Mamina

Mamina is a small altiplano village of approximately 500 people in the Tarapacá Region, 130 km east of Iquique at 3,000 m elevation. It is a traditional Aymara village set in a dramatic valley of the Cordillera Occidental, known for its pre-Columbian terraced agriculture and adobe church.

By Plane

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique is 130 km west. Access is by 4x4 from Huara or Camiña.

By Car / Road

From Iquique, take Route 16 east to Pozo Almonte, then an unpaved road north-east for 130 km (3 hr in 4x4).

The town centre is compact and walkable. Local taxis and colectivos cover the residential areas.

• Iglesia de Mamina: a small adobe church with a bell tower.

• Pre-Columbian terraces: ancient Aymara agricultural terraces.

• Petroglyphs: rock carvings near the village.

• Cultural tourism: the Aymara community offers homestay experiences.

• Hiking: trails through the steep valley.

• Cocinería Mamina (budget): simple local food. Mains CLP 3,000–5,000.

Tap water is safe to drink. There are a few simple bars and cafés on the main square.

• Budget: Hospedaje Mamina (basic shared CLP 10,000).

• Mercado local: a small market selling fresh produce and basic goods.
• Almacenes de la plaza: grocery stores for daily needs.

• Huara (55 km west, 1.5 hr): nitrate ghost towns.
• Camiña (40 km south, 1.5 hr): Inca terraces.
• Iquique (130 km west, 3 hr): regional capital.
• Colchane (40 km northeast, 1.5 hr): Bolivian border.