Vallenar

Vallenar is a city in Chile in the Atacama region. It has around 48,000 inhabitants (as of 2003).

Geography

Vallenar is located 145 km south of the city of Copiapo and is the capital of the province of Huasco. The city is situated by the river Huasco to around 380 meters.

The climate is very dry and desert-like ( 31 mm rain / year).

History

Vallenar was founded in 1789 by the Irish Ambrosio O'Higgins January 5. Ambrosio O'Higgins was the father of the first Supreme Director of Chile Bernardo O'Higgins.

On November 10, 1922, the city was of a very severe earthquake severely damaged.

Attractions

60 km north- west of the city lies the Llanos de Challe ( National Park ), with its 457 km ². The national park offers the typical flora and fauna of the desert-like environment (eg cacti, many species of birds, guanacos and reptiles). 48 km southwest lies the national reserve Reserva Nacional de Humboldt pingüino. With its 8.5 km ², it is very small and is located on the Pacific. You can watch Humboldt penguins.

The city itself is crossed by palm-lined avenues and historic buildings. The Museo de Huasco shows the regional history.

Economy

The city lives mainly from agriculture and the mining industry ( iron ore ). Tourism also plays a major role. Around the city there are a number of wine-growing areas. Agriculture is highly dependent on the water supply by the Río Huasco. In the south of the large Santa Juana Reservoir lies.

- 28.570833333333 - 70.758055555556Koordinaten: 28 ° 34 ' S, 70 ° 45 ' W

• Location in Chile
• Región de Atacama
• Place in South America