Here you can get all the necessary information to enter into one of the most beautiful areas of Chile. We are talking about the Elqui Valley, located in the Norte Chico, specifically in the foothills range of the Coquimbo Region. Geographically speaking, it is a dry and mountainous area, known for its clear skies that stay clear for much of the year and free of all light pollution. This feature allows every night here to be a natural spectacle where the main highlights are the Milky Way, constellations and shooting stars. Not far away from this region there are three important observatories, some of which are open to the public and have guides. A few of the best known are the Inter-American Observatory of Cerro Tololo, the Mamalluca de Vicuña, the Pangue Observatory and the Cancana Observatory.

 

The Elqui Valley is a dry and mountainous region with completely clear skies 300 days a year / Photo: Daytours4u

 

The Elqui Valley is a huge creek crossed by the Claro River. In its plains different villages are settled surrounded by agricultural fields dedicated mainly to the cultivation of grapes for the wine industry, that is, to produce all variants of white and red wine, but also the famous pisco; a typical distillate of this area of ​​the world. This industry has also modified the landscape appearance and at the same time has added beauty. The tourist arriving from La Serena will be aware of this, they will see how the orange tones of the hills contrast with the green vineyards that meander towards the Andes.

 

How to get there

From Santiago you can take a bus that after a six hour ride will leave you at the coastal city La Serena, a trajectory that will only take a half hour by plane. At La Serena’s terminal, you should take another bus that will take you towards the valleys that can be found inland. If you come from the North of the country, it is in your interest to get down at Coquimbo and from there take the same route. 

Trip Tip: The first city in the Elqui Valley circuit that you will find coming from the coast is called Vicuña, birthplace of the poet and Nobel Prize for literature Gabriela Mistral. This city is only one hour away. However, if your intention is to get to Pisco Elqui (the most popular and busy town) you will have another two hours of travel through steep and winding slopes. That means that from Santiago, counting the two buses you must take, in total you will have nine hours of travel. The same applies if you want to reach Cochihuaz. The only thing you should keep in mind is that the road forks at the height of the town of Paihuano. In that place take the left if you want to go to Cochihuaz, or continue straight if you are going to Pisco Elqui.

 

Do not miss the opportunity to get to know Pisco Elqui, the most popular and busy town in the region  / Photo: Source

 

How get around the Elqui Valley

Imagine a narrow river of clear water that descends zigzagging from the Cordillera de los Andes through an immense and deep ravine. That is the Elqui Valley, a territory where water sets the pace, since where there is water there is life, and where there is life there are villages. In this way, as you go up, you will discover small towns, each with its own identity and charm, but all share the same productive orientation focused on agriculture. You can get off at the town you want, because everyone has the infrastructure to receive the tourist. Then, when you want to move, you only have to walk to the main street where “the micro” runs through the valley back and forth during the day every forty-five minutes.

Travel tip: Inside the valley it is safe to hitchhike, but you have to be patient because there are hours of the day in which no vehicle passes. Since shade is scarce in these parts, we also recommend that you wear sunscreen and wear some type of hat.

 

Where to start

As a first stop we recommend that you visit the town of Pisco Elqui, a small town of 800 inhabitants. Mainly dedicated to the cultivation of grapes and other export fruits, one of its main attractions is the Solar de Pisco Mistral, the oldest distillery in the whole area. This place offers guided tours and tastings of pisco with different graduations. It has a small museum that preserves the old still, in addition to a beautiful restaurant installed in an old colonial house where you have lunch outdoors in a flowery courtyard covered by a arbor.

In Pisco Elqui you can also visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, a beautiful church dating from the early twentieth century. This is next to the square, which is in turn the epicenter of the social life of the town and where every night there is a live music group or other artistic number that brings together neighbors, tourists and artisans. This is the best time of day to start conversations and make friends.

 

 Mandatory stop on your visit to Pisco Elqui: The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary / Photo: Source

 

What to do

In Pisco Elqui you have many entertainment options. The main one is to bathe in the Claro River, which is accessed through the private campsites that are located on its banks. The entrance costs on average 4 USD per person. During the day we suggest you visit another distillery called Fundo Los Nichos. Here you will find one of the best Chilean piscos, and if you wish you can also take a tour to know the process of making this famous alcoholic beverage.

But not everything is pisco on this earth. For example, the famous astronomical tour where an expert guide will take you to Alcohuaz at night, the town that is at the top of the valley and that is undoubtedly one of the best places to appreciate the sky with a telescope. Another popular tour is downhill cycling (from Alcohuaz to Pisco Elqui or from Cerro Colorado to Paihuano), a very adrenaline experience, 100% recommended. You will also find tours that include horseback riding and trekking, some of which go into the mountains for more than a day, such as the one that reaches Laguna el Cepo more than three thousand meters above sea level. It is a small natural sanctuary surrounded by mountains and covered with yaretas where the “Piuquenes” or Andean geese swim calmly.

 

 The Cepo Lagoon is a natural sanctuary located three thousand meters above sea level /Photo: Source

 

Now, if yours is not adventure tourism, in Pisco Elqui you will also find a large spa and a wide range of relaxation services such as massage therapy, reiki, meditation and yoga classes. For those who are looking for the late night, we recommend that you start on “Side B” of Los Jugos. Yes, that's what the bar is called next to the natural juice store, and anyone who asks will know how to get there. To top it off, there are two options: Discotheque Topsy (the only one in town) that only opens on weekends, or Rancho Rodríguez, a legendary campsite that organizes parties every summer night, with dj and bonfire included.

 

Where to stay

Virtually all accommodations in Pisco Elqui have a pool and view of the creek. They exist of all kinds, from cabins, lodges to a hotel. So you can get an idea of ​​the daily budget, one night at Hotel el Milagro costs approximately USD 95 per night with breakfast included. Then there are the lodges that are a little further away from the town, in the middle of nature or among the vineyards. In them the price for two nights for a double room is around 145 USD with breakfast included. Finally, cabins for four to five people cost USD 245 for two nights. This last option is probably the one that suits you if you travel as a group.

Trip Tip: Although backpacking is not your thing, we recommend that you go even for one night to Río Mágico in Chochiguaz, since it is one of the best campsites in Chile and every night is a party under the stars. Here you don't even need to sleep, you can enjoy electronic music until dawn and see how the valley turns on when the sun rises behind the mountain. During the day, take advantage and refresh yourself in the river that crosses the campsite, which also has small white sand beaches where you can relax and sunbathe. Price? USD 16 per night

 

Where to eat

In Pisco Elqui you can find Chilean and international food, bars, coffee shops, sandwich carts and natural juices. We especially recommend the Sleeping Equine restaurant, Rústika Restobar, El Bosque, La Pisqueña and the School. Everything is close, it is impossible to get lost.

Enjoy the flavors of yesteryear with a touch of avant-garde at El Durmiente Elquino restaurant / Photo: Source

 

Discover the Chilean charm through all your senses and take advantage of your trip to explore the best of Chile with the best tours and activities in Daytours4u!

By: Brian Gray, Chilean anthropologist and muralist specializing in urban visual culture.