Top 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Antofagasta, Northern Chile

Antofagasta, located in northern Chile, is a region characterized by its vast brown deserts. The name "Antofagasta" is said to come from the Quechua language, meaning "the place where copper is hidden," which reflects the area's richness in mineral resources. Formerly a part of Bolivia, the region officially became Chilean territory in 1904. With its pleasant desert climate throughout the year, Antofagasta is also a popular tourist destination. This time, we’ll introduce some of the top recommended tourist spots in the area.

1. La Portada

La Portada is a scenic spot located about 16 km north of downtown Antofagasta. This natural work of art, formed by numerous rocks, captivates tourists with its beauty. The Antofagasta region features steep mountains along the coastline, and in ancient times, the area around La Portada was underwater.
Over thousands of years, sedimentary rocks eroded by seawater emerged above ground due to uplift. The cape features an observation deck, parking lot, and restaurant, and a walking path has been installed to allow safe access down to the beach. It’s highly recommended to descend and view the unique rock formations up close!

2. Paseo del Mar Antofagasta

Paseo del Mar Antofagasta is a long promenade along the beautiful coastline of Antofagasta, where locals and tourists can enjoy leisurely walks while gazing at the sea. In some parts, the boardwalk features glass floors, allowing you to see the ocean beneath. From the promenade, you can also see the brown mountain ranges just beyond the city’s skyline, giving you a real sense of how this city was built in the middle of a desert!

3. Plaza Colón

Plaza Colón is located in the heart of Antofagasta and is just one block away from the coastline, making it a great base for sightseeing. Its landmark is a clock tower gifted by the United Kingdom to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Chilean independence. There are also cafes and restaurants nearby, which adds to its convenience.

The clock tower, about 13 meters high, is known as a replica of London’s Big Ben and draws tourists who stop by to take photos. Originally, the tower was supposed to be taller, but a city ordinance in Antofagasta prohibited any structure facing the cathedral square from exceeding the cathedral’s height, so the tower had to be scaled down.

4. Mano del Desierto

About 75 km south of downtown Antofagasta, in the heart of the desert, stands a massive 12-meter-high monument of a hand. Made of reinforced concrete, this sculpture was created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. Irarrázabal has built similar sculptures not only on the outskirts of Antofagasta but also in Punta Natales in southern Chile, Punta del Este in Uruguay, Madrid in Spain, and Venice in Italy!
There’s nothing surrounding the area, which only emphasizes the surreal impact of the giant hand.
Despite the inconvenient access, many tourists make the effort to visit. With a rental car, it’s not a problem.

5. Mercado Antofagasta (Central Market)

About a 10-minute walk from Plaza Colón in the center of Antofagasta, the Central Market boasts a grand exterior that you might not expect from a traditional market. It's always bustling with locals and is a perfect spot for tourists who want a glimpse into local life.
Established in 1920, the building serves as a marketplace for fresh food and everyday goods. Behind the market lies Sotomayor Plaza, which tourists also use as a place to rest. Inside the market, there’s a dining area where visitors can enjoy local Antofagasta dishes at affordable prices — making it a popular stop for food lovers.

◎ Summary

Antofagasta is both a tourist destination and a commercial town. With striking attractions like plazas, markets, unique rock formations, and an eye-catching hand monument, there’s plenty to see. The good climate and safe environment make it easy for international tourists to explore with peace of mind. When visiting northern Chile, be sure to stop by Antofagasta!

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Top 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Antofagasta, Northern Chile