Humberstone & Santa Laura

Leave the pier towards the Nitrate Towns. During the ascent from the coast enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Iquique with its beautiful beaches and the ridged Cerro Dragon (dragon hill). Continue through the magical and indescribable beauty of the Atacama desert where you will find the nitrate ghost towns of Santa Laura and Humberstone, both declared National Monuments. 

First visit Santa Laura, a nitrate town operated from 1872 until 1960. The processing plant and smokestacks are still visible along with the administration building and the warehouse. A couple of kilometres ahead you will find Humberstone nitrate town, founded in 1862. The town itself is the main attraction: the theatre with the seats still in place, the church, both built in Oregon pine, the hotel, a general store, administration buildings and a full sized swimming pool built on iron.  

This experience will take you back in time to the splendour of this important period in Chile's history, the Nitrate glorious time. 

Practical information:

• Included: One bottle of water per person.
• Requirements: Lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. 
• Walking information: Long periods of standing and walking under the sun.
• Wheelchair accessible: No.
• Language: English.