Antofagasta is a port city on the northern coast of Chile, the capital of the Antofagasta Region. It sits on the Pacific shore with the desert rising close behind it, and it is known as a mining centre as well as a working harbour. Locals and visitors also use the shorter name Antofa.
What the city offers
Antofagasta is a practical base for exploring the north. Its position makes it a common gateway to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth, and many travellers come here to arrange trips inland before or after the coast. Because the city is built around its port and its mining industry, it has a working character: the waterfront and the streets are busy with trade rather than designed for tourism.
Who it suits
- Travellers using the city as a starting point for desert excursions into the Atacama.
- Visitors interested in Chile's mining and port economy and how it shapes the northern coast.
- Anyone who wants to combine a seaside stay with access to stark desert landscapes.
Planning a visit
Antofagasta works best as a stop on a longer northern route rather than a destination in its own right. Plan to spend time on the coast, then head inland to the desert, which is the main reason most people make the journey. Check local transport and tour options in advance, since the desert areas are some distance from the city centre and conditions there can be extreme.