Cobija, Chile, Pacific port at Tocopilla, Chile
Cobija is a fishing settlement on the Pacific coast roughly 59 kilometers south of Tocopilla with remaining structures from its port past. The community sits in an arid coastal landscape and is now managed by a small population focused on seaweed harvesting.
The port served as Bolivia's primary maritime gateway from 1825 until 1879, when Chilean forces occupied it during the War of the Pacific. This occupation ended its role as a major trade center.
The settlement holds status as a Typical Zone of Chile, marking its role in preserving coastal fishing traditions. Residents maintain these maritime practices through their daily work and connection to the sea.
The settlement is remote and best reached by private transport, as regular public connections are limited. Visitors should prepare for changing coastal conditions and follow local guidance.
Two major natural disasters—an earthquake in 1868 and a tsunami in 1877—led to the gradual decline of this once-vital port. These events shifted how people lived and worked in the settlement.
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