IQQ - Sightseeing: Humberstone, Paca

Today we left at 0800 and drove to 'Humberstone', a Nitrate (=Salpeter) mine approx 55kms from Iquique. It was run from 1872 to 1960, connected to Iquique by train.

In its 'best' days 3700 people lived and worked here. Everything could be found in this 'city': a hospital with doctors, dentists, a theater, swimmingpool, shops etc etc (> Wikipedia). Nowadays it's a UNESCO world heritage site and a museum.
In 1907 a massacre happend here, when (according to certain sources) up to 2000 people (including women and children) have been shot as the workers striked for better conditions (high inflation and rising prices with no corresponding pay hikes).

housing for mid-level employees

class room

We then continued to Paca, an oasis in the desert with thermal pools; also fruits like mango, orange and lemon are grown here.