Discover the history of saltpeter in Humberstone and Santa Laura, learn about the religious tradition of La Tirana and enjoy the landscapes, flavors and cultural treasures of the oases of Pica and Matilla.
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Embark on an experience that combines history, culture, and nature in the heart of the Atacama Desert . Explore old nitrate mining towns, discover the traditions of northern Chile, and be amazed by the vibrant life in the oases of Pica and Matilla .
The adventure begins at the historic Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpeter works, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . Walk among their old facilities, buildings, and industrial spaces to learn how the saltpeter industry, known as "white gold," developed and what life was like for those who lived in these iconic offices in the heart of the desert.
The journey continues to La Tirana , a town deeply rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of northern Chile. Along the way, you'll appreciate the characteristic landscapes of the Pampa del Tamarugal and discover part of the region's ancestral heritage.
Later, be amazed by the Pica Oasis , a true haven of tropical vegetation and fruits surrounded by arid landscapes. Enjoy its local flavors, with natural fruit juices, traditional sweets, and the famous Pica alfajores . You'll also have the opportunity to visit Cocha Resbaladero , a semi-thermal pool (access is optional).
The experience includes a visit to Jurassic Park , where dinosaur replicas add an entertaining touch to the tour, especially for families. Finally, you'll arrive at the Matilla Oasis , where you can explore its historical legacy through the old 18th-century Spanish wine press , its church, and its bell tower—vestiges of the area's colonial history.
An ideal excursion to discover the contrasts of northern Chile, from the legacy of the nitrate era to the cultural and natural richness of its oases, on a journey full of history, flavors and amazing landscapes.
Low
Suitable for the activity
Includes: Certified guide (English or Spanish) and professional driver / Snack on route, Lunch in a typical restaurant or Box Lunch in case of an Altiplano excursion without restaurants on the route.
Salimos temprano y el ambiente fue muy ameno: éramos un grupo chico, con viajeros de distintas edades y un guía atento que hizo participar a todos. Visitamos pueblos salitreros, caminamos entre vestigios y disfrutamos el oasis con sus naranjos. El baño en las termas y probar mango helado cerraron un día variado y entretenido.
Starting with the saltpeter towns and ending among Pica’s oasis gardens, this day was brilliantly paced. Our guide mixed mining history with local stories, then we visited a tiny museum, tasted fresh mango, and soaked our feet in the Cocha Resbaladero. Pick-up was punctual, transport comfortable, and every stop felt organized without being rushed. A fantastic first international family adventure!
Durante minha viagem em família, fiz este passeio sozinho e adorei o clima tranquilo do grupo. Éramos poucos, com gente curiosa e um guia bem-humorado, sem correria. Visitamos Pica, caminhamos entre árvores e fontes do oásis, provamos uma limonada de manga e ouvimos histórias sobre o salitre. Depois, as paisagens áridas e antigas instalações industriais mudaram completamente o cenário. Também houve tempo para fotos, artesanato e observar o contraste entre o verde e o deserto. A organização foi pontual, e o grupo deixou tudo mais agradável.
Was für ein abwechslungsreicher Tag! Schon im Bus nach Pica war die Stimmung locker: Wir kamen schnell mit einem Paar aus Österreich und unserer gut gelaunten Reiseleiterin ins Gespräch. In der Oase probierten wir süße Orangen, schlenderten durch die grünen Gassen und genossen eine kurze Pause bei den Thermalbecken. Danach wechselten sich Geschichte und Landschaft ab – besonders beeindruckend waren die alten Salpetergebäude und die weite Wüstenkulisse. Beim gemeinsamen Mittagessen wurde viel gelacht. Die Mischung aus Kultur, Natur und netter Gruppe hat unseren Sommertag perfekt gemacht.
Pour l’anniversaire de notre fils, cette excursion en famille était parfaitement rythmée : départ d’Iquique, découverte des anciens villages salpêtriers, explications sur leur histoire, puis route vers l’oasis de Pica. On a apprécié la diversité entre patrimoine, paysages désertiques et moment de détente aux thermes. Notre guide a même adapté le temps de baignade et nous a montré une ancienne gare avec sa locomotive rouillée.
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