Guayacán town, located the Coquimbo Region, was the center of a mining and industrial complex that expanded during the 19th century. It became a monumental area for 40 years and was a Typical Zone recognized by the Chilean Government in 2005. This article investigates the complex actuality of an area in which different economic activities converge, At the same time, it identifies as a cultural landscape by its residents. Based on a historical analysis that includes images, reports, and newspaper articles, it is proposed that, despite their social dynamics in daily life, authorities have unappreciated tourism opportunities and abandoned legally protected buildings, while the local population demands for government support to establish of human development policies and cultural recognition.