Ollagüe Postal Codes: 1420000 | El Loa, Antofagasta

Key Facts

Ollagüe is a commune located in the El Loa Province within the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. Situated in the high Andes near the border with Bolivia, Ollagüe occupies an extremely remote and elevated position in the Atacama Desert plateau. This commune covers approximately 2,964 square kilometers of rugged mountainous terrain and hosts a very small population of around 300 residents, making it one of Chile's most sparsely populated administrative divisions. Ollagüe is administratively divided into a single municipality that encompasses the small mining town of Ollagüe and surrounding settlements. The region is dominated by the active Ollagüe stratovolcano, which rises to 5,868 meters above sea level and forms a prominent landmark along the Chile-Bolivia border. Historically significant for its mining activities, particularly sulfur extraction, the area now relies on limited mining operations and border trade. The commune's extreme altitude and arid conditions create a challenging environment for settlement, with most inhabitants concentrated in the namesake town that serves as the administrative center. For those seeking postal services or administrative information, Ollagüe's limited populated areas can be accessed through its municipal offices in the main settlement.

Neighboring Regions

• Calama
• San Pedro de Atacama
• María Elena