Fourth Region of Chile

La Serena: Capital of the Fourth Region of Coquimbo
Distance: 474 kilometers away from Santiago
Main Activity: Mining and Fruit Growing Center

This is the North – Central part, know as the Coquimbo region which means "place of calm water". It is well known thanks to the beaches of soft sands.  It is an important tourist center in the country.

It comprehends the region from Los Choros in the north to the river La Ligua to the south.

The landscape is a contrast between the semi-desert vegetation and the green irrigated valleys. The coast is ample and it is protected by bays.

It is considered an attractive tourist zone.

Principal Cities:

· La Serena
· Coquimbo
· Vicuña

Site Attractions:

· Chilean Populations:
Ovalle, Illapel, Salamanca, Paihuano, Pisco Elqui

· Beaches - Resorts:
Guanaqueros, Tongoy, Los Vilos, Pichidangui Beach

· Elqui Valley
· Fray Jorge National Park
· Embalse La Paloma
· Chinchillas National Reserve

Astronomical Observatories:

The Astronomic Observatory of Las Campanas and El Tololo
Their offices are situated in the city of La Serena.

The Astronomic Observatory of Cerro Tololo
Reservations in the city of La Serena with two months of anticipation - Telephone: (51) 205200 - (51) 205212

The Astronomic Observatory of Las Campanas
Reservations: Telephone (51) 207304 - (51) 207308

The Astronomic Observatory of La Silla
Reservations in Santiago of Chile with two months of anticipation - Telephone: (2) 4633100

The Astronomic Observatory of Cerro Mamalluca
Reservations: Telephone (51) 206631