Poblado Salitrero de Santa Laura | Iquique

Poblado Salitrero de Santa Laura – A Historic Nitrate Mining Town

Overview

The Poblado Salitrero de Santa Laura is an abandoned saltpeter (salitrera) town in northern Chile, located near Humberstone, in the Tarapacá Region. It was one of the many nitrate mining settlements that thrived during the saltpeter boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserved as a historical and cultural monument that showcases the industrial and social history of Chile’s nitrate industry.

Despite being smaller than Humberstone, Santa Laura offers a more untouched, atmospheric experience, with rusting machinery, old buildings, and relics from its past still standing in the middle of the desert.

Location & How to Get There

📍 Location: 47 km east of Iquique, in the Atacama Desert, Chile.
🚗 How to Get There:

• By car: Take Route 16 from Iquique toward Pozo Almonte. The site is located next to Humberstone.
• By bus: Some tour companies offer excursions from Iquique, often including both Santa Laura and Humberstone.

🕒 Opening Hours: Usually open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
🎟️ Entrance Fee: The ticket includes access to both Humberstone and Santa Laura.

History of Santa Laura

• Founded in 1872 by the Peruvian government, later taken over by Chile after the War of the Pacific (1879-1884).
• Became a major producer of sodium nitrate (saltpeter), used in fertilizers and explosives.
• Declined after the rise of synthetic fertilizers in the mid-20th century.
• Abandoned in 1960, but later preserved as a historical monument.
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, along with Humberstone.

What to See & Do

🏭 Ruins of the Saltpeter Plant

• The rusting machinery, metal structures, and conveyor belts still stand, giving a glimpse into old industrial processes.
• The Leaching House, where raw materials were processed, is one of the most impressive sights.

🏚️ Abandoned Worker Housing & Offices

• See the small houses where miners and their families lived, now left to the desert winds.
• Visit the old administration buildings, which still hold historic documents and artifacts.

📸 Photography & Exploration

• Santa Laura has a more eerie, untouched feel compared to Humberstone.
• Great for photography, especially with the contrast of blue desert skies and rusty ruins.

🌵 Surrounding Atacama Desert

• The site is in the harsh, arid Atacama Desert, with its dry landscapes and unique atmosphere.
• Look out for wild desert animals, including birds and small mammals.

🎭 Cultural Events & Tours

• Occasionally hosts theatrical performances and guided tours to bring its history to life.
• Some night tours offer a unique way to experience the ghost town.

Tips for Visiting

✅ Bring water & sun protection – The desert heat is extreme, with little shade.
✅ Wear sturdy shoes – The ground is uneven with rocks and metal debris.
✅ Visit Humberstone too – Since both sites are close, it's best to see both in one trip.
✅ Respect the ruins – Avoid climbing on fragile structures.

Nearby Attractions

🏚️ Humberstone Saltpeter Works – The larger and more restored ghost town nearby.
🏜️ Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve – A desert oasis with artificial forests.
🌊 Iquique – The coastal city, perfect for relaxing after a desert tour.

Why Visit Santa Laura?

✅ Authentic ghost town feel – Less touristy than Humberstone, with more original ruins.
✅ Rich industrial history – Learn about Chile’s nitrate boom and decline.
✅ UNESCO World Heritage Site – A must-see for history lovers.