Huasco

Huasco is a coastal port city of approximately 10,000 people at the mouth of the Huasco River in the Atacama Region, 50 km west of Vallenar. Founded in 1750, it was an important colonial-era port for gold and silver from the Copiapó Valley. The city is divided into two sectors: Huasco Alto (the new upper town) and Huasco Bajo (the historic port and fishing district). The climate is coastal desert — almost no rain, with mild temperatures (13–22°C) and frequent morning fog.

By Plane

Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO) in Copiapó is 180 km north. Buses from Vallenar run hourly (1 hr, CLP 2,500).

By Car / Road

From Vallenar, take Route C-46 west for 50 km (45 min). The road is paved. Buses from Vallenar run every 30 minutes.

Huasco Bajo is walkable. Taxis connect the lower and upper towns.

• Costanera de Huasco Bajo: the historic seafront with the old pier, fishing boats, and sea lion colonies.

• Plaza de Armas (Huasco Alto): a square with a monument to the Huasco sailors.

• Museo de Huasco: a small museum in a restored colonial building, focused on maritime history and archaeology.

• Iglesia de Huasco Bajo: a 19th-century wooden church painted in vivid blue and white.

• Beach: Playa Grande and Playa Huasco Bajo offer dark-sand beaches with calm swimming (the warmest water in the Atacama Region).

• Humboldt penguin boat tour: the Isla Huasco sea lion and penguin colony is accessible by boat from the pier (CLP 25,000–35,000 per person).

• Fishing: the pier is a popular shore-fishing spot.

• Restaurante Puerto Huasco (mid-range): seafood specialities — ceviche, caldillo de pescado, and mariscal. Mains CLP 7,000–14,000.
• Cocinería El Muelle (budget): fried fish and empanadas. Mains CLP 3,000–6,000.

Tap water is safe. Huasco has a few bars by the seafront.

• Budget: Hostal Huasco (shared CLP 10,000).
• Mid-range: Hotel Costanera (private rooms with sea view, CLP 35,000–50,000).

• Caleta de Pescadores: the fish market by the pier, selling fresh corvina, reineta, and locos. A kilo of shellfish costs CLP 4,000–6,000.

• Vallenar (50 km east, 45 min): capital of the Huasco Province with pisco route.
• Llanos de Challe National Park (70 km north, 1.5 hr): coastal fog desert park with endemic cactus.
• Carrizal Bajo (30 km north): a tiny fishing cove popular for surfing.
• Isla Chañaral (accessible by boat from Huasco): a Humboldt penguin reserve.