The port of Antofagasta, 1377 km from Santiago is the heart of Chilean mining industry. It is in this region of northern Chile where are major copper mines. But near are other treasures.

With an average temperature of 16 ° C, near by Antofagasta are spas with long and quiet beaches, such as Mejillones, Hornitos and Juan Lopez.

On north coast of Antofagasta, facing cliffs, is La Portada, a typical natural monument of city: an arch of rock separated from coast, the perfect setting to take souvenir photos.

A route full of history and mysteries is "Oficinas Salitreras", ancient villages that had its peak in llate 19 to early 20 centuries and which today are "ghost towns". They are located northwest of Antofagasta and highlight Pueblo Pampa Unión and Chacabuco.

From Antofagasta can also visit the Paranal Astronomical Center, the biggest and most powerful in the world.

Deserts, beaches, huge mineral deposits, Altiplano towns and stargazing is the perfect combination if you consider Antofagasta as a starting point.

How to get there

By plane. From Santiago, direct flights to Cerro Moreno airport in Antofagasta (2 hours).

By Bus. From Santiago, the trip to Antofagasta takes about 21 hours, so it is better to travel in salon cama buses.

In Santiago, buses depart from Los Heroes and San Borja terminals.

By Car. From Santiago to Antofagasta, north along Route 5 and then 26 or 28 routes to the west (1,377 km).

Activities and attractions

In a former foundry ceased operations in 1902, now stands Huanchaca Ruins Cultural Park and Atacama Desert Museum. They are located in south area of Antofagasta, and can reach them by taxi or car following the signs. From Antofagasta downtown, go south on Avenida Argentina. The ruins appear by left, before entering Coviefi neighborhood.

20 km north of Antofagasta, La Portada Natural Monument is a rare formation that looks like an arc of white rocks in a cliff area with strong waves. These stone walls actually are peaks of Cordillera de la Costa and bordering the coastal route to Iquique.

To get to La Portada,take the coastal route north towards Tocopilla. Along the way, signs guide to viewpoints from which you can see the sea and its monument. There are stairs that can go down to beach and get a bit closer views, but it is impossible to cross to this natural monument.

After visiting La Portada, you can take Tocopilla route to north and know some of most peaceful beaches of this coast, as Mejillones port, 78 km from Antofagasta. Its beaches have practically no waves, great to go with family. You can also practice water sports like diving, fishing and spearfishing. For those who like to observe nature, next there are nesting seabirds areas and sea lion colonies.

A little further north (36 km) is Hornitos. Its white sand beaches are very similar to Mejillones beaches. Here are everything to spend several days, from apartments for rent to camping areas.

Antofagasta is one of the most suitable region for astronomical observatories. The most important is Cerro Paranal, 130 km from the city, led by ESO European organization. Visits are only allowed in last two weekends of each month, except in December and is essential to make reservations. More information in www.eso.cl