Page 17 - Cruise Manual travelArt

ANTOFAGASTA

Historia del tren (Half-day)

Departure from pier, an immediate view of the center of the city. We will begin our tour going along the south
coastal road, appreciating the beautiful landscape to start our rising trip to the deserted Pampa, where we will be
moving between the sun and whirlwinds.
After an hour travelling we will arrive to the small village of Baquedano, settlement that keeps signs from the
golden years of “white gold”, as Nitrate was formerly known. Testimony of those years is the train station, with all
the machinery and old steam wagons forgotten today.
Then, we will begin our trip back to the city, appearing now along the north coastal road of the city.
Back in the city, transfer to the historic downtown district where history, urban landscape and recreation get
together. Among them: the ex Maritime Governor´s House, the historic Pier and the Antofagasta - Bolivia
Railway Museum in the ex machine shops of FCAB, where machines, coaches, tools and six british and german
locomotives can be seen, standing out a steam wagon still operative and buildings of neoclasic style. Return
to pier.

17
Full Day San Pedro de Atacama (Full-day)

A long trip to San Pedro, small ancient village considered to be the center of the “atacameña” culture.
Leaving the city an immediate view of the center of the city. We will begin our tour going along the south coastal
road, appreciating the beautiful landscape to start our rising trip to the deserted Pampa, where we will be moving
between the sun and whirlwinds.
After an hour travelling we will arrive to the small village of Baquedano, settlement that keeps signs from the
golden years of the white gold, as Nitrate was formerly known. Testimony of those years is the train station, with all
the machinery and old steam wagons forgotten today.
Continuation to Calama to get to San Pedro. Short walk around its town centre, Main Square, church, market
and Pedro de Valdivia´s house. Transfer to Salar de Atacama, the largest salt lake in Chile, located at the
National Reserve Los Flamencos at 2.305 m.a.s.l On the route see the impressive Licancabur volcanoe and the
little Toconao village, well known for its construction in Liparita, a volcanic stone quarried nearby.Panoramic
view of Jere valley, a stunning, green contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. Arriving at Chaxa Lagoon,
opportunity to observe the wide variety of birds that inhabit the lagoon, especially pink flamingos. Return to
Antofagasta passing by Salt Mountain Range and panoramic view of Moon valley, an astonishing moon-like
landscape. Return to pier.