CHILE'S NORTH

Northern Chile is one of the least-visited regions in Chile, but it's packed with tourist attractions that are well worth a visit.
Le climat est agréable toute l'année. Les villes principales sont Copiapo et La Serena.

For astronomy enthusiasts, it's even said that it's here that you'll find the purest skies on the planet. Many astronomical observatories point their eyes upwards. No visual nuisance is to be deplored, much to our delight.

Chile's tiny north is also home to the world's highest volcano, Ojos del Salado. Around it, you'll also find a number of green, sun-drenched valleys, ideal for wine-growing.

This is also the region of rich, dry and prosperous green, sun-drenched valleys ideal for wine-growing. There is a strong contrast between fertile valleys and desert areas.

COPIAPO

The town of Copiapo is famous for its silver mines, and it's easy to get to Bahía Inglesa to discover its secluded beaches or take an excursion to the marvellous ‘virgin lands’ of the Tres Cruces National Park.

The Llanos de Challe National Park is home to one of the country's most spectacular natural events: El Desierto Florido. Every three or four years, hundreds of species of flowers bloom in August in the Copiapo valley, thanking the heavens for the little rain that falls during the winter.

LA SERENA

Chile's oldest city is located 450 km north of Santiago. It is the main town in this region and is well known for its traditional architecture and its 27 churches, some of which have been declared ‘National Monuments’.
The beaches of La Serena are popular with Chileans looking to enjoy the summer months (December to March). It's a seaside resort with a seductive Andalusian air.

From this beautiful colonial town, you can travel to the green Elqui valley, where grapes and papaya are grown. This valley also attracts esoteric groups, sun worshippers and UFO enthusiasts...
The Elqui Valley is another ‘must-see’ in this region. The evenings are famous for its starry skies and its highly fertile valleys produce grapes in part for one of Chile's most popular drinks: Pisco. You can't leave the region without visiting at least one of the magnificent observatories in the area, such as Mamalluca, el Pangue or Tololo.

From La Serena, you can also go and observe the marine fauna in the Humbolt National Reserve.

The Punta de Choros cove is a small artisanal fishing port located north of the Coquimbo Region. It is close to the island from which it takes its name and was largely formed by fishermen.
It is a tourist spot with calm waters and beautiful beaches that invite relaxation almost year-round, as it enjoys a very good climate. It is also famous for spotting dolphins, whales, sea lions, and other species.
It is one of Chile's largest nature reserves and a must-see in northern Chile. It is undoubtedly an excellent destination to relax and get closer to nature.

Here are the 3 main sites to see when you come to Punto de Choros:

HUMBOLDT PENGUIN NATIONAL RESERVE(Reserva Nacional Pinguino de Humboldt)
A reserve dedicated to preserving a unique environment, home to an important nesting site for the Humboldt penguin, known for other wildlife such as sea lions, dolphins, and occasionally (especially with a bit of luck) blue whales, depending on the season. The boat trip to the reserve takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

LADIES ISLAND (Isla Damas)
This is the only island in the reserve where you can disembark and take a walking tour along a trail with detailed information about the species you will recognize during your trip. Tourists have one hour to wander around the island, observing the flora and fauna, or enjoying the view of the white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

CHOROS ISLAND (Isla Choros)
You'll be amazed by the diversity of birdlife, especially the Humboldt penguin that gives the reserve its name. If you're lucky, you might see dolphins or whales in their natural habitat. No one goes down to this island to protect the species present.

So, if you're one of those visitors who prefers to escape the more "famous" destinations and get off the beaten track, or if you're simply looking for a more than starry sky, wide open spaces filled with flowers, grapes, and Pisco, the Little North is for you!