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From Antofagasta we
moved inland into the heart of the Atacama. The road to Calama is dotted
with the ruins of oficinas from the nitrate boom in the early
20th century. The oficinas were like company towns, some of which
approached the level of self-governing cities.
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The arid desert climate
is perfect for preserving ruins like these.
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Also along the road
to Calama we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn. Not exactly what we expected
from the tropics. The flat topped hill at right is tailings from the areas
many copper operations. Calama is a hub for businesses, most of which serve
the nearby Chuquicamata mine. Chuqui, as it is called, is responsible for
more than 40 percent of Chile's rich copper production.
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NEXT
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