Caldera, Chile

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Caldera, Chile
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image_caption = Port of Caldera


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pushpin_map_caption =Location in Chile
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subdivision_type = Country
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subdivision_type1 = Admin. division
subdivision_name1 = Atacama Region
subdivision_type2 = Province
subdivision_name2 =Copiapó Province
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population_as_of =2002
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population_total =14,000
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latd=27 |latm=04 |lats= |latNS=S
longd=70 |longm=50 |longs= |longEW=W
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Caldera is a seaport in Copiapó Province in the region of Atacama . It has an excellent harbor, protected by breakwaters, being the port city for the productive mining district centring on Copiapó to which it is connected by the first railroad constructed in Chile. In 1903, 2,130 people lived in Caldera. (Current population ca 14.000 inhabitants)

Location and Climate

Caldera lies about 75 km west of Copiapó at the Pacific. The climate is very dry and hot, because of its location on the Atacama deserts coast.

History

1687 Englishman Edward Davis reached the "Playa Bahia Inglesa (English Beach)" 6 km south of Caldera. 1840 William Wheelwright of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company visited the region of Caldera. On his proposal the first railway was created in the year of 1851 from Copiapó to Caldera. Its inauguration was on Christmas Day in 1851. Caldera became an important port for the exportation of minerals.

The city was officially founded on 23rd September 1850.

Frequently there were earthquakes and tsunamis. The last earthquakes were 1868, 1877 and 1922.

Tourist Attractions

The church of "San Vicente de Paul" (dated 1862) and the cave of "Padre Negro" are worth visiting. Padre Velásquez painted biblical motifs in the cave in 1978. There is a nice beach at Bahía Playa Inglesa.11 km northwards is the "Santuario de la Naturaleza Granito Orbicular" where orbicular granite can be seen. 30 km in the north is Pan de Azúcar National Park with mist forests and Humboldt penguins.

Economy

Mainstays of the economy are copper ore mining and cultivation of citrus plants which are exported via the port. Fishing and tourism play also an important role. The nice beaches attract many visitors.

Picture Gallery

References