Chile is located at the southernmost tip of South America and winds its way up the west coast of the continent. Economically, Chile is located on the Pacific Ocean and is a hotspot for international trade. It also helps that Chile is the world's No. 1 copper exporter - demand for copper is at an all-time high.
Introduction of the five largest ports in Chile
1. Port of Valparaiso
The city of Valparaiso is a cultural and architectural treasure, featuring incredibly steep hills, beautifully decorated houses and streets filled with one-of-a-kind artworks. In fact, the city is considered Chile's "Cultural Capital" and its historic district was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
Pass through the maze of cobblestone alleys and you'll find the port of Valparaiso. The port is located just 140 kilometers from Santiago, on the central coast of Chile. Valparaiso is one of the busiest ports in Chile, as it is an important cultural center and a major trade center. It is also the largest container port in the country. It doesn't hurt to have majestic mountains overlooking the coast, either.
2. Port of San Antonio
As one of the largest ports in Chile, San Antonio is ranked as the 13th busiest port in South America. The city itself has a Mediterranean climate and endless green hills. Being so close to the Chilean capital, San Antonio also has beautiful and modern high-rises that overlook the Pacific Ocean without getting too close. (If you can imagine Miami but with hills, you'll get a good idea of what the city looks like).
Located in one of Chile's central seaports, this port is very close to the capital and is known as a major seafood trading area.
3. Puerto Punta Arenas
The city of Punta Arenas is located in the center of Patagonia. With its snow-capped mountain landscape, modern architecture and old-school urban vibe, the city has been a timeless destination for explorers from all over the world.
Located on the edge of the Strait of Magellan, the southernmost city in Chile, it is arguably the most visited of all seaports in Chile. The second of only two free ports in Chile, it offers everything from museums to restaurants to cruise ships and has seen a recent increase in petrochemical trade.
4. Port of Iquique
Pronounced e-key-kay, this Chilean seaport is the only other free port in the country. Located on the north coast, it is one of Chile's oldest ports, thanks to the country's victory over Peru in the 1883 Pacific War.
Although it is a smaller port compared to other ports, its economic significance has always been a long-term trading center. The city of Iquique is known for its white-sand coastline, water sports and tax-free status - attracting thousands of tourists every year.
Since 2014, Iquique International Terminal (ITI) has been planning plans to expand the port's terminal to make room for larger trade ships. The plan is to turn the small seaport into a hub, a direct bridge to Asian markets and rivaling Chile's largest port. Currently, the expansion concession is being extended until 2030. Once the project is finalized, the port of Iquique will become an influential trade hub.
5. Arica Port
The Port of Arica is also located on the country's northern coast, bordering Peru. In the south, the city of Arica meets the Atacama Desert. Arica is rich in archaeological and ancient history, while offering a beautiful and sunny landscape full of modern activities.
With ancient battlefields, dunes, national parks, colonial buildings and churches, Arica is known as Chile's largest agricultural seaport. While other ports are notorious for their seafood, Arica is known for exporting citrus fruits and locally produced olives from farms in the Azapa and Rio Lluta valleys.
