Silversea Expedition Cruises A ANTOFAGASTA

Discover the splendid sights, architecture and history of Northern Chile during this scenic sightseeing excursion in Antofagasta.

Antofagasta City Tour
Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the Historical Centre of Antofagasta. Upon arrival, leave your coach for a short, guided walking tour around Plaza Colon, the main square of the city. Pass by the Clock Tower, Bandstand, Old Customs House, former Railway Station, old nitrate dock, fishing port, and the pedestrian zone.

Huanchaca Ruins
Next, re-board your coach for the drive south, past the university campus and on to the striking remains of Huanchaca, a 19th–century Bolivian silver refinery. After an exterior photo stop, your drive continues along the coast for approximately 10 miles (about 16 kilometres) to La Portada.

La Portada Lookout
Upon arrival, proceed to a lookout for spectacular panoramic views of La Portada and the city to the south. Following your visit, commence the approximately 30-minute return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 2,953 feet (about 900 metres), with some steps to negotiate in the main square and at the La Portada Lookout.

Antofagasta, meaning in Quechua "town of the great salt lands", rose from the desert like a mirage, thanks to the industry producing nitrates, which for several decades were one of Chile's main exports. Antofagasta became the largest city of the "Norte Grande" region, as a result of the mining boom that took place in the 19th century. The historic district is home to several historic Victorian buildings, and the clock tower of the Plaza Colón is an exact replica of the Big Ben. The highlight of the shoreline is La Portada, an enormous rock located north of town which the sea has steadily eroded into a dramatic natural arch.

Drive from the pier towards the south to the Huanchaca Ruins, the remains of a large silver smelter that was constructed by Bolivian, Chilean and English engineers to treat silver ore brought over the mountains from the famous silver deposits of Pulacayo and Oruro.

Leave your vehicle to begin your walking tour through the historic district, which includes a group of buildings belonging to the Ancient Port facilities, all of them declared National Monuments. These buildings include the Former Coast Guard Light House, constructed in 1910, the Former Clearance House, constructed in 1910, the Former Customs Office built in Oregon pine, housing today the Regional Museum and the Former Port Authority Office.

At the Regional Museum see objects related to the geological and natural history of northern Chile, while a section is devoted to the War of the Pacific and the Nitrate Era. Also visit the former Train Station from outside, where an old train is exhibited in a beautiful patio.

Finally walk a few yards up to the fishing wharf, where there will time to observe the picturesque panoramas with sea-lions, pelicans and fishing boats. Continue to the Antofagasta Yacht Club where the chef will be waiting to give a demonstration of local delicious appetizers that you will learn to make and enjoy.

Re-join your vehicle to drive north 30 minutes alongside the coastal road to reach La Portada Monument, a beautiful spot for photographs, and the perfect place for a cheerful toast, to say goodbye to Antofagasta, in front of its city's magnificent symbol. Return drive to the pier.

Discover Chilean history and cuisine on this colorful walking tour of Antofagasta. After a 30-minute transfer, leave your vehicle to begin your tour at the fish market, observing the picturesque panoramas with sea-lions, pelicans and fishing boats. Walk along the coast of Antofagasta with a stop at a national monument, the Melbourne Clark Pier, also known as Historic Pier.

Make your way the Former Customs Office that is today the Regional Museum and step inside. At the museum you can see objects related to the geological and natural history of northern Chile, with a sect is devoted to the War of the Pacific and the historic, brief Nitrate Era that created an industrial boom in the late 19^th century that led to a bust in the early 20^th century.

Continue to Gibb House, and interesting building of eclectic architecture that was built during the saltpeter times. Rejoin the bus to drive to the restaurant where famous chef Pablo Godoy shows you some Chilean classic preparations, providing you with a memorable opportunity to try some fresh local products.

Make the short return drive to the pier.

Boat Tour Sightseeing, Sea-lions, Pelicans, Dolphins Watching, Refreshment