Tocopilla, Chile

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Tocopilla is a city and province in the region of Antofagasta in the north of Chile. It has an estimated population of 31,516 (2002 census).

Tocopilla means "el rincón del diablo" ("the devil's corner"). Despite this it's also stated that their old names were others, like "Caleta Duendes"(Goblin's Cove) or "Quebrada Honda". (Honda's Ravine).

The symbol of Tocopilla is "La piedra del camello"(The stone of the camel), a stone that looks a lot like a camel. Another remarkable places are "La piedra del paragua"(Umbrella Stone), "La piedra del elefante"(Elephant Stone), and Caleta Boy (Boy's Cove), an artificial pool.

Tocopilla celebrates its anniversary on September 29th every year with a big show the day before which includes a parade down the main street of the city, food and a huge fireworks display at midnight.

This city gives electricity to the entire II Region, for this Tocopilla is also known as "The city of the energy". Back in the days when saltpeter exportation in Chile was in its highest point, this port was the number one of its exploitation. Nowadays, even when the saltpeter isn't so profitable Tocopilla still holds companies dedicated to its extraction. The sea of Tocopilla contains a large amount of fish species and it is considered excellent to practice naval sports, as well.

The city is divided into two main parts consisting of the central city and smaller portion known as "La Villa Sur". The two parts are divided by the hydroelectric power plant and a large salt peter processing and shipping plant, but the costal highway connects the two portions. In La Villa Sur larger, more luxurious homes are to be found, typically belonging to the more affluent members of the small city's society.

The larger northern portion of Tocopilla is home to the municipal buildings, the central plaza, and a large number of locally owned stores and shops. The main supermarket "el Colón" sells anything and everything from fresh beef cuts to floor wax and they bake fresh bread every day. The steep grade of the city from beach to vertical hillside is covered in houses and apartments crammed together to save space. A large artifcial-made beach is the main attraction during summer months and serves as the perfect place to get away from the bone dry scalding heat of the Atacama, although on the North side of the city there is a black sand beach.

Tocopilla is also the birthplace of renowned artist Alejandro Jodorowsky.

Links:

http://www.tocopillaonline.cl

http://www.prensatocopilla.cl

http://www.elpolemico.org

Coordinates: 22°05′S, 70°12′W