Chuquicamata

Chuquicamata is not a town but the world's largest open-pit copper mine, located 15 km north of Calama in the Antofagasta Region of Chile. Operated by Codelco, the state-owned mining company, the pit measures roughly 4.5 km long, 3.5 km wide, and has reached a depth exceeding 1,200 metres — making it one of the largest man-made excavations on the planet.

The name Chuquicamata comes from the Quechua word chuki (spear or metal) and camata (place of). Mining has been active here for over a century, producing millions of tonnes of copper. In 2020, operations began transitioning to an underground block-caving mine, extending the site's life for decades. For travellers, a visit to Chuquicamata offers an awe-inspiring view of industrial scale and an insight into the resource that drives Chile's economy.

By Plane

The nearest commercial airport is El Loa Airport (CJC, IATA: CJC) in Calama, 20 km south. LATAM, Sky, and JetSmart operate daily flights from Santiago (2.5 hr). From the airport, a taxi to the mine costs about CLP 12,000–15,000.

By Car / Road

From Calama, take Route 25 north toward Chuquicamata. The mine entrance is well signposted, about a 20-minute drive. A hire car or taxi is the easiest option. Buses from Calama to the Chuquicamata camp run infrequently; check with local operators.

The public viewing platform and museum are within walking distance of the mine entrance car park. Access to the pit rim or underground operations is restricted to guided tours operated by Codelco. Do not wander onto unmarked roads or into operational areas.

• Mirador del Cielo Abierto: a designated public viewing platform on the northern rim of the open pit, offering a vertiginous view into the vast terraced excavation. Trucks the size of houses appear as specks at the bottom.

• Museo de Sitio Chuquicamata: located in the camp's former social club, the museum traces the history of mining in the area from pre-Columbian times through the American Smelting era to modern Codelco operations. Free entry, Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00.

• Antigua Oficina de Chuquicamata: the original 1915 administrative building, a wooden structure with classic mining-era architecture.

• Campamento Chuquicamata: the former company town — now largely abandoned — with rows of identical houses, a church, and a theatre, offering a ghost-town atmosphere.

• Guided mine tour (Tour Operacional): a 4-hour bus tour that travels inside the pit, stops at key viewpoints, and explains the extraction and processing operations. Tours run Mon–Fri at 09:00 and 14:00. Book at least 2 weeks in advance through Codelco's tourism office in Calama (CLP 15,000 per person). Requirements: closed shoes, long trousers, no loose jewellery.

• Photography: the pit is a spectacular subject. The best light is early morning (08:00–10:00) when the sun illuminates the terraced walls.

• Visit the Calama mining district: combine your visit with the Eduardo Abaroa Metallurgical Complex and other mining heritage sites in the Calama area.

There are no restaurants on the mine site. Bring a packed lunch or eat before you arrive. The Chuquicamata camp has a workers' casino (cafeteria) that may admit visitors with a guide. Calama offers many restaurants — try El Arriero for grilled meats (mains CLP 8,000–15,000).

Tap water in Calama and Chuquicamata is safe but heavily mineralised. The high altitude (2,800 m) means hydration is important — drink plenty of bottled water. Pisco and local beers (Cerveza Cristal) are widely available in Calama restaurants after the tour.

There are no accommodation options at the mine itself. Stay in Calama:

• Budget: Hostal Calama (dorm beds from CLP 12,000, central).
• Mid-range: Hotel Diego de Almagro Calama (CLP 50,000–70,000, comfortable business hotel).
• Upscale: Enjoy Hotel Calama (CLP 80,000–120,000, best in town, with pool and restaurant).

The museum has a gift shop with copper souvenirs (jewellery, ornaments, miniature truck replicas). The Calama city centre has more extensive shopping.

• Calama (15 km south, 20 min): the nearest city, with the El Loa Museum and the La Parroquia de San Juan Bautista church.
• San Pedro de Atacama (100 km southeast, 1.5 hr): the Atacama Desert tourism hub — Valle de la Luna, geysers, salt flats, and stargazing.
• Llullaillaco National Park (south of San Pedro de Atacama): home to the high-altitude Llullaillaco volcano and well-preserved Inca mummies.
• Los Flamencos National Reserve (near San Pedro): flamingo-dotted salt lagoons at the foot of the Licancabur volcano.
• Volcán Juriques (border with Bolivia): a striking symmetrical cone accessible on a full-day tour from San Pedro.