🇨🇱 Chile — OpenVan.camp
Chile
A motorhome caught fire on Route 146 near Chaimávida, Concepción. Emergency services are responding. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Camper rental platform rollbnb has officially launched its South American expansion, choosing Chile as the starting point. The service allows owners to list their vehicles for free, charging a commission only when a rental is completed. The goal is to consolidate camper offerings across the continent, simplifying search for travelers and expanding audience for owners.
Actor Christian Henríquez showed his motorhome, which he uses while touring with El Gran Circo de Ruperto. He explained that he spends most of the year traveling around Chile, and in summer he stays in one place for three months to attract more audiences. The motorhome is equipped with a TV, kitchen, oven, microwave, and refrigerator. However, for the show, he used a borrowed apartment in Algarrobo due to limited space.
The Choza Nómada project, which creates content about motorhome travel, has launched a free PDF guide titled '¿Dónde me quedo?'. It lists 29 locations in southern Chile and 3 in Argentina suitable for overnight stays. The guide is based on the author's firsthand experience traveling these routes in early 2026. It is available for download after completing a form.
Chile
Chilean architecture firm BAK has introduced the Odessa Tiny House model, covering 96 sq m with extensive glazing. Designed for families with 1–2 children, it features two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living room with a kitchenette. Price is €132,000, including transport and on-site assembly. Production takes 30 days, installation up to 60 days.
Brazilian travelers Matheus and Carol, living in a motorhome and heading to Ushuaia, met Marcelo and his dog Malu in Chile. Malu travels in a mini motorhome towed by a bicycle, equipped with a mini kitchen and a sleeping area. The video of the encounter, posted on Instagram on May 23, has garnered over 87,000 views.
The market for campervans and motorhomes is seeing a rise in demand for models with pop-up roofs, which combine compact size on the road with extra space when parked. These vehicles have a lower height when folded, reducing fuel consumption and improving handling, while raising the roof provides an additional bed and increased interior headroom. Featured models include Volkswagen California T7 (from €58,000), Hymer Grand Canyon S CrossOver (approx. €140,400), Westfalia Sven Hedin (from €96,000), Bürstner Habiton HM 6.0 (around €91,000), and Knaus BoxTime 600 MQ (from €66,990). Each model caters to different needs, from daily use to off-road travel.
The Thaircamper inflatable structure converts a pickup truck into living space. The 80 kg device installs in 5 minutes, accommodates 3-4 people, and uses reinforced PVC. The development is positioned as a more affordable alternative to motorhomes.
Chile
Chilean actor Cristián Riquelme posted a video showing significant damage to his motorhome. His dogs chewed through the electrical wiring, causing a short circuit and rendering the vehicle completely inoperable.
The motorhome was stolen on September 18 in the commune of Paine, Chile, after criminals broke down a gate. The owners stated that via social media they identified a woman who was driving the vehicle towing the stolen motorhome and that it has been seen on toll roads. The motorhome is valued at 20 million Chilean pesos, and the theft carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Police are investigating the incident.
Founded in 2024 in Concón, Chile, Nativa Camper specializes in building removable camper shells for pickup trucks, van conversions, and motorhomes. With support from the state Capital Pioneras program, the company increased output from one camper every four months to 1.5 per month. Its products target European tourists, especially from Germany, with plans for a joint camper rental venture in Chile. The firm also aims to hire up to three new employees.
Chile
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Chilean company Nativa Camper, founded by María Jesús Mardones in 2024, tripled its production to 1.5 units per month after receiving a state grant. The firm plans to enter the European market and create three new jobs.
Guilherme Núnes will cross 15 countries in his 1971 Volkswagen Beetle converted into a minimalist motorhome. The vehicle is equipped with a bed, refrigerator, and even a mobile kitchen. The fan estimates the adventure will cost about $20,000.
Two women from the Coquimbo region in Chile are raffling off their motorhome, named "Josefina". They have lived in it for over a year while traveling across the country. The new owner will be determined on December 23.
The Municipality of Arica, in a joint operation with police, removed a motorhome to reclaim public space. The action followed a complaint from a nearby hotel about the vehicle's prolonged parking in an unauthorized beach area. The owners arranged and paid for the towing of the RV.
The Municipality of Arica, in a joint operation with police, removed a motorhome that had been parked long-term on a beach. The action followed a complaint from a nearby hotel. The owners arranged and paid for the vehicle's towing.
The utility company Suralis has inaugurated a new dump station for grey water from motorhomes and travel trailers in the commune of Futaleufú, Los Lagos Region. The free service is available on weekdays from 3 PM to 6 PM upon completing an online form. This is the second such facility, following one opened in Chaitén in January 2025.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced an updated version of the V-Class Marco Polo camper van. The model accommodates up to four people, features a compact kitchen, two beds, and an AIRMATIC pneumatic suspension system. In Spain, the vehicle is available with an initial payment starting from €30,260.
Utility company Suralis has inaugurated a second free grey water discharge point for motorhomes in Chilean Patagonia. The new facility is located in the commune of Futaleufú and operates on weekdays from 3 PM to 6 PM. Users must first complete an online form on the company's website.
Suralis has opened a second free grey water dump station for RVs and caravans in Futaleufú, Los Lagos Region. Located at Pedro Aguirre Cerda 158, it operates weekdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.