::: CODELCO :::

Tourist information > Surroundings







	Visits to the Codelco Norte Industrial complex will take place within the Seminar's context. The Codelco Norte Industrial complex, the world's largest open pit mine, is located 16 km -approximately 10 miles- away from Calama. Through the visit, the productive chain of this metallurgical process might be seen. Because this is a sector of heavy duty work running at 2,800 metes in height, this activity will be subject to weather and existing security conditions at the time of its realization.







	Located just 14 km away from Calama's downtown, this true oasis inhabited by doves, finches and thrushes, among other birds is a natural pool, formed by a waterfall in the vicinity of the Loa River.







	The Calama Commune is composed by several Pre-Hispanic villages such as Lasagna, Conchi Viejo, Caspana, Ayquina, Toconce, and by others, like Chiu Chiu, founded by the Spanish conquerors. These villages are characterized by their beautiful buildings, many of them declared national monuments. Ayquina is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the region, as it is built entirely of stone, with roofs of mud and straw. Every year over 30.000 people arrive to this village to celebrate the great religious festivities of the Virgin of Guadalupe, characterized by its folk dances and colorful environment.







	Without a doubt, the town of San Pedro de Atacama deserves a chapter aside. Located 100 km away from Calama, it is one of the most popular destinations for international tourism. San Pedro is considered the archeological capital of Chile. It is estimated that about 11,000 years ago the first people settled in northern Chile. The Atacama people, known as "Atacameños" settled in the basin of the Loa River and all of the Atacama desert oasis. Founders of the "San Pedro Culture", they were the first farmers, becoming the most developed pre-Columbian people in Chile. Today San Pedro is home to approximately 2,500 inhabitants. The town can be toured by foot. Besides the church, it is recommended to visit the Archeological Museum R.P. Gustavo Him Paige, which houses an impressive collection of archeological objects and of ethnographic elements that show the evolution of the Atacama culture in its 11,000 years of history. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9: 00 to 12: 00 and from 14: 00 to 18: 00 hours. Saturdays and Sundays from 10: 00 to 12: 00 and 14: 00 to 18: 00 hours.






	Most of the places of attraction are located not more than 40 km away, traveled by good paved and land roads.






	It is a mountainous and sandy valley, located just 3 km – 1.8 miles - away from San Pedro. To arrive to the valley the Cordillera de la Sal, which presents impressive natural sculptures, must be crossed. The place is ideal for adventure sports like paragliding and sand-boarding.






	Located in the Cordillera de la Sal, its great attraction is its similarity to the lunar surface. From a large Dune, it is possible to appreciate the surroundings in this area. Declared Nature Sanctuary, it is located 17 km away from San Pedro.






	Located 3 km away from San Pedro, this fort was built by the Atacama people on the Quitor hill, in order to defend themselves against people from other villages.






	This is an ancient Atacama village located 10 km – 6.2 miles –away from San Pedro. This village, which is over 3,000 years old, was buried by the desert sands and later recovered. Some of these constructions can be visited.






	The town of Toconao is located 38 km – 23.6 miles – away from San Pedro. From there it is possible to continue until the impressive Salar de Atacama, reaching the Chaxa lagoon inhabited by flamingos. On the road you can see the Licancabur, Lascar, and St. Peter and St. Paul volcanoes, which can be climbed.






	It is a geothermal field located in the Cordillera de los Andes at 4,200 meters high and 89 km -55 miles – away from San Pedro. Very early in the morning it presents an impressive steaming fumaroles activity, produced by the high temperatures of its craters.