Coquimbo, Port city in northern Chile
Coquimbo is a harbor city on Chile's northern coast that spreads along a natural bay, combining residential neighborhoods with port facilities. The coastline alternates between beaches, rocky sections, and docks, while streets climb from the water into higher residential areas.
Spanish settlement began in 1550 when Pedro de Valdivia took possession of the region and founded a settlement that grew into the present harbor city. The bay served as an important base for merchant ships and fishing, and continues to connect northern Chile with the Pacific.
Residents maintain a close relationship with the ocean, visible in the many fish markets and workshops using maritime materials. The name comes from the Diaguita language and refers to the water and bay that have drawn fishermen for centuries.
The city is reached via the Pan-American Highway, which runs along the coast and provides good connections to the south and north. Visitors walking along the waterfront promenade will find shaded sections and public benches, while slopes in residential neighborhoods require some stamina.
The Third Millennium Cross rises above the city and offers a wide view over the bay. Those who climb up see the entire coastline to the neighboring city La Serena and can clearly survey the region's topography.
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