Chilean Populations in the III Third Region

El Salvador Town

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

El Salvador, a population located at an altitude of 2.300 meters above sea level. A modern town devoted to copper mining.

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

Vallenar Town

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

Vallenar, province capital of Valle Huasco.

Considered a great agricultural center, famous for its olive-trees. Besides of being an important center of steel mining in the country.

A city located in the river- bed of the river Huasco, among trees, palm trees and old houses with patios.

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

Astronomic Observatory La Silla y Las Campanas
Located in the Andes at an altitude of 2191 and 2510 m.a.s.l.

Both observatories plus the observatory El Tololo make up the trio 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 for its handcraft man ship and the making of a tasty and the "sweetish" wine.

It is interesting to visit the towns of Chanchoquin, Conay, El Transito and San Felix. Besides the Transito, Huasco and Carmen rivers.

Freirina Town

Distance: 35 kilometers away from Vallenar

Located at 35 kilometers from Vallenar. A town with charm and tradition. Founded as Villa de Santa Rosa de Huasco, it was the first populated place in the valley.

Freirina, a population of ancient constructions and mining ruins.

It is interesting to visit the: 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

Located at 58 kilometers from Vallenar. City and part embedded in a bay surrounded by mountains.

Huasco was destroyed by the earthquake of 1922, which left only few remains of the part. Today it is an active part of minerals and an important tourism center.

Among its most important beaches are: Playa Grande, Tres Playitas, Baratillo.

It is interesting to visit: Terminal Pesquero, Bahía Guacolda.