Saltpeter Works

Travel to the golden age of saltpeter

The Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works preserve the industrial legacy of the saltpeter boom in the Atacama Desert. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, these ancient cities maintain their Oregon pine and calamine structures, testifying to the resilience of the Pampa culture.

In its heritage circuit, you can explore iconic buildings such as the theater, the school, and the historic grocery store. Walking between the industrial zone and the workers' houses, you will understand the magnitude of the human effort invested in the extraction of caliche, reviving a fundamental chapter of Chilean identity.

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Plan your trip to Saltpeter Works

How to get there

How to get there by air

You must land at Diego Aracena International Airport (IIQ), a terminal that receives flights from Santiago. From there, you can rent a vehicle or hire a tour. The journey to the saltpeter works (Humberstone) is 47 km (45 minutes).

How to get there by land

From Iquique, the journey to the saltpeter works lasts about 45 minutes. You must take Route 16 inland until you connect with Route 5 North, where the entrances to Humberstone and Santa Laura are located. We recommend taking the trip through a tourist service.

Must-Know Tips

It is essential to use sunscreen, a hat, and bring a coat. We recommend hiring a guided tour to hear the history of the saltpeter works from experts. Due to its heritage value, do not damage the structures and stay on the marked trails. Refuel in the big cities, as the distance between stations in the desert is usually long.