Antofagasta essentials

Antofagasta serves as a coastal gateway to the Atacama Desert, blending industrial history with dramatic natural landmarks. The city features the iconic La Portada natural arch and the surreal Mano del Desierto sculpture. It is a global hub for astronomy, hosting the Very Large Telescope at Paranal Observatory. Within the historic center, Plaza Colón showcases a clock tower gifted by the British colony, while the Regional Library and Casa de la Cultura occupy restored 19th-century buildings reflecting the city's architectural heritage.

Antofagasta Essentials — Map

Marcos Escalier from Antofagasta, Chile. / CC BY-SA 2.5

A

The Gateway of Antofagasta

La Portada is a natural arch on the coast of Chile, 18 km north of Antofagasta.

OutCrow / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Hand of the Desert

The Mano del Desierto is a large-scale sculpture of a hand located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, about 60 km to the south and east of the…

ESO/G.Hüdepohl (atacamaphoto.com) / CC BY 4.0

C

Very Large Telescope

The Very Large Telescope is a facility operated by the European Southern Observatory, located on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of…

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is a desert plateau in South America covering a 1,600 km strip of land on the Pacific coast, west of the Andes Mountains.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

E

Antofagasta Cathedral

The St. Joseph's Cathedral also called Antofagasta Cathedral It is a religious building of the Catholic Church located in the city of…

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

F

Colon Square

There are many sights surrounding the main square. The Clock Tower, which is similiar to Big Ben, was a gift from the local English colony.

Marcos Escalier from Antofagasta, Chile. / CC BY-SA 2.0

G

Hito al Trópico de Capricornio

A 28-meter-tall solar monument marking the Tropic of Capricorn. The structure functions as a giant astronomical instrument designed to track the sun's position during solstices and equinoxes.

Marcos Escalier from Antofagasta, Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0

H

Biblioteca Regional Antofagasta

Public library housed in the restored former Postal and Telegraph building, a designated National Monument featuring neoclassical architecture and high ceilings.

Anual / CC BY 3.0

I

Casa Giménez

A 1920s building notable for its rare Neomudéjar architecture, characterized by intricate decorative motifs and horseshoe arches inspired by Moorish design.

Municipalidad de Antofagasta / CC BY 2.0

J

Casa de la Cultura Andrés Sabella

Neoclassical cultural center and museum housed in the city's former customs house, a National Monument dating back to the late 19th-century nitrate boom.

Other Lists

Best Beaches Natural Wonders of Atacama