Coquimbo, Chile

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aerial view

Coquimbo is the port city and capital of the Elqui Province in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. Coquimbo lies in a valley 10 km south of La Serena, forming a metropolitan area of more than 300,000 inhabitants. The average temperature in the city lies around 14° C, and it rains very little.

The natural harbor in Coquimbo was taken over by Pedro de Valdivia from Spain in 1550. Because of the gold and copper industry in the region the city became important for the export around 1840 and many Europeans especially from England settled in Coquimbo. In 1867, it was recognized as a town. It is currently undergoing a process of urban renewal under its mayor, Pedro Velasquez. The city itself, a gritty industrial and shipping center, is growing quickly, registering a 32.8% growth rate from 1992 to 2002. The 2002 population, according to the Chilean census, was 154,316, with 8,720 people living in the countryside directly surrounding the city.

Tourism has started to develop in Coquimbo recently. It is a jumping point for small beach towns to the south, such as Guanaqueros and Tongoy. The port is still important for the export, especially of fruits. Wine is also grown in the region. Coquimbo is located on the Pan-American Highway.