Caracoles, Antofagasta, mining town in the Atacama desert
Caracoles was a mining village in the Atacama Desert, located in one of the world's driest regions. The settlement has since been abandoned and reclaimed by the desert, leaving behind only scattered remnants of its former existence.
Caracoles emerged during the 19th-century mining boom, when workers and prospectors arrived in the region to search for minerals. The settlement was abandoned in the early 20th century after economic activity declined and residents left the isolated location.
The remains of the village lie deep in the desert and are difficult to access, requiring preparation for harsh conditions. Visitors should bring plenty of water, protection from extreme heat, and navigation tools, as there are no facilities in this remote area.
The name Caracoles refers to shell snails found in the mining areas, which held importance for local craftwork. These natural materials were valuable enough to the residents that they named their settlement after them.
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