Vallenar is a city and commune located in the Atacama Region of Chile. It serves as the capital of the Huasco Province and is situated within the valley of the Huasco River. The city currently has a population of approximately 52,000 inhabitants.
The primary economic activities in Vallenar are farming and mining. Historically, the settlement was founded in 1789 by Ambrose O'Higgins as San Ambrosio de Ballenary, named after his birthplace in County Sligo, Ireland. Its establishment displaced Santa Rosa, which is now known as Freirina, as the primary settlement of the Huasco Valley.