Saltpeter Routes - Mining Tourism Saltpeter Routes - Mining Tourism
Mining of saltpeter or nitrate – natural fertilizer and raw material for the fabrication of powder – deeply marked the history of Chile. So much so that the War of the Pacific or of Nitrate (1879-1883) between Bolivia-Peru and Chile marked a before and after in the limits of Atacama.
There are saltpeter minings and vestiges of the glorious epoch of the "white gold" near San Pedro.
Chacabuco, located between Calama and Antofagasta, was declared National Historical Monument in 1971. It is properly signalized for a guided visit and there is an exposition in its Theater
Maria Elena, located 180 km. from San Pedro, was inaugurated in 1926 and is at present the last nitrate Company that is in full operation. It has a "Nitrate Museum".
At a distance of 30 km. lies Pedro de Valdivia. This Oficina closed its camp in 1996 but its industrial plant remained active. It is possible to run through its camp, that was declared National Monument in 1996.
More information on http://www.rutasdeldesierto.cl
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