At the south end of Av O’Higgins, Parque el Loa has a riverside swimming hole and a replica of Chiu Chiu’s celebrated church. It’s the best picnicking spot in town and a nice break from the bustle. Also here is the diminutive Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico (316-400; adult/child CH$200/100; 10am-1pm & 2-6pm Tue-Fri, 2-6pm Sat & Sun), with decent exhibits on the highland culture of the Atacama. Also in the park, across the river, is the Museo de Historia Natural y Cultural del Desierto (349-103; adult/child CH$500/200; 10am-1pm & 3-7pm). This small, well-presented museum explores the region’s ecology, culture and paleontology.