Arica is a port city in northern Chile, located only 18 km (11 miles) south of the border with Peru. It is the capital of the Arica Province in the Tarapacá Region and has a population of approximately 200,000, and is known as the “city of the eternal spring”. The city was part of Peru until 1880, when it was invaded by Chilean forces during the War of the Pacific. The taking of the Morro de Arica, one of the war’s most famous actions, happened in this city.

Morro de Arica is a steep and tall hill located in the city. Its height is 139 meters above sea level. It was the last bulwark of defence for the allied troops standing in the city. It was assaulted on June 7, 1880 by Chilean troops in the last part of Campaña de Tacna. It was conquered in a short battle (its duration was supposed to be 55 minutes) where Chilean infantry had to run up the hill facing 2000 allied men commanded by coronel Francisco Bolognesi. The assault was directed by coronel Pedro Lagos.

Antofagasta is the most important sea port in the north of Chile. You have probably seen on TV or in books a picture of the rock formation out at sea in the shape of a gigantic arch called Portada, that’s here too. It also has good beaches with a warm surf (20C). It is located in the world’s richest copper mining area and is the site of the world’s largest open pit copper mine. Some great Marlin fishing can be found in the surrounding Ocean.

Towering apartment buildings stand next to churches which have withstood the passing of centuries of Chilean history. Surrounded by the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, Antofagasta is a study in contrasts. Its beautiful beaches and the shimmering Pacific Ocean defy the dryness of the northern Andes and of the surrounding desert. Our concern, however, does not have to do with thirsty land, but thirsty hearts. Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:10, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” Please join us in praying that God would prepare the hearts of people who would be willing to go and share this message, as well as those who would hear it and receive it.

Calama is a city in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. At an elevation of 7,900 feet, Calama is the gateway to the geological and archaeological wonders of Chile’s high central desert. Some of these places of interest include: the town of Chuquicamata, the village of San Pedro de Atacama, Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), the Licancabur volcano, Archaeological Museum Padre Le Paige, the Flamingo National Reservation, the Aguas Calientes salt flat, the Tuyajto lagoon, the Tatio Geysers, the village of Chiu-Chiu.

In 2003 the town of Chuquicamata, by one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, was dismantled, partly because of environmental reasons, and partly due to encroachment from the mine’s expansion. Residents of Chuquicamata then moved to Calama, away from company-owned residences, to find housing on their own.

Concepcion is a city in Chile, capital of the Eighth Region. Greater Concepcion (including Talcahuano, San Pedro and Chiguayante) is the second-largest conurbation in the country, with over one million inhabitants.

Concepcion was founded by Pedro de Valdivia in 1550 north of the Bio-Bio river, just a few kilometers north of La Frontera (The Fontier), the limit between the Chilean-Spanish territory and the land of the Mapuche, an ethnic group that was not subjugated until the 1870s. The city was a significant military settlement for the Viceroyalty of Peru but was still overrun and destroyed on several occasions by Mapuche armies during the early period of Spanish colonialism.

Concepcion was the home of the Real Audiencia, the most important government organization during Spanish colonial times. When the First National Government Board met in Santiago on September 18, 1810, citizens of Concepcion joined up. Concepcion was used as the point of entry by the Spanish Army in the attempt by the Viceroyalty of Peru to re-conquer Chile. Concepcion politicians and soldiers became a significant political force in the newly-independent country.

On February 20, 1835, the city was destroyed by an earthquake.

Concepcion is the second largest city of the country and has many important industries. The Universidad de Concepcion, headquartered in the city, is well respected, and the neighbouring harbour of Talcahuano holds the largest naval base in the country.

Iquique (IPA /i’kike/) is a city in northern Chile, capital of Tarapacá Region, on the Pacific coast, just west of the Atacama Desert. It is located at 20°13? S 70°10? W and has a population of 221,400 (2004). The city’s name means “bird’s gizzard”.

Iquique has the largest commercial port center (or Zona Franca) of South America and has been traditionally called Zofri. There are around 2.4 km² of warehouses, banking branches, and restaurants.

