Vicu�a is a Chilean commune and city in Elqui Province, Coquimbo Region, founded during the government of Bernardo O'Higginsto secure sovereignty over the Elqui Valley. The famous Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral was born there in 1889. It borders to the west with the communes of La Higuera, La Serena and Andacollo, to the east with Argentina and to the south with Paihuano and Rio Hurtado. The commune is the administered by the municipality of Vicu�a, which is the principal city of the Valle de Elqui
