Antofagasta is a city in Northern Chile. The Atacama desert rises in the east and the Pacfic Ocean provides a western limit. This is an industrial centre in the region and is perhaps the least pleasant city in the north. A refurbished seafront makes this city more attractive for tourists. Travellers heading to San Pedro de Atacama and between the far north and central Chile might find it a convenient stopover.
- Sernatur, Paseo Prat 384, just off Plaza Colon. Helpful tourist information with maps on the city and the region.
Sernatur, Paseo Prat 384, just off Plaza Colon. Helpful tourist information with maps on the city and the region.
-NwbHl.medium.jpg)
- La Portada, a natural rock arch formation between Antofagasta and Mejillones.
- Ruinas de Huanchaca, the vestiges of an old iron foundry.
- La Mano del Desierto, a sculpture of giant hand rising from the sand. 75 km south of the city.
[[Northern_Chile#See|La Portada]], a natural rock arch formation between Antofagasta and [[Mejillones]].
Ruinas de Huanchaca, the vestiges of an old iron foundry.
La Mano del Desierto, a sculpture of giant hand rising from the sand. 75 km south of the city.
- Sea lions, pelicans and smaller birds getting fed on fish waste in the fishermen´s harbour.
- The sunset from the seafront walk to the south.
A nice sunny weather, make going to the multiple artificial beaches along the coast an enjoyable activity for any season.
Beaches at the area are:
Balneario Municipal
- Cinemas in the two large seafront malls.
- Walk the pedestrian mall that links the two main squares, Plaza Sotomayor with its market, and Plaza Colon with its Big Ben replica.
- Georgio pizza, 14 de febrero 2403 (in the corner with Calle Boliviar), +56 55 789157. Great pizzas in an unpretentious and pleasant atmosphere. Take away available. Pizza and drinks for two is CLP$7000. No beer.
- More than a dozen tiny restaurants at the Mercado, Plaza Sotomayor. All offer set lunches at CLP$1500. Number 67 is good.
Georgio pizza, 14 de febrero 2403 (in the corner with Calle Boliviar), +56 55 789157. Great pizzas in an unpretentious and pleasant atmosphere. Take away available. Pizza and drinks for two is CLP$7000. No beer.
- The bars in the center are either strip clubs or purely male workers' hang-outs (the girls you see are at work).
- The pedestrian Paseo Arturo Prat has a couple of pavement cafes, that are good for people watching.
- A few decent spots along Av. O´Higgins (a.k.a. Av. Brasil), and also the seafront parallel to it.
- The otherwise standard hellish food court of the Mall Plaza has a neat outside area with a couple of bars and restaurants.
- Wally´s Pub, Antonio Toro 982 (By the South end of O´Higgins. A genuine ex-pats hang-out, neatly laid out, with a full restaurant menu. Warm and friendly with a great atmosphere. Small beer CLP$2000, main course CLP$9000.
Wally´s Pub, Antonio Toro 982 (By the South end of O´Higgins. A genuine ex-pats hang-out, neatly laid out, with a full restaurant menu. Warm and friendly with a great atmosphere. Small beer CLP$2000, main course CLP$9000.
Beware of pickpockets at the bus terminals when leaving. They'll try to snatch your belongings when you load your bags into the buses. Always park your private vehicle in guarded parking lot (estacionamiento). The free guarded parking at supermarkets is not safe.
- Greece Greece, General Velasquez 1131, +56 5-578-9162.
- Germany Germany, Universidad Catolica del Norte Dpto. de Quimica, Avda. Angamos 0610, +56 5-535-5608. Konsul: Dr Susana de Lourdes Stegen
Greece Greece, General Velasquez 1131, +56 5-578-9162.
Germany Germany, Universidad Catolica del Norte Dpto. de Quimica, Avda. Angamos 0610, +56 5-535-5608. Konsul: Dr Susana de Lourdes Stegen
- Any bus heading for Mejillones will let you off at the road cross by La Portada, from where there is a 3-km walk to see a natural stone arch in the sea.
Any bus heading for [[Mejillones]] will let you off at the road cross by La Portada, from where there is a 3-km walk to see a natural stone arch in the sea.