Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works Day Trip

In the 19th century, salt was a significant product in northern Chile. Discover the extraction process at the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, two factories in Tarapacá, recognized as World Heritage Sites, on our day trip.

Description

At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Iquique and proceed east to the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works. These former industrial sites in the Chilean region of Tarapacá are designated World Heritage Sites for their cultural and historical significance.

We will explore the role of this industry in establishing Iquique as a primary hub, where ships transporting sodium nitrate were a common sight at the port, exporting goods to Europe. The tour begins at the Santa Laura Saltpeter Works with a visit to the large leaching machine and the Administrator's House, now a museum showcasing life in the industry.

Next, we will visit the Humberstone Saltpeter Office, observing key areas of the factory, including industrial halls and civilian buildings. The complex included various facilities such as a theatre, pool, and church. After exploring the Humberstone site, we will return to your hotel in Iquique, concluding the tour in approximately 5 hours.