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Historic square · Vicuña, Coquimbo
Plaza de Armas de Vicuña
Tree-lined central plaza of Vicuña, with monuments to Gabriela Mistral and the Torre Bauer, a red wooden tower of German style that houses the tourist office.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Plaza de Armas de Vicuña
The Plaza de Armas is the center of Vicuña, a town founded in 1821 by Colonel Joaquín Vicuña, the first intendant of the former province of Coquimbo. Old trees provide shade in the dry heat of the valley, and sculptures honor Gabriela Mistral, who was born in the town in 1889.
Next to the plaza is the Torre Bauer, a wooden tower with a clock and a pointed roof, of German inspiration, named after the mayor Adolfo Bauer. It became a symbol of the town and houses the old town hall and the tourist information office.
Nearby are the Municipalidad and the Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, inaugurated in 1909. A few steps away are the Museo Histórico del Elqui, the Museo Entomológico, with insects from the region, and the Teatro Municipal.
Vicuña is a little over 600 meters above sea level, and the valley sun is strong from early on. It is in the plaza that the groups meet to go out at night to the observatories.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half an hour to an hour, including the church and the Torre Bauer.
Best time
In the morning, before the midday heat, or late afternoon, when the plaza fills with locals.
How to get there
It's in the center of Vicuña, about 150 meters from the bus terminal. Buses and vans from La Serena arrive there after an hour's drive along Ruta 41.
Tip
Visit the Torre Bauer to pick up maps and information about the observatories and the valley's distilleries before booking tours.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza de Armas de Vicuña
What is the Torre Bauer?
It is a wooden tower of German inspiration, with a clock, next to the Plaza de Armas de Vicuña. It is named after mayor Adolfo Bauer and houses the tourist office.
What is the altitude of Vicuña?
A little over 600 meters, with no altitude effects. The concern is the strong sun and the dry air.
What to see near the Plaza de Armas de Vicuña?
The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, the Torre Bauer, the Museo Histórico del Elqui and, 600 meters away, the Museo Gabriela Mistral.