Antofagasta

Antofagasta is a port city in northern Chile, South America. It is the capital of Antofagasta Province and Region.

There is a pedestrian mall which links the two main squares. Plaza Colon is surrounded by large, old trees and features a small replica of the famous Big Ben in London, called Torre del Reloj. The gothic looking cathedral is also here. Plaza Sotomayor is where you will find the market.

In the Fishermen's harbour, spot pelicans, small birds and sealions vying for fish scraps.

Paranal Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on Cerro Paranal at 2,635m high, 120km south of Antofagasta. The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is the largest telescope on Paranal.

Lasana is a small village 40km northeast of the city of Calama in Chile's northern Antofagasta Region. Pukará de Lasana, a pre-Columbian fortress built in the 12th century, is the main architectural attraction of the village. Petroglyphs (rock engravings) can also be found in the area.

Take a trip to see Chuquicamata and Escondida, two giant copper mines or Los Flamencos National Reserve. Here you will find Salar de Atacama which features volcanic Andes summits on all sides, a bleak yet fascinating landscape and a Dead Sea-like saline lake, Laguna Miscanti and Valle de la Luna.

El Tatio is a geyser field located within the Andes Mountains at 4,320m above mean sea level. With over 80 active geysers, El Tatio is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the third largest field in the world.

There are sandy beaches scattered among the rocky coves, the best are south of town. Surfing and windsurfing are popular water activities.

Local restaurants serve a range of cuisines include local dishes, seafood, Italian, Chinese, Mexican and Greek.

The port is around 3km from the centre of town.

Taxis are not allowed inside the port so you need to catch one outside the port gates.

Once in town, most local attractions can be covered on foot.