6 Best Tourist spots & Things to Do in Antofagasta | Apr 2025
Punta Arenas and Magellan Strait Tour
You can customize tours. Change the Regional Museum for another of your choice. We also go to more places than the other tours that do city tours and Fuerte Bulnes.
4.06 (51 reviews)
From $200.00
Private Transfer from Andrés Sabella (ANF) Airport to Antofagasta
Take the worry out of your arrival to Andrés Sabella (ANF) Airport and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 10 people).
From $62.37
Private Transfer from Antofagasta to Andrés Sabella (ANF) Airport
Take the worry out of your departure to Andrés Sabella (ANF) Airport and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group size (up to 10 people).
5.00 (1 reviews)
From $62.37
Antofagasta Treasures: A Walking Tour
Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends.
From $203.42
Gems of Antofagasta – Romantic Tour
An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city.
From $203.42
Altiplanicos Towns Tour
A unique experience in the open air, touring the Chilean highlands, where you find yourself in the pass with wonderful landscapes and local fauna that will delight the environment.
From $235.90
What activities can I do in Antofagasta?
1. Visit La Portada: This iconic natural rock formation is a must-see attraction in Antofagasta. Located just outside the city, it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is a great spot for photography. 2. Explore the Historic District: Take a stroll through Antofagasta's historic district to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about the city's history. Highlights include the Plaza Colón, the Antofagasta Regional Museum, and the Clock Tower. 3. Enjoy the Beaches: Antofagasta is known for its beautiful beaches. Playa Paraíso and Playa Trocadero are popular spots for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. You can also enjoy fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurants. 4. Visit the Ruins of Huanchaca: Explore the Huanchaca Ruins, a former silver smelter that now serves as a cultural center. The site offers guided tours, exhibitions, and a museum that showcases the region's mining history. 5. Discover La Portada Natural Park: If you're a nature lover, don't miss a visit to La Portada Natural Park. This protected area is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and you can hike along the trails to enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes. 6. Explore the Hand of the Desert: Located about an hour outside of Antofagasta, the Hand of the Desert is a giant sculpture rising from the desert landscape. It's a unique and impressive sight that attracts many visitors. 7. Take a Trip to the Salar de Atacama: While it's a bit of a drive from Antofagasta, a visit to the Salar de Atacama is well worth it. This vast salt flat offers stunning landscapes, flamingo-filled lagoons, and the opportunity to witness unforgettable sunsets. 8. Visit the Tropic of Capricorn Monument: Located just south of Antofagasta, this monument marks the Tropic of Capricorn. It's a great spot for photos and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. 9. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Antofagasta is known for its delicious seafood. Don't miss the opportunity to try local dishes like ceviche, empanadas de mariscos (seafood turnovers), and paila marina (seafood soup). 10. Attend the Festival of La Tirana: If you happen to visit in July, make sure to experience the Festival of La Tirana. This traditional religious celebration features vibrant costumes, music, dance, and a lively atmosphere. Remember to check the local COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions before visiting any attractions or participating in events.
When is the best time to travel to Antofagasta?
The best time to travel to Antofagasta, Chile is during the months of October to April. This is the summer season in the region, characterized by warm and dry weather with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). During this time, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and indulge in water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The clear skies also make it a great time for stargazing, as Antofagasta is known for its excellent astronomical conditions. However, it's important to note that Antofagasta can be quite hot and dry, with minimal rainfall throughout the year. If you prefer milder temperatures, you may consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when the weather is still pleasant but not as scorching hot. It's worth mentioning that Antofagasta is a popular destination for observing solar eclipses. If there is an upcoming eclipse, it would be an extraordinary time to visit, as the region offers some of the best views of these celestial events.
Travel culture you should know when traveling to Antofagasta
Antofagasta is a city located in the northern part of Chile, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. Here are some key aspects of the travel culture in Antofagasta: 1. Cultural Diversity: Antofagasta is a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from indigenous groups, Spanish settlers, and immigrants from various countries. This diversity is reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine, and traditions. 2. Mining Heritage: Antofagasta has a strong mining heritage, with copper mining being a significant industry in the region. Visitors can learn about the history of mining by visiting museums like the Regional Museum of Antofagasta and the Huanchaca Ruins. 3. Festivals and Celebrations: The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, celebrating local traditions and cultural events. One of the most popular festivals is the ""Fiesta de la Tirana,"" a religious celebration that combines indigenous and Catholic traditions. 4. Gastronomy: Antofagasta offers a wide variety of culinary delights, influenced by its diverse population. Visitors can enjoy traditional Chilean dishes like empanadas, seafood specialties, and traditional desserts like alfajores. 5. Art and Music: Antofagasta has a vibrant art scene, with numerous galleries and cultural centers showcasing local and international artists. The city also hosts music festivals and concerts, featuring a mix of traditional Chilean music and contemporary genres. 6. Outdoor Activities: Antofagasta is surrounded by natural beauty, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the desert landscapes. The nearby La Portada natural monument is a popular attraction, known for its stunning rock formations. 7. Historical Sites: The city has several historical sites that showcase its colonial past, such as the Plaza Colón and the Cathedral of Antofagasta. Visitors can also explore the ruins of Huanchaca, a former silver smelter. Overall, Antofagasta offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in exploring Chile's northern region.
