Salamanca is a Chilean city and commune in Choapa Province, Coquimbo Region. It is located 30 km (19 mi) east of Illapel, the province's administrative center, and 316 km (196 mi) north of Santiago, Chile. It is normally accessed from Los Vilos, which lies next to the Panamerican Highway, and connects the city to the rest of the country.Salamanca sits on the north bank of the Choapa River and within the Choapa valley. It was officially founded in 1844 by Joaquín de Ceballo, governor of Illapel.