El Norte Chico (or Little North) is considered a transition region, located between the arid North and the temperate central regions of Chile. Norte Chico is becoming Chile's most important beach resort area. The city of La Serena, the area's most important cultural and trade center, is also the starting point for visits to the Elqui valley- the birthplace of Nobel Prize poet Gabriela Mistral, and the home of Pisco, Chile's unique and powerful hard liquor. In the valleys that characterize the region, the climate is temperate and mild. The Rio Hurtado runs through a pristine natural valley to the south-east of Vicuña and is a perfect setting to enjoy activities such as horseback riding and trekking. Grapes for the production of pisco are cultivated in the valleys here, as well as table grapes for export to markets around the world. A unique national park, Fray Jorge, is easily accessible from the Panamerican Highway, along with at least a score of beach resorts. The sky of Norte Chico is unparalleled for its clarity, and thus is home to several astronomical observatories. Finally, if you are lucky, you may witness the astonishing Desierto Florido, a rare sight in Springtime, when the normally dry desert sprouts a colorful blanket of green grass and beautiful flowers.
This colonial-style city is a favorite among Chileans. It is loved for its unique, beautiful colonial architecture, as well as its proximity to great parks, such as the lush Elqui Valley, and outdoor activities.
Though architecturally inferior to la Serena, the rugged port town of Coquimbo is a wonderful oceanside spot for rest and relaxation. Coquimbo's hills make great look-out points from which to view up and down the coast. The town is also a less expensive base for exploring La Seren's beaches.
Vicuna has a nice, easy-going feel. It is well-known for its pisco distillery, but you can also enjoy several historic attractions, as well as tasty food.
The verdant Hurtado valley is an oasis set against a stunning mountain backdrop. If you're looking for a spectacular getaway spot, visit the Hacienda Los Andes for lodging and horseback tours.
Thanks to the fog that arrives on every afternoon's sea breeze and stays until the next morning on the steep coastal mountains, the forests of Fray Jorge National Park absorb enough moisture to sustain one of South America's most unusual natural features, a verdant enclave surrounded by stark desert.
These three towns offer up some of the best beaches in Chile, and are known to be less crowded than the beaches of say, Vina del Mar.