 |
| Image: The Telegraph |
Northern Chile is traditionally divided into two main regions: Norte Grande (Big or Far North) and Norte Chico (Small or Near North). Norte Grande borders Peru to the north, Bolivia and Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It encompasses the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and the northern half of Atacama. Meanwhile, Norte Chico includes the southern half of Atacama and the Coquimbo region, stretching between the Pacific Ocean and Argentina.
This vast northern expanse is a powerhouse of mineral wealth, with copper—often called the lifeblood of Chile—playing a crucial role in the national economy. The region is also rich in lithium, gold, silver, iron, molybdenum, manganese, lead, zinc, and other valuable minerals.
The Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, dominates the landscape, merging with the Altiplano in the highlands to form breathtaking scenery of volcanoes, lakes, salt flats, and geysers. Along the Pacific coast, the climate is notably milder and more stable, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Must-Visit Places in Northern Chile:
Humberstone and Santa Laura Abandoned Saltpeter Works
These oficinas salitreras were declared Chilean National Monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located 47 km east of Iquique, in the Tarapacá Region, they resemble ghost towns in the middle of the Atacama Desert—remnants of a once-thriving industry that flourished from the second half of the 19th century until World War I, when synthetic nitrate production began.
At its peak, the nitrate industry had around 200 plants operating simultaneously, with Humberstone and Santa Laura being the most representative. Several tourist circuits depart from Iquique, offering visitors the chance to explore the key processes of nitrate production and visit the old houses, buildings, and facilities of these legendary mining camps.
San Pedro de Atacama
 |
| Atacama Desert sand dunes |
Situated at nearly 2,500 m a.s.l., some visitors may need a short period of acclimatization, especially since many excursions venture into even higher altitudes.
To reach San Pedro de Atacama, travelers must first arrive in Calama, a mining city with an airport that connects to Santiago and other parts of Chile. From there, a 102 km paved road leads to what is often called "the archaeological capital of Chile."
With approximately 4,000 inhabitants, San Pedro serves as the gateway to a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. In town, visitors can explore the renowned Museo Arqueológico Padre Gustavo Le Paige, founded by the Belgian Jesuit missionary of the same name. The museum, now managed by the Universidad Católica del Norte, houses thousands of artifacts that chronicle over 11,000 years of human history in the region. Other must-visit landmarks include the Iglesia de San Pedro, an Andean-style church dating back to the 17th century and declared a National Monument in 1951, as well as La Casa Incaica (Inca House), the oldest building in the village, built in 1540.
Beyond the town itself, San Pedro de Atacama offers access to a range of breathtaking landscapes and historical sites, including...
Geysers de El Tatio (El Tatio Geyser Field)
 | |
| El Tatio Geothermal Field Image: Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama |
Chile’s unique geography, shaped by deep tectonic faults, results in high geothermal activity and numerous hot springs. El Tatio is located 95 km north of San Pedro de Atacama, near the Bolivian border, at an altitude of 4,320 m a.s.l. To fully experience the geysers, it is recommended to visit between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m., when the fumaroles rise impressively against the cold morning air, creating an otherworldly landscape.
For safety and the best experience, it is advisable to book a tour with a local travel agency. Visitors can also enjoy a natural thermal bath in this remote and surreal part of the Atacama Desert.
Puchuldiza Geysers in Isluga Volcano National Park
ALMA Radio Telescope
 |
| Image: elmundo.es |
ALMA stands for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, the world's largest astronomical observatory. It is located 5,000 meters above sea level on the Chajnantor Plateau in the Chilean Andes, one of the driest and highest places on Earth.
The ALMA Observatory consists of 66 high-precision antennas forming a powerful radio telescope array. It is an international collaboration between Europe, North America, and East Asia, in partnership with the Republic of Chile.
For safety reasons and due to its high-altitude location, the Array Operations Site (AOS) on Chajnantor is not open to visitors. However, you can apply for a free entry pass to visit the Operations Support Facility (OSF) at 2,900 meters above sea level.
Astronomy Tours in Northern Chile
Discover the magic of the cosmos under pristine skies and explore the wonders of astronomy in one of the most captivating destinations on Earth.
