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South AmericaChileAtacama

Copiapó

Atacama, Chile · South America

About Copiapó

Copiapó sits on the route: 25 minutes from Tierra Amarilla.

Copiapó is a city located in Atacama, Chile. With a population of 129,280, it is an important destination in South America.

On a road trip, Copiapó sits in Chile, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Santiago time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Copiapó to your route.

About Copiapó

Copiapó (Spanish pronunciation: [kopjaˈpo]) is a city and commune in northern Chile, located about 65 kilometers east of the coastal town of Caldera. Founded on 8 December 1744, it is the capital of Copiapó Province and Atacama Region. Copiapó lies about 800 km north of Santiago by the Copiapó River, in the valley of

Read more the same name. In the early 21st century, the river has dried up in response to climate change and more severe droughts. The town is surrounded by the Atacama Desert and receives 12 mm (½ in) of rain per year. The population of Copiapó was 9,128 in 1903; and 11,617 in 1907. As of 2024, there are 168,831 inhabitants. Copiapó is in a rich silver and copper mining district, and while it attends large-scale mining operations further afar it is the central town of surrounding medium-scale mining mining district. A bronze statue commemorates Juan Godoy, discoverer of the Chañarcillo silver mines in the 19th century. The Copiapó-Caldera railway line, built in 1850, was the first one in South America. The first section between Caldera and Monte Amargo was inaugurated on 4 July 1850 in honor of the United States Independence Day, as American businessman William Wheelwright was responsible for the project. The original wooden railway station is now a National Monument.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Copiapó

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Copiapó?

Copiapó offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Copiapó?

Plan your road trip to Copiapó with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Copiapó as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Copiapó located?

Copiapó is located in Atacama, Chile, South America. The coordinates are -27.3674 latitude, -70.3322 longitude.

What is the population of Copiapó?

Copiapó has a population of approximately 129,280 people, making it a city in Chile.

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Quick Information

Population
129,280
Continent
South America
Country
Chile
Region
Atacama
Timezone
America/Santiago
Coordinates
-27.3674, -70.3322

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in Chile

Police
133
Ambulance
131
Fire
132
Driving side
right
Full driving guide for Chile

Tags

South AmericaChileAtacamaCity

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Copiapó.

Tierra Amarilla

🇨🇱 Chile

13 km awayPop. 12,898

Caldera

🇨🇱 Chile

59 km awayPop. 16,150

Diego de Almagro

🇨🇱 Chile

112 km awayPop. 13,925

Chañaral

🇨🇱 Chile

117 km away

Vallenar

🇨🇱 Chile

128 km away

Vallenar

🇨🇱 Chile

141 km awayPop. 44,895

Freirina

🇨🇱 Chile

147 km awayPop. 6,038

Huasco

🇨🇱 Chile

150 km awayPop. 8,977

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence