Chilean Populations in the Third Region

El Salvador Town

Distance: 122 Kilometers away from Chañaral
Main Activity: Copper Mining

El Salvador, a population that is located of 2.300 meters above the sea level. A modern town devoted to copper mining.

The most interesting attractions are: The Salvador Mine, The Gruta of Lourdes, The Inca Gate, The Sal River, The Asiento Gully, The Antena Hill and the Pedernales Salar.

Vallenar Town

Distance: 146 Kilometers away from Copiapo
Main Activity: Mining and Agriculture

Vallenar is the capital province of Valle Huasco.

It is considered a great agricultural center. It is famous thanks to its olive-trees. Besides, it is an important center of steel mining in the country.

The city is located in the river- bed of the Huasco River among palm trees and old picturesque houses.

The most interesting attractions are: The San Francisco Church, The Jilguero Park, The Iron Building, The Huasco River and the Santa Juana Reservoir.

Astronomic Observatory La Silla  and Las Campanas
It is located in the Andes, at an altitude of 2191 and 2510 meters above the sea level respectively.

Both observatories including the observatory “El Tololo” composed the group of observatories of the region.

Alto del Carmen Town

Distance: 40 Kilometers away from Vallenar
Main Activity: Handcraft

Alto del Carmen is one of the typical spots of the region, especially because of its handcraft man ship and the making of a tasty wine: the "sweetish".

It is recommendable to visit the towns of Chanchoquin, Conay, El Transito and San Felix; as well as the Transito, Huasco and Carmen Rivers.

Freirina Town

Distance: 35 kilometers away from Vallenar

It is located 35 kilometers from Vallenar. This is a traditional town. It was founded as “Villa de Santa Rosa de Huasco”; it was the first inhabitated place in the valley.

Freirina is a population plenty of ancient constructions and mining ruins.

It is interesting to visit too: Huasco River, The Freirina Church, The Atacama Farmhouse, The Portales Building, The Copper Smelting Labrar Chimneys and the Fishing Terminal.

Huasco Town

Distance: 58 kilometers away from Vallenar

It is located 58 kilometers from Vallenar. This city is placed close to a bay and it is surrounded by mountains.

Huasco was destroyed by the earthquake of 1922 which left only few remains of the entire city. Today, it is an active mineral producer and an important tourist center.

Among its most important beaches, it is possible to mention: Playa Grande, Tres Playitas and Baratillo.

It is also interesting to visit: The Terminal of Pesquero and The Bay of Guacolda.