Antofagasta Port Guide

ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE

Known as the “Pearl of the North,” Antofagasta is a bustling coastal city surrounded by arid desert and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Northern Chile offers a mix of natural wonders, mining history, and urban charm.

KEY INFO

PORT LOCATION AND FACILITIES

Ships dock at the Port of Antofagasta, an industrial port located 2 km from the city centre (10-min drive).

Facilities: Shuttle buses are required to leave the port area. Shuttle bus stops at Plaza Colon.
Port Address: Empresa Portuaria Antofagasta (EPA) – Avenida Grecia S/N, Antofagasta, Chile.

Getting Around: Antofagasta is relatively walkable in the city centre. Public buses are available, costing around 700 CLP ($0.90 USD) per ride and accepting cash only. Taxis and colectivos (shared taxis) are the best options for longer distances.

Taxis: Taxis operate on set fares. Typical fare to the city centre is 3,000-4,000 CLP ($4-$5 USD).

Tourist Bus: There is no Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus in Antofagasta. Private tours can be arranged.

For more information: Visit https://www.chile.travel/en/where-to-go/destination/antofagasta/

ANTOFAGASTA HIGHLIGHTS

Plaza Colón: The main square featuring a clock tower gifted by the British in 1910 to commemorate Chile’s independence centennial. 24 hours | Free | 1 km (15-min walk) from port.

Huanchaca Ruins Museum: Ruins of a silver smelter that opened in 1892. English translations via a web link. 10a-8p (Tue-Sun) | 2,000 CLP | 4 km (10-min drive) from port. www.ruinasdehuanchaca.cl

Museo de Antofagasta: From pre-Columbian times to the nitrate boom. No English translations.
9a-5:30p (Tue-Fri), 11a-2:30p (Sat-Sun) | Free | 1.4 km (20-min walk) from port. www.museodeantofagasta.cl

Catedral de Antofagasta: The main cathedral in one of the historic buildings that lines the Plaza Colon. Hours unknown | Free | 1 km (15-min walk) from port.

Mallplaza Antofagasta: The primary shopping mall, and very convenient for the port.
10:30a-8:30p (Mon-Sat), 11a-8p (Sun) | Free | 800m (10-min walk) from port. www.mallplaza.com

Mercado Central de Antofagasta: For the authentic local shopping experience.
9a-7p (Mon-Sat), 9a-5p (Sun) | Free | 750m (10-min walk) from port.

BEACHES NEAR ANTOFAGASTA

Playa Paraíso: A calm beach ideal for swimming and family outings.
24 hours | Free | 2 km (30-min walk) from port.

Playa Croacia: Urban beach with calm waters and amenities. Family friendly atmosphere.
24 hours | Free | 2 km (30-min walk) from port.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Estacion O’Higgins: A historic railway station in the desert, once a vital hub for Chile’s nitrate trade, now abandoned, though serving as a cultural landmark. 24 Hours | Free | 19km (30-min drive) from port.

Chacabuco Nitrate Town: An abandoned nitrate town that offers a glimpse into Chile’s mining history. Guided tours available. | 9a-5p | 5,000 CLP | 90 km (1.5-hour drive) from port.

Cerro Paranal Observatory: The world’s most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory.
Guided Tours only (Saturdays) | Free | 130 km (2.5-hour drive) from port. www.eso.org/paranal

San Pedro de Atacama: A charming desert town known for its adobe architecture, boutique shops, and access to nearby natural wonders. 24 hours | Free | 300 km (5-hour drive) from port.

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TIPPING CUSTOMS

Optional. Restaurants often add 10% service charge. Small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated.

FOOD & DRINK

Pastel de Choclo: A savoury corn pie filled with meat, eggs, and olives, baked to perfection.

Chorrillana: A hearty dish of fries topped with beef, onions, and fried eggs.

Pisco Sour: Chile’s version of the iconic cocktail, made with pisco, lime juice, syrup, and egg white.

Empanadas de Mariscos: Flaky pastries stuffed with seafood, a coastal favourite.

SOUVENIR TOP TIPS

Shop for copper crafts, alpaca wool products, and traditional pottery. Local salt and minerals from the Atacama Desert also make unique gifts.

FUN FACT: WHAT THE O’HIGGINS?!

The name O’Higgins pops up a lot because of Bernardo O’Higgins, who was a Chilean Independence leader and became the country’s first head of state. His father, Ambrosio O’Higgins, was born in Ireland but went on to become the Viceroy of Peru under the Spanish. His mother was a Chilean of Spanish descent.

LOCAL LINGO