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Mine and industrial heritage · Calama, Antofagasta
Chuquicamata
An open-pit copper mine north of Calama, with a pit more than 4 km long. Codelco offers guided visits to the old camp and to a viewpoint.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Chuquicamata
Chuquicamata is one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, about 16 km north of Calama, at 2,850 meters altitude. The pit is over 4 km long, roughly 3 km wide and more than 800 meters deep. Part of the extraction has moved to an underground mine opened beneath the pit.
Next to the mine is the old Chuquicamata camp, a town built for workers and their families, who lived there from 1915 to 2007. The houses, the plaza, the theater and the hospital were left empty when residents were transferred to Calama, and the complex was declared a protected heritage site.
Codelco, the state copper company, organizes a guided visit that goes through the historic camp, passes in front of the Pala Mundial, a giant mid-20th-century excavator, and reaches the Mirador Mina Rajo, with views over the pit. The visit is done by bus, with prior registration and limited spaces, on fixed days of the week.
As it is an industrial area, entry requires appropriate clothing: long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About half a day, including transfer from Calama.
Best time
Visits take place in the morning on fixed days of the week. Special dates, such as the camp's anniversary in May, usually have greater public access. Check before you go.
How to get there
You cannot visit on your own. Departures are organized by Codelco from Calama with advance registration; local agencies can also help with bookings.
Tip
Register well in advance and bring identification. Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes, otherwise entry may be refused. Bring sunglasses: the viewpoint is very dusty and sunny.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chuquicamata
Can you visit Chuquicamata on your own?
No. Entry is only allowed on guided tours organized by Codelco, with prior registration.
What do you see on a visit to Chuquicamata?
The old workers' camp, the Pala Mundial and the viewpoint over the mine pit.
What should you wear on a visit to Chuquicamata?
Long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes — safety requirements of the mining area.
Do visits to Chuquicamata run year-round?
Codelco maintains a regular programme of visits on fixed days of the week. Confirm the dates before you go.