Vicuña Postal Codes: 1760000 | Elqui, Coquimbo

Key Facts

Vicuña is a city and commune located in the Elqui Province of Chile's Coquimbo Region. Situated approximately 52 kilometers east of the regional capital La Serena, Vicuña lies in the heart of the Elqui Valley, a picturesque area known for its stunning landscapes and clear skies that make it one of the world's premier astronomical observation sites. The city covers an area of approximately 7,609 square kilometers and has a population of around 24,000 residents according to recent estimates. Vicuña is administratively divided into several smaller districts and rural areas that collectively form the commune. The region is famous for its production of pisco, a traditional Chilean grape brandy, and its agricultural focus on vineyards and fruit orchards that thrive in the valley's Mediterranean climate. Vicuña also holds historical significance as the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral, with several museums and cultural sites dedicated to her legacy. The commune's economy benefits from both agriculture and growing astronomical tourism, with multiple world-class observatories located in the surrounding mountains. For those seeking detailed postal and administrative information about Vicuña's various districts and neighborhoods, comprehensive resources are available to help navigate the commune's geographic subdivisions.

Neighboring Regions

• La Serena
• Andacollo
• Río Hurtado
• Paihuano
• La Higuera