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“SALTPETER WORKS GHOST TOWNS“ Tour

IQUIQUE, Tarapacá Region
“SALTPETER WORKS GHOST TOWNS“ Tour
Overview

“SALTPETER WORKS GHOST TOWNS“ Tour

Discover the captivating saltpeter mines of Humberstone and Santa Laura – a breathtaking journey into the heart of Chile’s industrial past! These UNESCO World Heritage sites invite you to explore vast, beautifully preserved mining towns where history comes alive amid the stunning backdrop of the Atacama Desert. Walk through charming streets lined with historic buildings, marvel at impressive mining machinery, and uncover fascinating stories of the saltpeter boom that once fueled global progress. Perfect for history buffs, adventure seekers, and culture lovers alike, a visit to Humberstone and Santa Laura promises an unforgettable experience filled with mystery, heritage, and timeless desert beauty. Don’t miss your chance to step into a world frozen in time!

Itinerary

  • Embark on a captivating morning adventure starting at 9:00 AM with a comfortable pickup from your hotel to the legendary saltpeter towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura, both proudly recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Dive into the fascinating tale of “white gold” — the valuable saltpeter that once powered Chile’s economy and connected continents from Europe to the USA. Wander through Humberstone’s unforgettable landmarks: the charming theater, bustling market, historic hospital, quaint general store, and even its vintage tennis court, each echoing stories of a vibrant past.

  • At Santa Laura, stroll among the dramatic ruins of the industrial plant and explore the historic administration house, now transformed into a captivating museum. Feel the unique energy of these haunting ghost towns where history, desert winds, and timeless architecture merge to create an extraordinary experience.

  • Your enriching journey through dust, legends, and heritage concludes with a return to your hotel by 1:00 PM — leaving you inspired and awed by Chile’s remarkable mining legacy.

Includes

  • Guide service in Spanish and English.

  • Colletive round-trip transportation.

  • Entrance to Humberstone

  • Entry to saltpeter sites,

  • Water during the tour,

  • Historian guide.

Does not include

  • Tips and gratuities.

  • Other services not described in the program.

  • Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.

  • We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for outdoor activities and windy weather, a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, a photographic camera, and binoculars.
  • We recommend bringing bottles of mineral water and energy snacks.

More Information

  • 4 hrs
  • 09.00 hrs
  • Family friendly
  • Offered inEnglish and Spanish

Options and Availability

Showing 6 options

Collective tour Pica Oasis and Saltpeter Towns with Lunch + Entrance (Guide service available in Spanish)

Collective tour with specialized guide service in several languages and the services described in the program. The best price.
MicrobusDaily departures
$244.00

Private tour Saltpeter works ghost towns (Guide service available in Spanish)

Private Tour with specialized guide service in several languages and the services described in the program. The best price.
MicrobusDaily departures
$244.00

Collective tour Pica Oasis and Saltpeter Towns with Lunch + Entrance (Guide service available in English)

Collective tour with specialized guide service in several languages and the services described in the program. The best price.
MicrobusDaily departures
$300.00

Private tour Saltpeter works ghost towns (Guiding service in English, French and German)

Private Tour with specialized guide service in several languages and the services described in the program. The best price.
MicrobusDaily departures
$300.00

Private tour Great Oasis of Pica and Painted Geoglyphs with lunch (Guide service available in Spanish)

Private Tour with specialized guide service in several languages and the services described in the program. The best price.
MicrobusDaily departures
$526.00

Private tour Great Oasis of Pica and Painted Geoglyphs with lunch (Guiding service in English, French and German)

Private Tour with specialized guide service in several languages and the services described in the program. The best price.
MicrobusDaily departures
$626.00

Policies and Conditions

  • Ratebook are express in US Dollars (USD) and may be changed without prior notice.
  • Services and programs may be changed or cancelled in its execution, sequence and contents; in order to offer a better service, or due to extreme conditions or majeure force reasons.
  • This tour operates without a minimum number of passengers, Holiplus will reconfirm 48 hours before departure. If the supplier decides to cancel, for reasons of force majeure or adverse weather conditions, Holiplus will offer an alternative tour or fully refund the cost of your trip.
  • The shared excursion service operates with a minimum of 4 passengers.
  • This tour will not run on the following dates: December 25 to January 1.
  • The client must be aware that that modifications in the original booking may generate changes on the final quotation.
  • In general, museums in Chile are closed on Mondays.
  • SIB: Transfer and excursion services shared with other passengers.
  • Holiplus will try to avoid cancellation charges, the client must accept expenses incurred and charges established by the supplier, which may add be up to 100% of the original.
  • No show policy: 24 hours before the start of the tour: 100%.

DOCUMENTATION:

  • It is the responsibility of each passenger to carry the relevant documents for the proper completion of their trip.
  • Passengers must be informed and prepared to comply with visa, vaccination, and other regulations specific to the countries they are visiting.
  • Therefore, passengers must bear the costs incurred due to non-compliance or misinformation regarding entry and mobility regulations within the different countries they are traveling to. In the case of Chilean and foreign passengers, they must present their foreign documentation, otherwise, VAT corresponding to 19% of the fare will be charged directly to the passenger.

CANCELLATION AND NO-SHOW POLICY:

Cancellation conditions and processing fees:

  • Up to 33 days before the start of the tour: 0% penalty of the total amount of the originally booked tour + USD 15 processing fee
  • 32-15 days before the start of the tour: 30% penalty of the total amount of the originally booked tour.
  • 14–10 days before the start of the tour: 50% penalty of the total amount of the originally booked tour.
  • 9–0 days before the start of the tour: 100% penalty of the total amount of the originally booked tour.
  • No Show: 100% penalty of the total amount of the originally booked tour.