Travel in Antofagasta

The capital of the second Region in Chile with its 20 km long coast road facing the Pacific Ocean within a spectacular setting, features a bustling harbor and commercial activity plus an interesting tourist and building development.

Because of its location; in the vicinity of the major copper mines of Chile like Chuquicamata, Antofagasta has become the fifth port of the country for the daily copper exports made to other countries.

At the beginning, this city was a simple cove but turned into the major port of the region during the nitrate exploitation period. By that time, thousand of immigrants from different nationalities, arrived at this city, influencing its architecture and life style. It is worth noting the historic quarter with the building of the former Resguardo Marítimo, Gobernación, and the Custom House built in 1910.

Surrounding the railway district lays the heart of the industrial activity. On the other hand, the downtown area is concentrated on the pedestrian promenade of the Prat Street.

The costanera and Paseo del Mar, features the best beaches, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Highlight is the magnificent neighborhood sector of Jardin del Sur, with its modern houses and colorful gardens.

Antofagasta offers interesting excursions to the coastal areas and nearby summer beach resorts with the outstanding view of La Portada ashore the sea.

Visit and Stroll Recommendations: At the downtown area, visit the Plaza Colon; noted for its Clock Tower built with stone blocks imported from England.

Travel along the costanera norte to the famous Portada, a rocky arch formation ashore the sea; declared Natural Montunent, noted for its splendid view from its cliff.

Moreover, visit the small beaches past Plaza Los Eventos, including the beach Galeón, and La Chimba where you may have from its rocks a view of the city and the Mejillones peninsula.

Drive heading to the south to visit the Huanchaca ruins, an ancient silver foundations, resembling a fortress

Drive 15 km. to the south of Antofagasta and visit Amarilla beach; a picturesque cove with an extensive bay suitable for windsurfing and the practice of other water sports.

Taking the road to the airport, visit the beaches and summer resorts until reaching Juan López. Take pictures en route of the landmark of the Tropic of Capricorn

Leave for Mejillones noted for its beaches and its characteristic landmarks including the church Corazón de María and its belfry, the Town Hall and the ancient Custom House, housing the Museum. At the beach, admire the Capitania; a symbol of Mejillones. Make the most in tasting options.

If you want excitement, follow the magnificent Antofasta Antofagasta-Iquique route through cliffs with the view of the huge deep blue sea. At 125 kms, visit the port in ruins of Cobija.

Museums and Cultural Activities Recommendations: At the harbor quarter, visit the Regional Museum at the former Custom House, declared historical Monument, noted for its interesting display of the history of the region starting from the Conquest until the War of the Pacific period. Highlight is the special room devoted to the nitrate activity.

Admire the building of the former Custom House, a good architecture example of the nitrate era

Visit the railway facilities of neoclassical style. Highlight is the former station with its interesting museum. Although it is not open to visitors, you may admire the wagon Kid and Butch Cassidy supposedly transported the latest stolen treasure.

Food and Restaurant Recommendations: In the morning, visit the pier in operation and the fishing terminal with its fantastic seafood. Stroll along the bank of Puerto Viejo and take an aperitif at the Yacht Club.

Travel in Antofagasta Attractions

GeoPassage tours offers multitudes of travel opportunities, Antofagasta is just one of the many cities we offer day tours and individual attractions to, be sure to check out our entire catalog.