Northern Chile is renowned as a world-class location for astronomical tourism, offering some of the clearest night skies and state-of-the-art observatories. From the arid landscapes of the Atacama Desert to the mystical Elqui Valley, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable stargazing experience, marveling at the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and stunning celestial events. Thanks to minimal light pollution, high-altitude locations, and dry atmospheric conditions, this region provides optimal settings for both amateur stargazers and professional astronomers.
To learn more about why Northern Chile is a global hotspot for astrotourism, click the following link: Astrotourism in Chile
Salar de Atacama: Chile's Largest Salt Flat
The Salar de Atacama, located 55 km south of San Pedro de Atacama, is Chile's largest salt flat and holds over 20% of the world’s lithium reserves. Spanning 100 km long and 80 km wide, this vast salt deposit features a rugged surface with salt crusts and shallow lagoons that sustain diverse birdlife, including flamingos.
Key Attractions
- Laguna Cejar: Known for its emerald waters and high salt concentration, allowing visitors to float effortlessly.
- Ojos del Salar: Two small freshwater lagoons surrounded by reeds, ideal for rinsing off after Laguna Cejar.
- Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos: A protected area home to large flamingo colonies and other wildlife.
- Tulor Archaeological Site: Located 7.5 km from San Pedro, this ancient village dates back over 2,200 years and was rediscovered in 1956.
Valle de la Luna
Other top attractions in the area include:
- Valley of Death (Valle de la Muerte): Also called Valley of Mars (Valle de Marte), this barren landscape is devoid of plant and animal life. It is famous for sandboarding down its towering dunes.
- Las Tres Marías: A striking rock formation in the Valley of the Moon, sculpted by wind and salt erosion.
- Quebrada de Ckari: A canyon carved by an ancient watercourse, now dry, with impressive rock walls.
- Pukará de Quitor: A 12th-century stone fortress, built by the Atacameños to defend against neighboring tribes, including the Aymara. Declared a National Monument in 1982.
- Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons: Located at 4,120 m a.s.l., these high-altitude lakes were once connected until lava flows from Miñiques Volcano separated them. They are part of Los Flamencos National Reserve and are managed by the Atacameño Community of Socaire in partnership with CONAF.
City of Arica
.webp) |
| Morro de Arica (Cape Arica) |
With just over 210,000 inhabitants, Arica is the capital city of the "Región de Arica y Parinacota." Because of its strategic location near the border with Peru and Bolivia, Arica is called "La Puerta Norte de Chile" (The Northern Gate of Chile). Thanks to its mild climate, it is also known as "La ciudad de la Eterna Primavera" (The City of Eternal Spring).
The city boasts many attractions, starting with the historic Morro de Arica, a prominent hill that played a key role in the War of the Pacific. Visitors can also explore San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and relax on its beautiful beaches, such as Chinchorro, La Lisera, and El Laucho, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The Azapa and Lluta Valleys offer archaeological sites and geoglyphs that reveal the region's ancient history.The Chinchorro Culture flourished in what is now northern Chile and southern Peru. This region, particularly the present-day city of Arica and the nearby Camarones Valley, holds exceptional significance for archaeology and anthropology. It was here that the Chinchorro people established their society, roughly between 7020 and 1500 B.C.
The Chinchorro are best known for their elaborate funeral rites. As far as we know, they were the first to develop artificial mummification—not just one type, but several—predating the Egyptians by thousands of years (see Wikipedia's article here).One of Arica’s top attractions, the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological and Anthropological Museum, houses Chinchorro mummies, the oldest in the world. The museum, part of the Universidad de Tarapacá, is located 12 km from Arica.
Parque Nacional Lauca
Lauca National Park is one of the top tourist destinations in northern Chile. Covering 137,883 hectares, it lies in the easternmost part of the Arica and Parinacota Region, bordering Bolivia. Its altitude ranges from 3,200 to 6,342 m a.s.l.
Among its top attractions is Chungará Lake, 192 km east of Arica, a hotspot for birdwatching. Visitors can spot condors, Chilean flamingos, rheas, small jergon ducks, puna partridges, giant taguas, and more. The park is also home to llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, guanacos, and even cougars.
Another highlight is the Nevados de Payachata, two towering stratovolcanoes, Parinacota and Pomerape, both exceeding 6,000 m a.s.l. and ideal for mountaineering. Their striking peaks have brought international recognition to the region.
