Sewell: A Ghost Mining Town in the Andes

Explore Sewell, Chile's historic 'City of Stairs,' a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former mining town nestled in the Andes Mountains.

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Sewell

Sewell is a deserted Chilean mining town located high in the Andes Mountains. Founded in 1905 by the Braden Copper Company to house workers of the El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine, it was once a vibrant community, known as the 'City of Stairs' because its steep terrain was unsuitable for vehicles. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into a unique chapter of industrial history.

A brief summary to Sewell

Sewell, Machali, O'Higgins, CL

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing stairs, as the town is built on a steep hillside.
Dress warmly in layers, as the weather in the Andes can be unpredictable.
Consider bringing snacks and water, as there may be limited options available in Sewell.
Be aware of the altitude and take it easy if you are not used to high elevations.
Tours often have age restrictions (e.g. between 7 and 75 years old) due to the physical demands of the visit.

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Getting There

Tour

The only way to visit Sewell is through a guided tour. Several tour companies offer day trips from Santiago, Rancagua, and Valparaíso. These tours typically include transportation to and from Sewell, a guided tour of the town, and entrance to the Museum of the Great Copper Mining. Tour costs vary depending on the departure location and the inclusions. From Santiago, tours cost around CLP$44,000 for adults. From Rancagua, tours are around CLP$39,000 for adults. Some tours include lunch, which may increase the price. Be sure to book in advance, as tours can fill up quickly.

Discover more about Sewell

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, 60 kilometers east of Rancagua, lies Sewell, a remarkable ghost town with a rich mining history. Founded in 1905 by the Braden Copper Company, Sewell was built to house the workers of El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine. The town is situated at an altitude of between 2,000 and 2,250 meters (over 7,000 feet) on the slopes of Cerro Negro, a location marked by a harsh climate.Sewell's unique architecture and urban design earned it the nickname 'City of Stairs'. Built on terrain too steep for wheeled vehicles, the town's buildings are connected by a series of staircases, including the large Escalara Central, which was built from the railway station. This design reflects the town's origins as a company town, where the mining company controlled all aspects of life.At its peak in the 1960s, Sewell housed over 16,000 people and had a hospital, fire department, social clubs, a movie theatre, a bowling alley, several stores, a church, and many other facilities. The town had a special culture that combined Chilean and American customs. However, after the nationalization of the copper industry in 1971, the state-owned company began moving workers into the valley, leading to Sewell's gradual abandonment.Today, Sewell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding example of a 20th-century industrial town. About 50 original buildings still stand and are being restored. Visitors can explore the town's historic buildings, including the Teniente Club Building, and visit the Museum of the Great Copper Mining, which showcases the history of copper mining in Chile.