Flight Santiago de Chile - Antofagasta. This port city is closely linked to the mining activities in N Chile. It experienced a rapid development in the first decade of the 21st century and and outperforms most other cities of the country in terms of economic wealth. In 2012, Antofagasta had a population of almost 350,000. The bright colour of the lower slopes, contrasting to the otherwise darker rocks of the coast range, indicates the presence of wind-blown marine sands.