Oasis de Pica and Mamiña Hotsprings Chile

Get to know more about the Destination

This destination has an amazing geography, even though it is located right in the middle of the desert.

The fog that comes from the Pacific Ocean, helps forming vegetation in the area, such as tamarugos and tropical trees, which are surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. In higher ground you can find a big colony of Chilean flamingos.

Its weather conditions allow the visitors to enjoy cultural and historic vestiges all year, such as the Humberstone mine (what's left of it), painted geoglyphs and Unitas Hill, created by prehispanic cultures

The Matilla Oasis has an interesting architecture, with a town found by the Spaniards in the 16th century, that today offers different gastronomical opcions.

It`s a sunny area, with springs in Mamiña, Macaya, Lirima and Pica. The religious tourism is another alternative, with catholic holidays celebrated in the highlands, like La Tirana.

Attractions

Flora and fauna. Historical and cultural interest. Springs and catholic holidays celebrations.

Activities

Trekking, hiking, horseback ridings, picnic, flora and fauna contemplation, photography.

Location

First region.

How to get there?

Iquique-Pica y Mamiña: Land route.

Pozo Almonte-Mamiña Springs: Land route, by Panamericana Highway.

Cruces de Collahuasi, Sara y Pinatdos-Pica: Land route, by Panamericana Highway.

Highlands-Mamiña: Land route, in Lirima (going to Pica)

When to go?

All year long.

Climate

Desert weather. The temperature oscillates between day and night time, and the summer rain is more frequent with a high media of 0,9 milimeters. The high media temperature is 24,4ºC and the lowest is 12,5ºC.

Services

Housing, food, camping, information center.

Surroundings

Huatacondo prehispanic towns, Collagua, Pintados geoglifos, La Huayca, Lagar, Huasco Lagoon, Humberstone Saltpeter Office, Pisadas de Dinosaurios, Santa Laura Saltpeter Office vestiges, La Tirana Catholic Sanctuary, Macaya, Lirima and Mamiña Springs