Shopping list or souvenirs to buy when traveling to Antofagasta
When visiting Antofagasta, Chile, there are several shopping items and souvenirs that you can consider: 1. Lapis Lazuli Jewelry: Chile is known for its high-quality lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone. You can find beautiful jewelry pieces like rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made with lapis lazuli. 2. Alpaca Wool Products: Look for items made from alpaca wool, such as sweaters, scarves, gloves, and hats. Alpaca wool is soft, warm, and durable, making it a great souvenir to bring back home. 3. Pisco: Chile is famous for its pisco, a grape brandy. You can find different varieties and brands of pisco in local liquor stores. Consider buying a bottle or two to enjoy or gift to friends and family. 4. Handicrafts: Antofagasta is home to talented artisans who create beautiful handicrafts. Look for items like pottery, ceramics, woven textiles, and wood carvings. These unique pieces reflect the local culture and traditions. 5. Sea Salt: Antofagasta is located on the coast, known for its salt flats. You can find high-quality sea salt harvested from the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular souvenir item and can be found in specialty stores. 6. Copper Crafts: Chile is the largest producer of copper in the world, and Antofagasta is a significant mining hub. Look for copper crafts like sculptures, jewelry, and decorative items, which make for unique and meaningful souvenirs. 7. Traditional Food Products: Antofagasta is known for its delicious seafood, particularly fish and shellfish. Consider purchasing dried fish or shellfish, merkén (a traditional spice blend), or local sauces and condiments to bring a taste of Antofagasta back home. 8. Chilean Wine: Chile is renowned for its wine production, and you can find a wide variety of Chilean wines in Antofagasta. Look for bottles from well-known wine regions like Casablanca Valley or Maipo Valley. Remember to check the customs regulations of your home country regarding the importation of certain items, especially food and alcohol products.
Antofagasta travel review
Antofagasta, Chile: A Hidden Gem in the Desert Nestled along the Pacific coast of northern Chile, Antofagasta is a captivating city that often gets overlooked by travelers. With its unique blend of desert landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, this hidden gem offers a truly unforgettable experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. One of the city's most striking features is its stunning desert scenery. As you wander through the streets, you will be greeted by the sight of towering sand dunes and vast stretches of arid land. The contrasting colors of the desert against the deep blue of the ocean create a mesmerizing backdrop that is perfect for photography enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific, casting a golden glow over the desert landscape. For those seeking adventure, Antofagasta is a paradise. The nearby Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, offers a plethora of outdoor activities. From sandboarding down the dunes to exploring the lunar-like landscapes of Valle de la Luna, there is no shortage of adrenaline-pumping experiences. Nature lovers can also embark on a tour to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the El Tatio Geysers, where hot springs shoot water high into the air against the backdrop of the Andean mountains. History buffs will be enthralled by Antofagasta's rich past, which is deeply intertwined with the mining industry. The city was once a booming mining town, and remnants of its industrial heritage can still be seen today. A visit to the Huanchaca Ruins, a former silver refinery, will transport you back in time to the height of the mining era. Explore the crumbling buildings and learn about the lives of the workers who toiled in these mines. Antofagasta is also home to several fascinating museums that offer insights into the region's history and culture. The Regional Museum of Antofagasta showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, ranging from pre-Columbian pottery to colonial-era art. The Ruinas de Huanchaca Museum provides a deeper understanding of the city's mining history through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. No visit to Antofagasta would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The city's coastal location means that seafood is a staple in the local diet. Sample mouthwatering dishes such as ceviche, a refreshing mix of raw fish marinated in citrus juices, or paila marina, a hearty seafood soup. Wash it all down with a glass of pisco sour, Chile's national cocktail, made from the country's signature grape brandy. Antofagasta may not be as well-known as other Chilean destinations, but it is a hidden gem that should not be missed. From its captivating desert landscapes to its rich mining history and vibrant culture, this city offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to discover the hidden treasures of Antofagasta, Chile.