Abstract

The rivers of the Central Pacific extend from the coastal areas of southern Peru to northern Chile (11°58′S–31°37′S). The rivers originate in the Andes and flow into the Pacific Ocean. They are short, with fast-flowing waters. This chapter provides a detailed description of four basins in northern Chile: Loa, Huasco, Elqui, and Choapa rivers, which cross desertic or semidesertic lands, but whose valleys are fertile. These rivers hold historical significance as they were home to various pre-Hispanic cultures, and today they are a fundamental part of the regional economic development. The rivers support unique biodiversity with a high degree of endemism due to isolation from other basins in the Neotropical region caused by the rise of the Andes. Currently, the biodiversity of these freshwater ecosystems is threatened by climate change and the increasing impact of agriculture and mining.