Norte Chico

region, Chile

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July 1, 2026

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The Norte Chico, meaning "Little North," is a region in northern Chile characterized by arid to semiarid conditions. It features east-west valleys and brush-covered ridges. This region is economically significant for its agriculture, which relies on irrigation in the Elqui, Limarí, and Choapa river valleys, producing fruits, wine grapes, and cereals. Mining for iron, gold, manganese, and copper is also a major activity. The Pan-American Highway and a north-south railroad traverse the region, connecting major cities like La Serena, the regional capital. The Norte Chico is part of a larger Andean civilization that developed over thousands of years before the Spanish arrival.123

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Chile
Relief
…27° S); the north-central region, Norte Chico (27° to 33° S); the central region, Zona Central (33° to 38° S); the south-central region, La Frontera and the Lake District (38° to 42° S); and the extreme southern region, Sur (42° S to Cape Horn).
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…27° S); the north-central region, Norte Chico (27° to 33° S); the central region, Zona Central (33° to 38° S); the south-central region, La Frontera and the Lake District (38° to 42° S); and the extreme southern region, Sur (42° S to Cape Horn).
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