Find yourself at one of the southern hemisphere's most renowned geographical points and then explore the historic towns of Baquedano and Chacabuco.
Boarding your coach at the pier, you'll leave Antofagasta behind and travel north on the Pan-American Highway. As you drive through the desert, you will pass several copper mines before reaching the Tropic of Capricorn, where a recently-built monument marks this famous spot. After a brief stop for photos, you will continue on to the small town of Baquedano which was once an important junction of the Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway Company. Here, you will stop for a visit of the old railway station which houses an interesting collection of old locomotives that were used in the nitrate industry.
From Baquedano you will continue on to Chacabuco, once a large nitrate town built in 1922 for workers of the nearby nitrate plant. The town was abandoned after nitrate prices fell below market sustainability levels and was largely untouched until put into use again between 1973 and 1975 by the Pinochet government as a concentration camp for political prisoners. In recent years, the old buildings have been restored using funds granted by the German government. During your visit you will be able to visit a worker's house, the church, theater, stores and the mineral plants. Afterwards, you'll re-board your coach for the relaxing 90-minute ride back to the pier in Antofagasta.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 2.5 hours of moderate walking/standing and approximately 2 hours of travel in the coach. There may be some steps and uneven surfaces to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns who are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing that should include a sweater and light raincoat or umbrella; sunglasses; and flat, waterproof walking shoes are recommended.