The area was historically inhabited by the Aymara culture, which thrived for centuries before the Inca conquest in the 15th century. Also within the park, the Cotacotani Lagoons—a network of interconnected lakes—stand out for their numerous islets, formed by ancient lava flows.
With its breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage, Lauca National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
City of Iquique
.webp "Seaport of Iquique") |
| Port of Iquique |
Antofagasta: Mining, History, and Tourism
One of the main cities of the Norte Grande (Big or Far North), in the middle of the Atacama Desert, also called "La Perla del Norte" (The Pearl of the North), surrounded by mineral wealth and with its own tourist attractions. Learn more about Antofagasta, Chile.
Playa Bahia Inglesa (Bahia Inglesa Beach)
The Atacama Region, often referred to by its former name, the Third Region of Chile, boasts beautiful beaches, with Playa Bahia Inglesa standing out as a small coastal paradise surrounded by the vastness of the Atacama Desert. Bahia Inglesa is located 80 km from Copiapó, the regional capital, and just 6 km from Caldera, the nearest town..webp)
The capital of the Coquimbo Region, founded in 1544, is the second-oldest city in Chile after Santiago. Its population was just over 200,000 according to the 2012 census, while Greater La Serena, which includes the neighboring city of Coquimbo, has around 400,000 inhabitants.
In recent years, La Serena has become one of Chile's top travel destinations.
The city has a distinctive architectural style that sets it apart from other Chilean cities, featuring a significant number of colonial buildings, many of which are designated National Monuments.
Valle del Huasco (Huasco Valley)
With a temperate climate year-round, this little-known but enchanting valley is often called the "Garden of Atacama", an oasis of vegetation in the middle of the world's driest desert. It offers a unique combination of scenic beauty, outdoor adventure, and a rich winemaking tradition, producing high-quality pisco, wines, and olive oil.
The region is home to picturesque villages with traditions deeply rooted in the Diaguita culture. Visitors can explore fascinating geological formations such as La Mota, El Mapa, and La Torre, known as "El Arcoíris de Atacama" (The Rainbow of Atacama). The area's crystal-clear skies make it a prime location for astronomical tourism, attracting stargazers and researchers from around the world.
Tourists can also enjoy authentic gastronomic experiences, including olive tastings and artisanal olive oil sampling among centuries-old olive trees. Additionally, the valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean allows visitors to explore the coast and visit Llanos de Challe National Park, a biodiversity hotspot where the spectacular "Desierto Florido" (Flowering Desert) phenomenon occurs. This rare natural event, in which colorful flowers bloom across the arid landscape, draws tourists, photographers, and scientists from all over the world.
Valle del Elqui (Elqui Valley)
 |
| Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley) |
The hydrographic basin that sustains the Elqui Valley is one of the most visited places in the Norte Chico region, thanks to its climate, natural beauty, deep spiritual atmosphere, and its association with the poet and Nobel Prize winner in Literature, Gabriela Mistral. The Elqui Valley is located about 500 km north of Santiago and 90 km east of La Serena, the nearest city.
There are many things to do in Elqui. Since ancient times, the valley has been known as a fertile land producing some of the finest grapes in the country, which has led it to become the birthplace of Chilean Pisco, a grape-based liquor typical of the region. One popular activity is touring Pisco distilleries and bottling plants, an experience known as La Ruta del Pisco (The Pisco Route).
The Elqui Valley also attracts many visitors due to its reputation as a place rich in healing and energy sources, particularly in the Cochiguaz area, where various communities gather for esoteric activities. These communities offer spiritual services to visitors, including meditation, personal energy harmonization, techniques for channeling cosmic energy to relieve physical and psychological stress, and even treatments for certain illnesses. Additionally, the Elqui Valley is often associated with reported UFO sightings.
From Ovalle, another major city in the Coquimbo Region, visitors can explore Fray Jorge National Park and Socos Hot Springs, located at kilometer 370 of the Pan-American Highway north of Santiago. Fray Jorge National Park, situated along the Pacific coast, is notable for its unique contrast of lush forests within a desert-like environment near the Atacama region.
Comments
Post a Comment