Let s take a non traditional trip. The tourism of the questions. No maps, no road guides.

Chile.com will help you know the II Region by using the best informative source: the questions that any tourist has when arriving at these northern lands. Of course, you have an additional advantage: the answers. Complete, concise, direct. They re all yours. Memorize them, write them down, print them ... and bon voyage!

1. - How to reach La Portada?

You can get there by car or minibus, which leave from 2723rd, Latorre street at different times of the day. Between Antofagasta downtown and La Portada there are exactly 16 kilometers.

2. - Which are the most visited beaches in the regional coast?

There is no question that in Antofagasta the most converged beach is the Municipal Health Resort. A little to the north you can find the beach Juan López, which is preferred especially in summertime. 65 kilometers to the north you have the magic Mejillones which has good infrastructure for the visitors. It also has the best beaches. 90 km from there you can visit Hornitos, famous for their extensive beach of fine sand and excellent weather.

3. - Where is the famous Hand of the Desert?

It is located 75 km to the south of Antofagasta, by the Panamericana Highway.

4. - If I m carrying foreign currency, where can I exchange it?

The main exchange office is located downtown, in 516th, Baquedano street.

Phone: 224814. Foreign currency and traveler s checks are accepted.

5. - Are there any camping places and cabins in Antofagasta?

Three are the main campings. One is 9 km, another is 11 km and the other is 28 kilometers to the north of Antofagasta downtown.

6. - Where can I find restaurants with typical foods?

The best thing is to play safe: Terminal Pesquero, Mercado Centro, Caleta Coloso, Puerto Caliche and Tabarín.

7. - What are the main attractions of the Commune of Antofagasta?

Although the city itself is a very good panorama, it is also possible to spend time at the Fair and Fishing Terminal, the Regional Museum, the Geológico of the Universidad Católica del Norte, the Ruins of Huanchaca, the fishing dock, the Barrio Histórico, Plaza Colón, La Portada, the Paseo Prat, Parque Brasil, the Paseo del Mar, the Japanese Park or the Croacia and, of course, the port.

8. - How can I get from Antofagasta to San Pedro of Atacama?

San Pedro is located 320 km to the northeast of Antofagasta. Buses Tur-Bus have daily exits at 07:50 AM, from 2751th, Latorre street (phone: 220240). You can also travel to Calama between 7:30 PM and 9 PM, by Tur-Bus, Tramaca or Flota Barrios. From Calama there are 6 daily exits to San Pedro of Atacama in Buses Frontera, from 2041th, Antofagasta street (phone 318543).

From Antofagasta to San Pedro of Atacama, the trip has an approximate duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes. The trip from Calama to San Pedro is 1 hour and 30 minutes long.

9. - What attractions are important in San Pedro of Atacama?

San Pedro s Church, the Archaeological Museum, Pukará de Quitor, Valle de la Luna, Toconao, Ravine of Jeréz, Salar de Atacama, Ayllos, Thermal baths of Puritama, Geysers of the Tatio, highland lagoons, Licancabur volcano, towns of Peine, Socaire and Camar.

10. - What services are there in San Pedro of Atacama?

Hotels, residentials, campings, exchange offices, mail, restaurants, tourist operators, Carabineros, laundry and grocery shops.

11. - How many banks are there in San Pedro of Atacama?

None. Not even automatic cashiers. So it is very important to carry cash.

12. - Which are the main attractions of Calama?

In the Commune of Calama you will be able to know attractions like: El Loa Park, the Ethnologic and Archaeological Museum, the Mine of Chuquicamata, Geysers of the Tatio and the towns of Caspana, Chiu-Chiu, Lasana, Ayquina, Toconce and Conchi.

13. - How can I visit the mine of Chuquicamata?

There is a special tour that you can take from Monday to Friday, except on holidays. It starts at 10 AM and lasts for 2 hours. It begins with a video in English and Spanish and then a journey is made by bus to the different facilities of the mine. This journey begins on time -no phone reservations accepted- and the people who are interested should go to the agency "Chuqui ayuda a la infancia" (Chuqui helps the children), located in Carrera avenue (no number), Chuquicamata. Further information, phone: 326353.

14. - Is it possible to travel to Argentina from this region?

Yes, and through two border crossings: the Crossing of Jama is completely paved on the Chilean side and the Crossing of Sico is non paved but passable on vehicle. In the region only exists terrestrial transport that connects it with Salta and Jujuy 2 times a week, by buses Tramaca, located in 936th, Uribe street, phone: 200125.

15. - How can you travel to Bolivia?

It is only possible to make it by the train that reaches up to Oruro and Uyuni. This train leaves Calama once a week on Wednesdays at 11 PM. It is a freight train as well as to carry passengers, reason why it doesn t present many accomodations. The trip lasts little more than 19 hours but -with bad weather conditions- it can last up to 32 hours.

16. - Is there Internet Service?

There are only two places: 876th, Sucre street with a value of $1,000 pesos for half an hour and $1,800 for the whole hour. The other place is in 460th, Baquedano street where the complete hour costs $2,400 pesos.

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