Montevideo

Montevideo is a neighborhood in Copiapó within northern Chile's Atacama Region, spread across a dry valley as a residential district. Streets run between single-story houses, with bare hills framing the urban outline in the background.

The settlement received its name in the 19th century, inspired by the Uruguayan capital. It later grew with the expansion of the mining industry, attracting workers who settled permanently in the area.

The name comes from a local indigenous expression meaning "green basin", referring to small streams that once flowed through the valley. Residents today gather in parks along the dry riverbed, where shade and greenery in the desert setting provide a meeting point.

The neighborhood sits north of the city center and is accessible via paved streets served by regular city buses and local taxis. A walk requires sturdy footwear due to occasional sand buildup and uneven surfaces at the edges of the settlement.

Some older houses on the southern edge still show traditional adobe construction once standard throughout the region. These structures endure for decades thanks to the extremely dry climate, despite minimal maintenance.

Location: Copiapó

Inception: December 8, 1744

Founders: José Manso de Velasco, 1st Count of Superunda

Elevation above the sea: 383 m

Website: http://copiapo.cl

GPS coordinates: -27.36650,-70.33230

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:04