Lota, Coastal industrial city in Biobío Region, Chile.
Lota sits on the coast of the Gulf of Arauco and is divided into two sections: Lota Alto housing administrative buildings and Lota Bajo with shops and residences. The two parts connect through streets that slope toward the water.
The town was founded in 1662 as Santa María de Guadalupe and only later became a coal mining center. From 1852 onward, industrialist Matías Cousiño transformed it into a major mining hub.
The town's coal mining past remains woven into daily life, with former workers sharing stories and knowledge at local gathering places. This heritage shapes how people here understand their shared past.
The town is best reached by bus from Concepción, a journey of around two hours. Regular daily services offer flexible arrival times throughout the day.
El Chiflón del Diablo is a former coal mine that extends under the Pacific Ocean, allowing visitors to walk through underground tunnels and mining chambers. This remarkable reach shows the daring scope of mining operations here.
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