Combarbalá, Mining town and commune in Limarí Province, Chile
Combarbalá is a town in Limarí Province located between the Andes mountains and the coastal range in the Coquimbo Region. It sits at an elevation where visitors can explore surrounding landscapes and access natural sites through local paths.
The area was home to Diaguita, Molle, and Inca peoples who practiced mining and agriculture for centuries. Spanish authorities officially founded the town in 1789 as a formal settlement in this mountain region.
The region maintains petroglyphs from the Diaguita civilization at Rincon las Chilcas, displaying ancient artistic expressions and astronomical observations.
The area is best explored on foot using marked trails that lead to different points of interest throughout the town and surroundings. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the mountain terrain and altitude require some physical preparation.
Local artisans craft jewelry and decorative pieces from combarbalita, a semi-precious stone found nowhere else but here. This stone-working tradition represents a distinctive craft tied to the region's geology and heritage.
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