Where to stay in Antofagasta – A guide to Chile’s “Northern Pearl”
Antofagasta is the fifth most populated city in Chile and one of the most important mining, commercial, and tourist centers in the northern part of this South American nation.
It is the capital of the homonymous province, located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, east of the Andes mountain range.
Antofagasta was officially founded in 1868 when the current northern provinces of Chile belonged to Bolivia.
Antofagasta is one of the most visited cities in northern Chile, largely because of its cultural heritage, its beaches and its proximity to the Chilean borders with Argentina, Peru and Bolivia.
With the War of the Pacific and the Chilean sovereignty of the city, Antofagasta experienced exponential growth, to a large extent fostered by the arrival of European, Arab and Chinese immigrants.
Currently, Antofagasta is one of the most prosperous cities in Chile.
Andrés Sabella Gálvez Airport is the main air access point of the city and province. This terminal offers daily direct connections with the main Chilean cities such as Santiago, Arica or Concepción.
Antofagasta also has a very varied gastronomic offer and nightlife, driven largely by its high standard of living and importance as a tourism hub in northern Chile.
Due to its relatively recent foundation, and unlike other cities in the area, Antofagasta lacks a colonial quarter. Its Historical Center, however, is full of buildings from the nineteenth century, with strong European influences.
Among the natural attractions of the Antofagasta region are La Portada, a geomorphological accident of volcanic rocks and fossil remains and the La Chimba national reserve, located approximately 10 km northeast of the city.
The famous Hand of the Desert is located 75 km south of the Antofagasta, it is a large sculpture by Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal
Public transport service in the Gran Antofagasta is made up of urban buses and collective taxis.
As for the best areas to stay, being close to most of the attractions of the city, the best area is undoubtedly the Center of Antofagasta (See accommodation in Antofagasta – Centro).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Antofagasta, Chile.
Best areas to stay in Antofagasta, Chile
1. Our favorite area: Antofagasta Centro
The Center of Antofagasta is, as its name suggests, the heart of Antofagasta’s city life.
It is the historic, financial and commercial center of the city.
It was here that the city originated at the end of the 19th century and where the most emblematic buildings are located, such as the Historic Dock, the Cathedral, the Torre Colón, or the Regional Library, among many others.
The city center also has a see promenade, a winding avenue that runs along the coast of the city and some public beaches.
The Center also has the widest variety of accommodation in Antofagasta, with hotels of all categories and styles .
Being close to the attractions, nightlife and shopping, Centro is the best area to stay in Antofagasta.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Antofagasta:
- Historic monuments
- Best nightlife
- All kinds of accommodation
- Great shopping
- Best area for sightseeing
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Diego de Almagro Antofagasta Express
The Hotel Diego de Almagro Antofagasta Express is located in the center of the city, just 5 minutes’ walk from the yacht club and the shopping area of Antofagasta. There is free WiFi.
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Budget
Hotel Marsal
Hotel Marsal is located in Antofagasta. The property has a shared lounge and is 2.5 km from Calvo y Bascuñán Regional Stadium. The hotel offers an American restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Panamericana Hotel Antofagasta
Located in the center of Antofagasta, facing the Pacific Ocean coast, Panamericana Hotel offers top-quality accommodation and an outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi access is available.
2. Antofagasta South
The southern districts of Antofagasta include a series of upper and upper-middle class neighborhoods built along the Pacific coast.
It is a beach area with modern hotels, shopping centers and high class restaurants.
This area also houses the Ruinas Huanchaca Museum, a vestige of an old silver foundry dating from the end of the 19th century.
The South of Antofagasta is characterized by its modern residential skyscrapers, resort-style hotels and its luxury beach environment.
This area has some leisure places, such as the new Parque Angamos mall.
Llacolén beach, located in the south of Antofagasta, is considered one of the best beaches in the city.
Thanks to its coastal environment, its beaches, malls and luxury accommodation, the south is one of the best areas to stay in Antofagasta, Chile.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Antofagasta, CL:
- Exclusive area
- Beach access
- Luxury hotels
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