Sierra Gorda, Administrative commune in Antofagasta Province, Chile.
Sierra Gorda is a commune in Antofagasta Region consisting of two main villages situated on high-altitude terrain. The settlements are surrounded by mountain ranges and contain remnants of buildings from its mining past.
The area developed after silver deposits were discovered in the mid-1800s, spurring the creation of a mining settlement. Mineral wealth shaped how this remote highlands region grew and changed over time.
The Desert Festival draws crowds each year for live music performances that celebrate regional traditions. The gathering reflects how people here come together to mark important moments in their community.
The two villages sit at high elevation and are reached by mountain roads. Visitors should prepare for altitude, sparse conditions, and limited services in this remote location.
Scattered across a stretch known as Central Canton are the remains of over twenty former saltpeter offices. These abandoned structures give a sense of the industrial scale that once defined the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.