The Coquimbo Region is an administrative region in northern Chile, South America. It is known above all for its clear skies, and the observatories that have been built to take advantage of them make it a destination for anyone interested in astronomy.
What draws visitors
The region's dry, clear air is the reason many come. Its observatories are among the reasons the area is noted internationally, and a visit here can combine a daytime look at the landscape with an evening spent under the stars.
- Astronomical observatories, which give the region its strongest reputation
- Clear night skies, well suited to stargazing
- Arid landscapes that belong to the wider Atacama Desert area
The landscape
The region's scenery is dominated by dryness and open ground. The arid terrain gives the countryside a stark character, quite different from the greener parts of Chile further south, and it is this same dryness that keeps the skies so clear.
Planning a visit
Because the region spans a varied area, it is worth deciding in advance what you most want to see, whether that is the observatories, the desert landscape or the night sky. Visitors interested in astronomy will find the region's reputation a good reason to plan an evening outing, while those drawn to open, dry scenery will find plenty to look at during the day. Check local arrangements for each site before you travel, as details of access and visiting conditions are not set out here.
