Description
The full-day tour to Pica is an experience that combines historical heritage, living culture, and nature in the heart of the Tarapacá Desert. The day begins with a departure from Iquique toward the former Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpeter mines, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can relive the era of the saltpeter boom by exploring its streets, buildings, and the monumental industrial complex. The journey continues to the geoglyphs of Cerro Isla, ancient vestiges that tell the story of the worldview of pre-Hispanic cultures. Next, the tour visits the Sanctuary of La Tirana, the center of one of Chile’s most important religious festivals, and the picturesque town of Matilla, with its colonial church and local traditions. Finally, the tour reaches the great oasis of Pica, a veritable garden in the middle of the desert, famous for its tropical fruits such as mangoes, guavas, and the traditional Pica lemon. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, sample local products, and learn about daily life in this unique South American oasis. The return to Iquique brings to a close a full day that blends history, culture, and nature, offering a comprehensive view of the richness of northern Chile.”
