Coquimbo Region
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| Coquimbo Region | |
|---|---|
| Name | Coquimbo Region |
| Native name | Región de Coquimbo |
| Settlement type | Region |
| Coordinates | 29, 54, 28, S... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Chile |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | La Serena |
| Parts type | Provinces |
| Parts | Elqui, Limarí, Choapa |
| Leader title | Intendant |
| Area total km2 | 40579.9 |
| Population total | 757586 |
| Population as of | 2017 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | CLT |
| Utc offset | −4 |
| Timezone DST | CLST |
| Utc offset DST | −3 |
| Website | [http://www.gorecoquimbo.cl Official website] |
| Iso code | CL-CO |
Coquimbo Region. It is one of the sixteen administrative divisions of Chile, located in the north-central part of the country. The region is bordered by Atacama Region to the north, Valparaíso Region to the south, Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its capital is the city of La Serena, which, together with the port of Coquimbo, forms a major conurbation.
Geography
The region's terrain is characterized by a narrow coastal plain rising eastward into the foothills of the Andes, which include the Cordillera de Doña Ana. Major valleys, such as the Elqui Valley, Limarí Valley, and Choapa Valley, are carved by rivers flowing from the Andes, creating fertile agricultural areas. The eastern border is dominated by the high peaks of the Andes, while the region also encompasses several islands, including the Isla Damas within the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. Notable landforms include the Fray Jorge National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its coastal fog forest.
Climate
The region features a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures, influenced by the cold Humboldt Current. Coastal areas, including La Serena and Coquimbo, experience frequent coastal fog known as *camanchaca*, which provides vital moisture. Inland valleys, such as the Elqui Valley, see greater temperature variations and significantly lower precipitation, making them part of the Atacama Desert system. The Andes introduce a high-altitude climate with colder temperatures and occasional winter snowfall, particularly around destinations like the Elqui Domos observatory.
Demographics
According to the last national census, the majority of the population is concentrated in the Elqui Province, primarily within the Greater La Serena conurbation encompassing La Serena, Coquimbo, and Vicuña. Other significant urban centers include Ovalle in the Limarí Province and Illapel in the Choapa Province. The population includes descendants of Spanish settlers and indigenous groups such as the Diaguita, whose cultural influence remains present. The region has also seen growth associated with tourism and astronomical projects like the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory.
Economy
The economy is historically based on agriculture, with the valleys producing pisco grapes, avocados, and papayas, supported by reservoirs like the Embalse La Paloma. Mining remains important, with operations extracting copper and iron from deposits in the interior. The port of Coquimbo is a key hub for fishing and cargo, while La Serena is a center for commerce, services, and government administration. A rapidly growing sector is astronomical tourism, centered on major international observatories including the La Silla Observatory and the Gemini Observatory.
History
The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Diaguita and the Inca. Spanish conquest began in the 16th century, led by figures like Pedro de Valdivia, with La Serena founded in 1544. The region was a significant source of gold during the colonial period. In the 19th century, it was part of the early Chilean War of Independence and was formally organized as a province. The 20th century saw the development of irrigation projects and the rise of the mining industry. The modern administrative region was created in 1974 under the military government of Augusto Pinochet.
Culture
The region is considered the heartland of Chilean pisco production, with distilleries and vineyards centered in the Elqui Valley, including near the town of Vicuña, the birthplace of poet Gabriela Mistral. Traditional festivals include the Fiesta de la Pampilla in Coquimbo and religious celebrations in Andacollo, centered on the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Andacollo. The clear skies have fostered a strong astronomical culture, with numerous observatories and "astrotourism" ventures. The legacy of the Diaguita culture is preserved in archaeological sites and contemporary artisan crafts.