Machalí, Commune and city in Cachapoal Province, Chile.
Machalí is a commune in Cachapoal Province in the O'Higgins Region of central Chile, situated at about 552 meters elevation. The territory encompasses urban settlements at lower elevations alongside portions of the Andes Mountains at higher altitudes.
Machalí emerged as an administrative entity in a region with deep mining roots, particularly copper extraction. The municipality's growth during the 1990s and 2000s was linked to economic activity in this sector.
Sewell, the former copper mining village within the municipality, still shows traces of its mining heritage through its tightly built structures. Visitors can see how the settlement clings to steep hillsides, revealing a way of life shaped by extractive industry.
The place is characterized by an urban center with modern services spread across flatter terrain, while higher areas present more challenging access. Visitors should expect varying road conditions and may need different transportation options depending on their destination.
Sewell received UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2006 and now stands as an abandoned village that preserves an entire mining operation from a bygone era. Visitors can walk through its deserted streets and explore the architecture and infrastructure specifically designed for mining workers.
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