Chañaral, Chile

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Chañaral is a small coastal town in the Atacama Region, Chile. It is located at around 29°1′60″S, 71°25′60″W. A colourful town largely unknown by tourists, who generally head straight for towns such as San Pedro de Atacama and Pucon. The town is considered unspoiled, with the benefit of having absolutely no high rise buildings. On the arid hills nearby is a lighthouse which casts a beam over the town during the night. Throughout the day and night, there is a lively, bustling atmosphere on the narrow streets. Despite it being coastal, it is not a typical seaside resort, partly because of the fact that the ocean is contaminated from industry. Situated a short distance to the north is the Pan de Azúcar National Park.