Transverse Valleys


The Transverse Valleys are a group of transverse valleys in the semi-arid northern Chile. They run from east to west, being among the most prominent geographical features in the regions they cross. They are located in the Chilean regions of Valparaíso, Coquimbo, and Atacama. They share some characteristics, such as reaching the Pacific Ocean without passing through an Intermediate Depression, being rather deep and dissecting the landscape, concentrating most agriculture and population in the areas through which they pass, and being intensively cultivated. They are one of the defining elements the Chilean natural region of Norte Chico. The area of the Transverse Valleys spans roughly a length of 600 km from north to south.
NamePhotoRegionReference
Copiapó ValleyAtacama
Huasco ValleyAtacama
Elqui ValleyCoquimbo
Limarí ValleyCoquimbo
Choapa ValleyCoquimbo
Aconcagua ValleyValparaíso