During reign of Tupac Inca Yupanqui (1380 - 1410 CE), the exploitation of the silver deposits of Huantajaya, located about 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of the site of Alto Hospicio Central Prison, began.

In August 2007 the Alto Hospicio Basic Emergency Hospital opened in La Pampa area of the city.

Alto Hospicio hosts a large open-air market, La Quebradilla, which is open six days a week.

It is characterized by abundant cloudiness, and low oscillation amplitude from autumn throughout the winter to the early part of spring.

The community receives some rainfall in summer, especially between January and February due to high air pressure fronts commonly called "Bolivia," negatively referring to cold Bolivian or Altiplano winters.

As a commune, Alto Hospicio is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council, headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years.

[1] Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Alto Hospicio is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Marta Isasi (Ind.)