Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works Day Trip

During the 19th century, the extraction of salt gained immense importance in northern Chile. Experience the process of obtaining salt at the historical Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, two significant industrial sites in Tarapacá that hold the status of World Heritage Sites, on this educational day trip.

Description

Our journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Iquique at the specified time. We will set off towards the renowned Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, located in the Tarapacá region of Chile. These well-preserved sites offer a glimpse into the region's rich industrial heritage, earning their designation as World Heritage Sites for their cultural and historical significance.

Throughout our visit, we will explore the vital role this industry played in shaping Iquique into a key urban center. The port was once bustling with ships transporting sodium nitrate, a substance that was heavily exported to Europe. Join us as we uncover the reasons behind its substantial value in the European market while walking through the remnants of these historic factories situated in the heart of the desert within the expansive Tamarugal pampas.

Our first stop will be the Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, where we will observe the impressive leaching machine essential for production and tour the former Administrator's House, now a museum that narrates the life of the community involved in this industry. The exportation of nitrate significantly enhanced the nation’s economy, a fact we will learn as we explore this site.

Next, we will proceed to the Humberstone Saltpeter Office, where we will delve into the key areas of the factory. Alongside the historical industrial halls, we will also explore the surrounding residential buildings. This area was once a thriving community, featuring a theatre, swimming pool, church, and various amenities designed for the workers and their families.

After completing our exploration of the Humberstone Saltpeter Works, we'll make our way back, concluding the tour and returning you to your hotel in Iquique after approximately 5 hours.