Loa

With a length of 440 kilometers, the Loa River is the longest river in Chile (270 mi). The river runs from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean, passing through the Atacama Desert. The Salado River, San Salvador River, and San Pedro de Inacaliri River are all tributaries of the Lao river. The river serves as a vital source of water for riverine towns and is home to a variety of fish species, including shrimp. Pollution of the river by mining corporations has become a major source of concern, as it jeopardizes the water's worth and utility.

The Loa's origins are found on the Andean mountain ranges near the Mio Volcano's foot. The upper Loa basin is bounded on the west by a ridge with altitudes above 4,500 m (14,800 ft), while it is separated from endorheic basins such as Salar de Ascotán on the east by a volcanic range. The river basin's hydrologic regime is dominated by rain. The phenomena known locally as Bolivian Winter causes a rise in its water volume, which happens primarily in January and February.

Its banks have been inhabited since the beginning of time. The numerous geoglyphs, petroglyphs, and pictographs found along its route and in its upper basin are proof of this. The Pukará de Lasana is another reminder of the city's illustrious past.

Length: 440 kilometers (270 mi)