Copiapó is driven economically by the mining industry. The town grew significantly thanks to the 18th-century gold rush, and once again reaped the windfalls of precious metals-mining when silver was discovered in 1832 at Chañarcillo. Now the city is a nice place to break up a trip from La Serena to Antofagasta, or to use as a base to explore the surrounding area. You can plan an excursion to the beautiful Parque Nacional Nevado Tres Cruces, the awe-inspiring, highest active volcano in Ojos del Saludo or Laguna Verde.

In town, the Museo Minerológico’s collection of more than 2000 glittering minerals is worth a look. Iglesia Catedral is a fine church located at Plaza Prat, while the Locomotion Copiapó at the Escuela de Minas is another option. Palacete Viña de Cristo and the Museo Regional de Atacama offer some artifacts as well.

Telephone code: 52, Population: 130, 990.