Plaza de Armas Bell Tower & Palms

The Heart of Vallenar

The Plaza de Armas is the civic and social centre of Vallenar, the main town of the Huasco Valley. Laid out in a classic colonial grid, the square gathers residents around its central gazebo, shaded walkways and benches beneath a canopy of mature palms.

Architecture & Landmarks

Dominating the view is the slender church bell tower, a long-standing local landmark. Around the plaza stand municipal buildings, shops and historic façades that trace the town's growth since its founding in 1789.

The Atacama Setting

Vallenar sits in an oasis along the Huasco River, ringed by the arid foothills of the Atacama Desert. The contrast between the green, irrigated square and the surrounding bare mountains makes this one of the region's most distinctive urban panoramas.

Daily Life in the Square

From quiet strolls to civic gatherings and seasonal celebrations, the plaza is where Vallenar's everyday life unfolds. The camera captures the steady rhythm of pedestrians, traffic and local commerce around this enduring community gathering place.