An excursion to Inca de Oro, THE mining town in the Atacama Desert. Inca de Oro is located 100 kilometres east of Copiapó and stands out for its mining atmosphere. The railway station, the houses, the streets of the village still show the mining soul of the last centuries. Located in the plain of San Pedro, in the middle of the Atacama Desert, Inca de Oro is THE example of a mining village. The Inca Trail [Qhapaq Ñan] also passed through this area.
The mining district Guías de California still shows the effort, dedication and perseverance of the miners of the past and present centuries. Gold mining here in the district is still active and still in full exploitation. The veins are no longer as rich as they were 100 years ago, but some are still in production. The most beautiful shaft tower can be found in this sector. Everywhere shafts, veins, pircas and ruins.