Introducing Copiapó
This pleasant but down-to-business town earns kudos for being the site of several historical firsts: South America's first railroad (completed in 1852) ran from here to Caldera; here, too, appeared the nation's first telegraph and telephone lines, and Chile's first gas works. It's not hard to guess the reason why a provincial backwater should so suddenly hit the jackpot - mining. Copiapó budded with the 18th-century gold boom, and bloomed with the rush to cash in on silver discovered at Chañarcillo in 1832.
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The city retains many historic buildings, has a welcoming buzz and an agreeable climate, making it a worthwhile stopover between La Serena and Antofagasta. It's also a handy base from which to embark upon adventures into the remote mountains near the Argentine border, especially the breathtaking Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces, Laguna Verde and Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano in the world.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Are the beaches in Arica worthwhile?
by jamesbrunker 10 June 2011
Best beaches Ive seen in northern Chile have been in Copiapo area but thats considerably further south than Iquique and still cold water.…
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RE: Paso Aguas Negras by 4WD
by Fernando 16 May 2011
I think San Francisco pass between Copiapo and Catarmarca (Arg.) more north less probability of snows and as is being paved there is work…
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Re: What to do in Northern Chile(mid-May~mid-June)
by carminab 10 April 2011
Mid May to mid June are good dates to visit northern Chile, because here you can find very good weather, practically no rain up to Copiapo.…
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