To get there, one has to cross the desert through a very good highway. On the road, one understands the dryness of all this Northern landscapes. Before entering the town, one thinks about how last Century's people transported themselves, when everything was so much slower.

Almonte is the name of a family originally from Pica that during the Colony times had lands and a well on this zone. In 1975, with the arrival of the Iquique train, the place became one of the few that could offer water, services and goods to the saltpeter workers.

On its main streets, is still reflected the supplier's nature that this city used to have during the saltpeter's golden years. Until now, people from nearby towns get here to buy oil, rice, flour and basic goods. On the avenues you can still see the wooden roofs that protect the sidewalks from the sun.


Address: Balmaceda 86, Pozo Almonte.

Phone: (56-57) 751 477.

Fax: (56-57) 751 242.

Hours: Mondays-Fridays, 10:30 am to 1 pm, and 4 pm to 7 pm.