Los Vilos

Los Vilos


Los Vilos
Location in Chile
Coordinates (city): 31°55′S 71°31′W / 31.917°S 71.517°W / -31.917; -71.517
Country Chile
Region Coquimbo
ProvinceChoapa
Founded1835
Declared Harbor1855
Government
  TypeMunicipality
Area
  Total
1,860.6 km2 (718.4 sq mi)
Elevation
11 m (36 ft)
Population
 (2012 Census)
  Total
18,275
  Density9.8/km2 (25/sq mi)
  Urban
12,859
  Rural
4,594
Demonymvileño(a)
Sex
  Men8,858
  Women8,595
Time zoneUTC−4 (CLT)
  Summer (DST)UTC−3 (CLST)
Area code56 + 53
WebsiteMunicipality of Los Vilos

Los Vilos (From mapuche: Filu, ‘snake’)? is both a Chilean coastal commune and a coastal city with over 9,000 inhabitants (18,275 in comuna), located in the Province of Choapa, part of the IV Region of Coquimbo. The city has a harbour called Puerto Punta Chungo, that ships the material of Los Pelambres mine. Fishing is one of its main activities. The city also has a significant amount of tourism, mainly due to its two beaches: La Principal and Las Conchas. It is located at 246 kilometres (153 mi) from La Serena and 246 kilometres (153 mi) from Santiago.

The city was founded in 1830, and was declared a minor harbor in 1855.