Atacama Region, Administrative region in northern Chile.
Description
The Atacama Region sits in northern Chile and covers three provinces from the Pacific coast to the Andean highlands. The terrain shifts between barren coastal strips, wide valleys and high mountain ranges, while parts of the driest desert on Earth shape the interior landscape.
History
Silver discoveries at Chañarcillo in 1832 brought miners and merchants into the remote valleys and triggered a mining rush. The opening of iron and copper deposits in the late 19th century changed the economy permanently and encouraged the development of ports and connecting roads.
Culture
The native Diaguita and Chango peoples established the first settlements in the region, developing specialized techniques for desert agriculture and mineral extraction.
Practical
The Pan-American Highway crosses the administrative area and connects cities like Copiapó and Vallenar with the rest of the country. Travelers should carry water supplies and be prepared for long stretches between fuel stations and supply points.
Did you know?
Observatories use the clear air and low light pollution for astronomical observations possible at few places worldwide. Flowering desert sections transform into colorful carpets of wildflowers for a short time after rare rainfalls.
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Ojos del Salado
179.5 km
Giant Magellan Telescope
190.3 km
La Silla Observatory
214.2 km
Monte Pissis
157.3 km
Estadio El Cobre
142.4 km
Reserva provincial Laguna Brava
168.3 km
Pan de Azúcar National Park
146.3 km
TRAPPIST
213.9 km
Incahuasi
205 km
Observatorio Las Campanas
187.3 km
New Technology Telescope
214.3 km
Pingüino de Humboldt National Reserve
240.9 km
Magellan Telescopes
186.8 km
Cerro Bonete
132 km
Nevado Tres Cruces National Park
133.5 km
Estadio Luis Valenzuela Hermosilla
1.6 km
Llanos de Challe National Park
109.2 km
ESO 3.6 m Telescope
214.5 km
Cerro El Muerto
186.1 km
Leonhard Euler Telescope
214.3 km
Tipas
176.7 kmAta volcano
175.2 km
Mina Los Colorados
113.2 km
Museo Regional de Atacama
864 m
MASCARA
214.2 km
Sierra Nevada de Lagunas Bravas
198.6 km
MPG/ESO telescope
214.2 km
Copiapó Cathedral
108 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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