The surroundings of Iquique portray a history that is characterized by the saltpeter extraction. Humberstone and Santa Laura are now ghost towns that were declared National Monument and World Cultural Heritage.
Located 47km east from the city of Iquique, both towns served as separate saltpeter mines. They represent the glorious time at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. In its best years, Santa Laura counted 425 inhabitants, while Humberstone passed the 3.500 inhabitants.
The ghost towns today still have many stories to tell. You can visit on a day tour or, for the courageous ones, also night tours are available.