Vicuña, Administrative center in Elqui Valley, Chile.
Description
Vicuña is a city located 620 meters above sea level in the Elqui Valley of northern Chile, spread across flat and mountainous terrain. It sits within the basin of the Elqui River and combines built areas with the surrounding natural landscape.
History
The Villa de San Isidro de Vicuña was founded in 1821 by Colonel Joaquín Vicuña Larraín during the government of Bernardo O'Higgins. This establishment was part of the early development of northern Chilean regions following independence.
Culture
This city is known as the birthplace of writer and Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral, whose legacy shapes local identity. Her life and work are preserved in several museums that draw visitors interested in learning about her connection to the region.
Practical
To reach this city, take the Panamericana Highway north to La Serena, then follow International Route Gabriela Mistral CH-41. The location at high altitude means visitors should allow time for gentle acclimatization, particularly if arriving from lower elevations.
Did you know?
Five observatories in the area take advantage of roughly 300 clear nights per year to study the southern sky. This exceptional frequency of clear nights makes the location significant for astronomical research in the region.
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Vera C. Rubin Observatory
25.8 km
Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory
19.9 km
Puclaro Reservoir
14.1 km
Tumba de Gabriela Mistral
21.6 km
Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope
24.9 km
Monumento natural Pichasca
43.9 km
Iglesia grande de Andacollo
44.1 km
Cerro Pachón
25.1 km
Museo-Biblioteca Gabriela Mistral
2 km
Víctor M. Blanco Telescope
19.9 km
Iglesia de San Francisco, La Serena
54.5 km
Torre Bauer
2.3 km
PROMPT Telescopes
19.6 km
Parque Coll
53.4 km
Museo Arqueológico, La Serena
54.3 km
Edificio Isabel Bongard
54 km
Fundición Lambert
53 km
Casa Carmona
54.3 km
Capilla del Hospital San Juan de Dios, La Serena
54.4 km
The Evryscope
19.6 km
Capilla, casa y claustro de la Divina Providencia (La Serena)
53.7 km
Mine d'Andacollo
46.6 km
Gemini South
25.2 km
SARA-CT
19.8 km
Casa de la Providencia
53.7 km
Iglesia parroquial de Andacollo
44.2 km
Centro histórico de La Serena
53.7 km
Casa escuela rural de Montegrande
21.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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