Elqui Province, Province in northern Chile, Coquimbo Region
This territory extends across 6,523 square miles (16,895 square kilometers) between the Pacific coast and Andean cordillera, with fertile river valleys set between arid mountain ranges and coastal landscapes.
Created in 1826 as one of eight original administrative divisions following Chilean independence, this territory received its present configuration during national administrative reforms implemented in 1974.
Agricultural traditions from the Diaguita and Molle cultures, who settled here before Spanish colonization and developed irrigation systems along river valleys, continue to influence local farming methods throughout the territory.
The Pan-American Highway and national rail network provide access to principal cities Coquimbo and La Serena, which serve as gateways and offer transportation connections to communities throughout the territory.
Several international astronomical observatories concentrate in the elevated areas here due to exceptionally dry air masses and minimal light pollution, allowing up to 300 clear observation nights annually.
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