Antofagasta, Chile

Antofagasta is a port city in northern Chile, about 700 miles (1,130 km) north of Santiago. It is a long and narrow city located south of the Mejillones Peninsula and north of the Cerro Coloso, 700 miles (1,130 km) north of Santiago. The city is bordered on the east by steep hills that are part of Chile's Cordillera de la Costa, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.

Antofagasta is famous for its good weather and almost permanent sunshine. Its important historic past is reflected in its national monuments. Amongst them is the Barrio Histórico, where the Muelle Salitrero (the nitrates dock), the former Maritime Authority building and the former Customs House are located.

Things to see and do

* Walk the pedestrian mall that links the two main squares, Plaza Sotomayor with its market, and Plaza Colon with its Big Ben replica.
* The sunset from the seafront walk to the south
* Sea lions, pelicans and smaller birds getting fed on fish waste in the fishermen´s harbour
* Barrio Histórico de Antofagasta - The historical quarter
* Paseo del Mar - comprises green areas, a beach resort, and food and lodging services

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Peso (CLP)
Language – Spanish
Land Area – 30,718 km²
Population – 300,000 approx
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time – GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 56

Port Location – The city has two seaports: one is a government-owned port near downtown Antofagasta; the other is part of La Escondida copper mine and is located south of the city, near Cerro Coloso.

Transport Links – Antofagasta has an airport, Aeropuerto Cerro Moreno, with regular flights from Santiago national airport.

There are daily bus services from all the nearest cities, as well as from Santiago. You can inquire at the bus terminal of any city.