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The Alicanto

– It is a bird that lives among the hills of the Atacama desert. It is very large; its wings have a metallic color; it has a twisted beak and its legs have powerful claws. It is said that whoever decides to follow the Alicanto will get rich because this bird can lead them to the exact spot where there are rich deposits of gold and silver or hidden treasure.

What is the Alicanto like?
What powers does this bird have?

Greater North

The Greater North spans the Regions of Arica y Parinacota, Tarapaca and Antofagasta.
– It is the driest, most arid geographical area in Chile and home to the Atacama desert. Nevertheless, there are also valleys, oases, ravines and saltpans.
– The main cities in the area are Arica, Iquique and Antofagasta. They are all found along the coast and make for great ports and beaches.

What regions belong in the Greater North?
Why is it known as the most arid part of Chile?
Which are the main cities of the Greater North?

Historical and cultural development

– In this part of the country there are records of human life that date back some 11,000 years. The most important cultures that lived here were the Chinchorro culture, the Faldas del Morro (Morro foothills) culture, the Cabuza culture, the Pica or Pica-Tarapaca culture and the Arica culture.
– Nowadays, one of the most well-known and most important festivities held in this area is La Tirana.

Which were the first cultures to live in the Greater North?
Which is the most important religious festivity in the area?