A descent into the heart of mining history
The Chiflón del Diablo Mine is much more than an archaeological site; it is a living testament to the sacrifice and identity of Chile. Dating back to 1884, this is the only underwater coal mine in the world open to tourism. The tour invites you to immerse yourself in the depths of the earth, literally under the bed of the Pacific Ocean, to relive the chronicles immortalized by Baldomero Lillo in his work "Subterra." Between dark galleries and the echo of ancient tools, visitors connect with the epic of a community that forged the country's development in extreme conditions.
Plan your trip to Chiflón del Diablo Mine
How to get there
How to get there by air
The closest access is through Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP) in Talcahuano, which serves the city of Concepción. From the airport, you can take a private transport service or rental car to head south, crossing the bridge over the Biobío River towards the Lota commune.
How to get there by land
From the center of Concepción, the journey to Lota is approximately 40 to 60 minutes (40 km). If you prefer public transport, there are intercity buses (Lota-Coronel) with a very high frequency that leave from various points in the city center. Once in Lota, access to the mine and park area is well signposted and easily accessible for pedestrians and vehicles.
Must-Know Tips
The visit to the mine is guided exclusively by former coal miners, who recount firsthand stories of camaraderie and effort; listening to them is essential to understanding the human value of the site. The circuit includes the geo-mining exhibition and the filming set of the movie “Subterra”, where you can see the mining pavilion and the original company store.
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