Museo Regional de Atacama

The Museo Regional de Atacama is a museum in Copiapó housing a comprehensive collection of regional natural and cultural items spread across multiple levels. The building displays minerals, fossils, archaeological discoveries, and historical objects that document the area's past.

The museum was established to collect and preserve objects and knowledge about the long settlement history of the Atacama region. It documents important periods from pre-Columbian times through modern events that shaped the area.

The exhibition features everyday objects from past inhabitants of the region, including pottery and tools that reveal how people adapted to life in the desert. These items show the connection between the communities and their harsh environment.

The museum is conveniently located in central Copiapó and is designed to be accessible for visitors with varying mobility needs. There are multiple entry points and information stations to help you navigate the building.

The museum preserves a historic rescue capsule in its courtyard, which was used in 2010 to bring miners back to safety from deep underground. This capsule stands as a reminder of one of Chile's most dramatic mining rescue operations.

Location: Copiapó

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Servicio Nacional del Patrimonio Cultural

GPS coordinates: -27.36329,-70.34008

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06