Antofagasta between port and coast

Antofagasta combines the history of a nitrate port with railway and city landmarks, as well as a striking coastal landscape. When comparing hotels in Antofagasta, you can plan your trip around two distinct themes: the city's historic sites or the natural features of the Monumento Natural La Portada within the municipality. This makes it clear which topics matter most for your stay.

Port and Nitrate Boom

The Molo and the wharf of the former Melbourne and Clark nitrate company in Antofagasta were built between 1872 and 1880. The wharf was the city's first loading pier for transporting nitrate and was later also used for passenger embarkation. In 1982, the structure was recognized as a Historic Monument; it is considered evidence of Antofagasta's nitrate boom.

Since reopening on May 21, 2015, the Muelle Melbourne & Clark in the historic San Jorge Bay has served as a public waterfront promenade. Check the current access conditions before visiting.

Railways, Squares and Museums

Estación Antofagasta was built in 1888 and declared a National Monument in 1981. The FCAB Museum tells the story of the FCAB railway company and the city of Antofagasta. The railway and the city's history are thus the focus of distinct cultural themes.

The clock tower on Plaza Colón has been a Historic Monument since 1986. Its design imitates the bell tower of the Palace of Westminster in London. The Kiosko de Retreta on the same square was inaugurated on March 26, 1911, and has been protected as a Historic Monument under Decree D.S. 0512 since August 30, 1995.

The Museo Regional de Antofagasta has around 9,000 catalogued objects in the fields of mineralogy, paleontology, archaeology, bioanthropology, history and ethnography. The ruins of Huanchaca in the south of Antofagasta reveal another facet of the city's history: they are the stone remains of a silver smelting plant built between 1888 and 1892.

Coastal Landscape and Wildlife at La Portada

Within the municipality of Antofagasta, the Monumento Natural La Portada is defined by a large marine sediment arch and a coastal cliff shaped by marine erosion. Its rocky areas, cliffs, caves and beaches are favored resting, feeding and nesting sites for numerous coastal birds. Species found there include the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti), chungungo (Lontra felina), South American fur seal (Arctophoca australis), Inca tern (Larosterna inca) and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The monument also includes an environmental education center and interpretive trails.

The Sendero de Humboldt at Monumento Natural La Portada is 430 meters long and is considered an easy hike; it takes 45 to 60 minutes. The trail is closed seasonally to protect nesting birds. If you want to include nature and scenery in your trip plans, bear in mind the difference between the trail's length, the hike's duration and its seasonal closure.

Getting There and Seasonal Planning

Access to Monumento Natural La Portada is via Ruta 1 to kilometer 14, followed by a two-kilometer westbound turnoff. The access road is passable year-round and does not require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Also check current access conditions before your visit.

There is no year-round public transport service to the monument. However, during the summer season, from December through the first week of March, TransAntofagasta bus route 129 runs there. The road is therefore passable year-round, while the bus service operates seasonally. Check the schedule for your travel dates and take into account the seasonal closure of the Sendero de Humboldt during the nesting season.

Discover more destinations: Mejillones.

Go to the broader travel overview: Antofagasta Province.