The North - Central know as the Coquimbo region, which means "place of calm water". It characterizes for the beaches of soft sands that make it an important tour center of the country. It comprises the region from the garge Los Choros in the north to the river La Ligua to the south. The landscape is a contrast between the semi-dessertic vegetation and the green, irrigated valleys. And also the coastal strip with ample and protected bays. It is considered an attractive turist zone. This chilean region has become in the last years an area of great touristic demand. It´s warm climate, with pleasant and not very often cloudy days in the coast, makes this place a excellent alternative for all kinds of tourism. Part of this zone, called "Small North", counts with beautiful beaches, as well as a rich archaeology and privileged scenes for astronomical observation.Its fertile agriculture characterizes by a excellent production of fruits and musts.

Mountain Range

Cochiguas
Located at 50 km. south-east of Vicuna. A valley located in the interior of Monte Grande, internationally known to be a center of meditation. It is considered as a magnetic pole near the north pole and guides the needles of the compass. " Has positive energy properties for humans". It also has tourist services like cabins and camping facilities all around this area. The valley gradually gets higher along 18 km. passing through different predios till it reaches the Colorado which is also considered as a center of meditation, relaxation and natural life. It also has a camp. This place is visited by travelers of many countries. The valley is surrounded by high and arid hills and with life channels called "Aguadas", whose liquid is used by wineries that extend till the banks of the river Cochiguas which also serves for irrigation. The houses of the predios, very painteresque, are made of sun-dried adobes and dry-stone walls.

Punitaqui
Located at 25 km. south of Ovalle. A mining village surrounded by old mines of Copper and is now important because of its present production of Mercury. It is an interesting place to visit which is near a mine called Delirio where Mercury is extracted. Located in the ravine near the sharp-peaked hill of Punitaqui of 1,215 m. height. Towards the east, the hills of El Altar and La Laja are located where there were important mines of copper. The village was founded because of the Gold mines but later rich mines of Mercury were discovered. On the side of the village there is the estuary Punitaqui of the river Limari.