Diego de Almagro

Diego de Almagro is a mining commune in the Atacama Region, 175 km northeast of Copiapó in the high desert of the Cordillera Domeyko. Named after the Spanish conquistador, it has a population of approximately 14,000 and is one of the highest towns in the Atacama Region at 2,200 m. The town's economy is almost entirely based on the El Salvador copper mine, which has been operating since 1959 and is one of Codelco's divisions.

The climate is extreme desert — virtually no rain, large diurnal temperature swings (from below freezing at night to 30°C during the day), and strong winds. The landscape is stark, rocky, and intensely coloured by mineral oxides.

By Plane

Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO) in Copiapó is 175 km southwest. A bus from Copiapó takes 2.5 hours (CLP 6,000–8,000).

By Car / Road

From Copiapó, take Route 5 north to Chañaral (170 km, 2 hr), then Route C-17 east for 60 km (1 hr). The road is paved to Copiapó and Chañaral, then gravel. A 4x4 is recommended for the final section.

The town's grid layout is compact. The main street, Avenida O'Higgins, contains the shops and services.

• Plaza de Armas: a windswept square with a monument to the miners and the modern Iglesia de San José.

• Museo de Diego de Almagro: a small museum documenting the region's mining and railway history.

• Campamento minero: the company housing area around the El Salvador mine, visible from the road.

• El Salvador mine viewpoint: the open pit copper mine is visible from a designated lookout point on the eastern edge of town.

• Geology tours: the surrounding Cordillera Domeyko exposes a textbook sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rocks.

• Stargazing: the extreme dryness and altitude make this one of Chile's clearest night skies.

• Restaurante El Salvador (mid-range): Chilean mining-town cooking — grilled meats, cazuela, and pasta. Mains CLP 6,000–11,000.
• Cocinería La Unión (budget): simple empanadas and sandwiches. Mains CLP 3,000–5,000.

Tap water is safe but mineral-heavy. There are a few bars in town.

• Budget: Hostal El Salvador (shared rooms CLP 10,000–12,000).
• Mid-range: Hotel Diego de Almagro (private rooms CLP 35,000–50,000).

• Mercado Municipal: a small food market for basics.
• Almacenes O'Higgins: general stores on the main avenue.

• Chañaral (60 km west, 1 hr): Pan de Azúcar National Park and the Humboldt penguin colony.
• Copiapó (175 km southwest, 2.5 hr): the Atacama Region capital.
• Nevado Tres Cruces National Park (200 km south, 4 hr): high-altitude volcanoes and flamingo lagoons.
• Salar de Pedernales (80 km southeast): a remote salt flat with flamingo populations.