Barquitos
This is a small port founded in 1916 by the Andes Copper Mining Company. The building plan consisted of a thermoelectric station, a quay and a railway line. In 1917 work on the quay was completed and in 1927 the thermoelectric plant was opened. The port was officially closed down on 9th September 1981.
You could also visit the Loberías de Barquitos, located 4 km south of Chañaral, where you will find viewpoints near the rocks where a sea lion community relax.
Sugar Bread Beach
This beach is 30 km northeast of Chañaral. It is suitable for fishing and has a campsite which offers picnic facilities.
Portofino Beach
This beach is 19 km south of Chañaral and is suitable for swimming and fishing.
Flamingo Beach
This beach is 30 km south of Chañaral. It is suitable for swimming, fishing and watersports.
Sweet Water Oasis
This is 4 km south of Potrerillos along a dirt road. It is a recreational area with abundant vegetation due to the phenomena known as upwelling. The public facilities include tables, barbeque areas and a swimming pool.
Tranque La Ola
This is 58 km from Potrerillos along a dirt road. The dam is 3 500 m above sea level on the river Ola, which supplies the water for the El Salvador mine. The vegetation is typical of the Andean lowlands and the fauna consists of salmon communities which live in tundras, guanacos, vicuñas, flamingos and ducks.
Veteados Hills
They are 6 km from Chañaral. They are remarkable as they represent important geological rarities, unique to Chile. The surface consists of yellow coloured sorghum (numerous grass species) which crosses vertically over wide strips of black basalt.
Quebrada El Asiento
This is 80 km east of Diego de Almagro and 10 km north of Potrerillos. You can reach it via a direct road from Diego de Almagro.
Quebrada Potrero Grande
This is 30 of km southeast of Potrerillos, along a relatively good road which connects Potrerillos to Pedernales and Maricunga.
Maps of Chile