Iquique was originally in Peru, but became part of Chile as a result of the War of the Pacific in the nineteenth century.

The city was founded in the sixteenth century, although there is evidence of habitation in the area by the Chango people as early as 7000 BC. In 1835, Charles Darwin, during his voyage on the Beagle, travelled to Iquique and described a town very much in want of everyday necessities, such as water and firewood. These had to be brought in from a considerable distance. Darwin also visited the saltpetre works.

The city of Los Angeles is the capital of the province of Biobio, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII (the Biobío region), in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobio rivers. The population is 94,716 inhabitants (census 2002).

To the north of the city is Salto del Laja (Laja Falls), and roughly 100 kilometers to the east is the 5800 meter high (19,029 ft) Antuco volcano, in the Andes mountain range.

History

Founded as Santa Maria de Los Angeles in 1739 by Manso de Velasco, it was originally a Spanish fort as an outpost in the War of Arauco. It received the title of villa in 1748. The city underwent numerous rebuildings, due to the Spanish military campaigns against the native Mapuche in their efforts to colonize the area. Its geographic location, just to the north of the Biobío river (the border established by the Spaniards), made it a strategic location.

Mejillones is situated in the northern side of Peninsula de Mejillones, in Second Region of Chile, near 65 km. north of Antofagasta. To the west, in the northern part of Peninsula de Mejillones, is Punta de Angamos, site of the naval combat of Punta Angamos, fought during the War of the Pacific. Mejillones is surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean to the west and by on of the most arid deserts in the world to the east, Desierto de Atacama.

Demography
Mejillones population is near 9000 people. It will probably grow after the construction of Megapuerto de Mejillones, what is suposed to be Chile’s biggest sea port. This port will be finished near 2030.

Puerto Montt is situated on the Bay of Puerto Montt. Puerto Montt is protected on the west side by the Island of Tenglo. You can cross from the main land to the island in a row boat for about 50 cents. On the Island you can hike to the cross at the top of the hill and see the deep blue bay, the city of Puerto Montt and several beautiful snow covered volcanos. Founded February 12 1853 by Vicente Pérez Rosales. In 1912 it was connected with Santiago through the railroad, what increased the speed of their growth and it became output port for the territories of Chiloé and Aisén.

Geography and History
Puerto Montt is situated on the Bay of Puerto Montt. Founded in 1853, the settlement was named for Manuel Montt, then president of Chile. Early German settlers gave the town a distinctive appearance which perhaps isn’t to everyone’s taste. Today, Puerto Montt is a commercial centre for an agricultural hinterland, which yields grains (especially wheat), potatoes, and livestock, as well as for the offshore fishing grounds.

Punta Arenas is the main city in the Strait of Magellan and the capital of the Región de Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile.

The Punta Arenas harbour was considered one of the most important in Chile before the construction of the Panama Canal, because it was used by ships to prepare for the difficult passage around Cape Horn. Today it is mostly used by tourism cruises and scientific expeditions. The city is often a jumping-off point for Antarctic expenditions. Today, Punto Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to the Chile’s rich history. Punta Arenas is also the starting point for excursions to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
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Santiago (known officially in Spanish as Santiago de Chile) is the capital of and largest city in Chile. It is situated in the country’s central valley, and administratively is a part of the Santiago Metropolitan Region. Santiago is home to nearly a third of the country’s population, or 4,668,473 according to the 2002 census.

Santiago was founded by Pedro de Valdivia on February 12, 1541 with the name Santiago del Nuevo Extremo. The founding ceremony was held on Huelen Hill (later renamed Santa Lucia Hill). Valdivia chose the location of Santiago because of its moderate climate and the ease with which it could be defended-the Mapocho River split the area in two, and rejoined further downstream, forming an island.

The first buildings were erected with the help of the native Picunche Indians. The south bank of the Mapocho River was later drained and converted into a public promenade, known as the Alameda (now Avenida Alameda Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins). The city was slightly damaged during the War of Independence (1810-18), in the Battle of Maipu, which was fought south-west of the city. Santiago was named capital in 1818.