Chile’s 2nd Region Desert above Antofagasta

First impressions mean a lot and thus I have always encouraged leftist, communist, statist, interventionist, radical feminist and radical ecologist people that are considering moving to Chile to see its ugliest parts first. Have them stay out near the airport for a night in one of Santiago’s poorest sections. Then send them to Chile’s ugliest cities: Calama, Talcahuano and Osorno. Add to that list the northern part of the city of Antofagasta, which if it were separate, would probably top the list of ugliest cities in Chile. Most of Chile’s beauty is not in the north, other than the landscapes of the Altiplano and some seascapes like Morro Arica and Bahía Inglesa or Playa la Virgen. Chile is most spectacular in its middle and southern section (weather permitting). The drive south from Antofagasta just tends to underscore that the largely desolate, ugly moon-like north is for work rather than enjoyment.