Ayquina

Ayquina is a village located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, within the Antofagasta Region. It is situated in the upper Loa River valley, approximately 74 kilometers northeast of Calama.

Ayquina is primarily known for its annual religious festival, the Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe de Ayquina, which takes place on September 8th. This festival is one of the largest and most important religious events in northern Chile, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims from across the country and neighboring regions. The festivities involve traditional dances, music, and religious processions honoring the Virgin Mary.

The village itself is small and rural, with a population significantly smaller than the number of pilgrims who visit each year. Its economy is largely based on agriculture and tourism related to the religious festival. The landscape surrounding Ayquina is characterized by arid mountains and desert vegetation. The climate is typical of the Atacama Desert, with hot days and cold nights, and very little rainfall.