The
Transverse Valleys (Spanish:
Valles transversales) are a group of valleys in the
semi-arid northern Chile. They run from east to west (traversing Chile), being among the most prominent geographical features in the regions they cross. They are located in the Chilean regions of
Valparaíso,
Coquimbo and
Atacama. They share some characteristics, such as reaching the
Pacific Ocean without passing through the
Intermediate Depression, being rather deep and dissecting the landscape, concentrating most agriculture and population in the areas through which they pass, and being intensively cultivated. They are one of the defining elements the
Chilean natural region of
Norte Chico. The area of the Transverse Valleys spans roughly a length of 600 km from north to south.