Copiapó

Mining drives Copiapó's economy. The town grew significantly during the 18th-century gold rush, and again in 1832 when silver was discovered at Chañarcillo. Today, most mines quarry gold and copper, and are operated by the state’s company, Codelco, or private interests.

On August 5, 2010, Copiapó became the scenario of a real-live reality show, riveting the attention of over 1 billion viewers world-wide. A cave-in at the privately-owned Mina San José, 45 kilometers (28 mi) north of Copiapó, trapped 33 miners 700 meters (2,300 ft) below ground. After consulting international experts, Chile took the reins on the rescue operation. After a record 69 days below ground, all men were pulled safely to the surface. The entire operation cost $20 million, covered by private, Codelco and federal coffers.

Until the rescue mission museum opens, the casual traveler will still find Copiapó a nice place to break up the La Serena-Antofagasta trip, or to use as a base to explore the surrounding area.

Altitude: 291 meters/955 feet, Population: 130,990, Telephone code: 52.

Neighborhoods in Copiapó: Around Copiapó,

Other places nearby Copiapó: Los Vilos, Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar, Tongoy, Guanaqueros, Hurtado, Ovalle, La Serena, Alto del Carmen, Caldera and Illapel.