Lined with historic buildings and leafy plazas, Copiapo is nestled in the picturesque valley floor of Rio Copiapo’s north bank. It’s home to South America’s first railroad, while its surrounding region reveals stunning national parks.
Things to do in Copiapó
Walk around Copiapo’s city centre and admire the beautiful Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral. Boasting a distinct three-tiered tower, the national monument is known for its neoclassical architecture and Oregon pine and Maule oak details.
Learn about the city’s mining history at the Atacama Regional Museum. It houses a collection of pre-Hispanic artefacts and showcases the region’s natural and human history, highlighting notable events.
Dive into the tranquil waters of Bahia Inglesa, located on the Atacama Desert coast. Playa La Piscina beach features a sheltered cove with rock formations, while the breezy shoreline of Las Maches makes it a popular spot for water sports, such as windsurfing.
Take a day trip to nearby Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces, which boasts pristine peaks and diverse wildlife. Spend a day trekking the high-altitude park past Santa Rosa and Negro Francisco lagoons and keep your eyes peeled for the migratory flamingos that arrive in summer.
Getting around Copiapó
Copiapo’s Desierto de Atacama Airport offers flights from Santiago and Iquique, while long-distance buses also travel from nearby cities. When in Copiapo, the most convenient ways to get around is by bus, taxi and private car.