Copiapoa Carrizalensis Cactus at Llanos de Challe National Park.

© abriendomundo/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Parque Nacional Llanos de Challe

Norte Chico


This 45,000-hectare desert park north of Huasco is a great place to escape the crowds. Several well-marked trails take in a bit of the desert flora (and with luck, you might see guanacos). The beaches here are also quite scenic, though the waves can be too rough for swimming.

Camping is available at Playa Blanca near the park's entrance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Norte Chico attractions

1. El Faro de Huasco

19.43 MILES

One of Huasco's emblems is the 22m-high lighthouse. Its elegantly tapering octagonal shape and copper dome looks all the more striking against the rocky…