Did you know there is a ghost town in northern Chile? That’s right—and not only that, tourists from all over the world come to see it. The north hides extraordinary places full of history and pre-Hispanic tradition, such as the Pintados geoglyphs. In this blog, you will learn all about them and how to visit them on your trip to Chile. Keep reading!

Humberstone: A World Heritage Site

Known today as a “ghost town,” the Humberstone nitrate office was once a bustling settlement. Founded in 1872, it housed more than three thousand people during Chile’s golden age of nitrate.

Located just a few kilometers from Iquique, it now welcomes visitors from all over the world. Its abandonment, combined with the preservation of its industrial architecture, earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005, together with the Santa Laura office.

But why was it abandoned? The answer has several sides. Humberstone thrived thanks to natural nitrate exported worldwide. However, shortly after its boom, Germany began producing synthetic nitrate, a cheaper alternative. This reduced demand and caused Chile to lose its leadership in the market. The crisis deepened with the Great Depression of 1929, ultimately leading to its closure in 1960.

Nevertheless, its architecture, history, and heritage value keep alive the memory of the many families who worked there. Humberstone remains a tangible testimony to the abundance and prosperity that defined a key period in northern Chile.

Today, tourists from around the world walk its carefully preserved streets and facilities, which evoke a valuable chapter of the 20th century.

How to Visit Humberstone

The Humberstone nitrate office is located 47 kilometers east of Iquique, along Route 16. Its location makes it easily accessible from the regional capital. The drive takes less than an hour, making Humberstone a convenient half-day destination or an excellent stop combined with other nearby attractions.

Pintados Geoglyphs: A Historical Treasure

The Pintados Geoglyphs are striking drawings etched onto the slopes and plains of the Atacama Desert. They are believed to have been created between 500 and 1450 AD by different pre-Hispanic cultures. A true historical treasure of northern Chile!

The figures depict animals, human forms, geometric shapes, and symbols linked to ancient trade routes. For Andean peoples, these geoglyphs served as orientation points and messages for those crossing the arid desert.

The Pintados sector preserves more than 350 figures spread over four kilometers, making it one of the most important geoglyph collections in all of South America. 

Among all these enigmatic shapes, the Giant of Atacama stands out, an enormous anthropomorphic figure measuring approximately 86 meters, which has become the most recognizable symbol of the site.

The Giant of Atacama is impressive not only for its size but also for the history it represents: it reflects the connection of the ancient desert cultures with their environment and worldview. Although it is just one of the many figures among the geoglyphs, its silhouette is easily distinguished from nearby viewpoints, making it a must-see attraction for those exploring this archaeological heritage.

How to Visit the Geoglyphs

The Pintados Geoglyphs are located in the Pampa del Tamarugal, about 95 kilometers southeast of Iquique. The site lies within the Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve.

The fastest way to get there from Santiago is by taking a direct flight to Iquique, which lasts about two and a half hours. From Diego Aracena Airport, you can rent a car to explore the area or join a guided tour from Iquique. To reach the Pintados Geoglyphs from Iquique, follow Route 5 south, then take Route A-65 to the reserve entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Pintados Geoglyphs and Humberstone is between April and November, when the weather is milder and drier. August and September are especially good months, as the climate is pleasant for exploring the desert.

Tips for Your Visit

Visiting the Pintados Geoglyphs requires following marked trails to protect the figures. Walking directly on them is not allowed. For Humberstone, bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, as solar radiation is strong year-round. Visiting both sites with a guide is highly recommended to fully understand their historical and cultural value.

Connect With the Past of the North

Exploring the Pintados Geoglyphs is like reading an ancient message etched into the earth. Their figures are a testament to the creativity and worldview of the Andean cultures.

Walking through the streets of Humberstone transports you back to a time when nitrate, once called “white gold,” transformed northern Chile. Visiting both sites offers an experience that brings together thousands of years of history in a single day.

Recommended Tour

If you want to enjoy this experience without worrying about logistics, an excellent option is to take a guided tour. The trip includes transportation, expert guides, and entrance fees, ensuring you get the most out of each site.

You can book the Pintados Geoglyphs and Humberstone Tour directly on the Visit Chile website: Tour Geoglyphs of Pintados and Humberstone. An experience you will never forget!