How to visit Chuquicamata: one of the world's largest open-pit mines

Calama is not known as a tourist city; rather, its urban life revolves around mining, the region's largest productive activity. Many travelers use it only as a stopover, not realizing that just 18 kilometers away lies Chuquicamata, the world's largest open-pit mine. Below, we tell you everything you need to know to visit Chuquicamata and enjoy it without spending a dime.

You've surely heard of Chuquicamata. This mining deposit is located 18 kilometers north of the city of Calama and is the productive heart of Chile's Antofagasta region.

Its most well-known characteristic is its size, being the world's largest open-pit mine, even visible from space. This mine measures 4.3 kilometers long, 3 kilometers wide, and 1 kilometer deep.

Did you know you can visit this wonderful mining feat for free? That's right. After being suspended due to the covid pandemic, as of January 20, 2025, you can visit the mine again. Although San Pedro de Atacama is the star tourist attraction in the area, if your schedule allows, Nomades recommends visiting Chuquicamata, which represents the heart of mining Chile and its spectacular engineering advances.

What does the guided tour at Chuquicamata mine include and what will you see?

The guided tour allows you to explore firsthand how miners lived in the famous nearby camp that was inhabited between 1915 and 2007, the industrial area including the World Shovel, an impressive testament to mid-twentieth century technology, and later the Mirador Mina Rajo. From there you'll have a view that will take your breath away and allow you to grasp the gigantic scale of the mine.

Flickr: Codelco

How much does it cost and how can I visit Chuquicamata?

This tour organized by Codelco is completely free. All you need to do is book your spots in advance. Send an email to visitas@codelco.cl with your name (or the name of the reservation holder), the number of people who will take the tour (with a maximum of 10 depending on available space), an email address, and a contact phone number.

Flickr: Codelco

Important. The day before your visit, you should confirm your reservation through the same email or by calling (56) 55 2322122. If you don't complete this step, your reservation could be canceled to make room for those on the waiting list. Being a good traveler means thinking of others, so we ask that you cancel your reservation if you won't be attending, so others can enjoy this tour.

When and where does the visit take place?

This free tour to Chuquicamata has daily departures on Mondays and Thursdays, except on holidays, departing at 1 p.m. (always confirm the time). If you already have your reservation confirmed, you must go to the Codelco Norte Visits office in Calama, located at Avenida Granaderos 4025, corner of Avenida Central Sur, Villa Ayquina.

Driving? This office has parking and a coat check where you can leave your car and belongings (you are not allowed to leave any valuables, such as passport, money, and/or jewelry). To help you plan, we'll let you know that this tour ends around 5 p.m. and you don't have to pay anything.

General recommendations

During your tour of this gigantic mine, you'll visit several industrial sectors, so you need to follow some safety recommendations before and during your visit to Chuquicamata.

Flickr: Codelco

Clothing: Knowing that you'll be going to an industrial plant where chemicals and heavy materials are handled, you can't even think about wearing flip-flops. Codelco requires long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. It also prohibits short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, shorts, skirts, sandals, or open-toe shoes.

Health precautions: Due to the desert nature of the area, it's recommended to bring plenty of water to drink (1 liter per person), good sunscreen, and sunglasses. If you suffer from any medical condition (asthma, hypertension, or heart problems), you must inform the staff before starting the tour so they can react promptly to any emergency.

Prohibitions: This tour is not suitable for women more than 5 months pregnant, nor for children under 7 years old. Additionally, pets and domestic animals are not allowed.

Have you visited Chuquicamata? If you have, tell us about your experience and help other travelers discover this great tourist attraction.