisco, beer cans, and food consumed during the six days of isolation.

On July 22, 2026, after a large joint operation involving Carabineros (Chile's national police), the PDI (investigative police), the Army, Firefighters, Socorro Andino (Andean Rescue), and Senapred (National Emergency Service), the three were found alive. Captain Matías Zagal explained that during a flyover they detected movement near the refuge. Orellana came outside and signaled the aircraft, allowing the helicopter to land and evacuate them. All three were transported without injuries and in good health.

The Scandal and the Million-Dollar Rescue Cost

The relationship between the rescued quickly became the central topic of debate in Chile. It was revealed that the two women worked as preschool teachers for Orellana's son. Although a kidnapping theory was initially considered, 'El Chino's wife dismissed it and stated that they already knew each other.

However, the recklessness of the trip came at a high price. According to estimates by Felipe Armijo, Director of Public Security for the San José de Maipo municipality, and academic Alfonso Kaiser from the Universidad de los Andes, the rescue operation cost the Chilean state between 100 and 200 million Chilean pesos (approximately between US$107,000 and US$214,000). This amount includes the use of helicopters, specialized personnel, and logistics over six days.

Sources: La Voz, El País, Portal Educa.