Coquimbo Region are bounded on the north to  Atacama Region,  on south to Valparaiso Region, east by Argentina and the west by the Pacific Ocean.

It has an area of ​​just over 40,000 km ² and an estimated population of 720,000 by 2010 people. It comprises the provinces of Choapa, Elqui and Limari. Its regional capital is the city of La Serena.

In La Serena and Coquimbo you experience the magic of the typical desert climate of the north and at the same time enjoy the excellent beaches and proximity to the fertile lands of the central zone, where they grow grapes to produce fine wines and pisco.

In spring and summer, warm water beaches tend to attract many visitors, especially from Santiago.

The course that makes the Elqui River to the beaches of La Serena runs about 140 km between hills planted with vineyards and villages which for years have combined agriculture with tourism. Elqui Valley is one of the most visited destination, and must for nature lovers and those looking for different sleeping experience.

To finish are the Fray Jorge National Park, a forest of almost 10 000 hectares, hidden among the hills and through the Camanchaca, mist coming from the Pacific, maintains tree species typical of southern Chile. Further north in Humboldt Penguin Reserve, there are islands with colonies of these birds and bottlenose dolphins approaching boats.

How to get there

By plane. From Santiago, daily flights to the airport in La Serena La Florida (1 hour).

By Bus.  From Santiago, buses leave from:

 

• Terminal Los Heroes: Tucapel Jimenez and Alameda, near the Metro station Los Heroes. Several companies bound for the north. Telephone: (56-2) 4200099
• Terminal San Borja (former North Terminal): San Borja and Alameda, near the Central Station railway station. Destinations to the north and within the metropolitan area. Telephone: (56-2) 7760645

 

From Coquimbo and La Serena go inside buses to get to Ovalle, Monte Patria, Pisco Elqui, Vicuna.

By Car. From Santiago, on Route 5 north to Coquimbo (458 km) and La Serena (470 km).

Activities

In La Serena you can walk along its beautiful Avenida del Mar or stroll in the evenings on Francisco de Aguirre avenue, who has an outdoor museum of sculptures, visit the old churches such as San Francisco, National Monument, built between sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, or shop at the Recova, the most famous market area, which includes an excellent craft fair.

In Coquimbo, La Herradura beach and nightlife of Barrio Ingles are captive. If you visit on the date when Chile celebrates its independence (18 and 19 September), the party is at La Pampilla, a classic to dance cueca, cumbia or salsa, taste local dishes and drinks to take wine or pisco.

For those who like sports, there's a lot of adrenaline. From enduro to trekking, diving to windsurfing, and also golf. There is something for everyone.

Outside of these cities, going south you can visit the Parque Nacional Fray Jorge. On the other hand, if it goes to the north is Humboldt Penguin Reserve.

The villages in the Elqui Valley as Pisco Elqui and Vicuña are natural therapies to heal all kinds of stress. It's easy to find accommodation centers alternative therapies like reiki, meditation and massages. Amid the beautiful geography Cochiguaz Valley is the center of mysticism and alternative therapies.

In the Elqui Valley can be discovered quiet towns  as Algarrobillo, El Tambo, Peralillo, El Molle and San Isidro are surrounded by vineyards and orchards, with adobe architecture and beautiful churches where you can eat typical local products and visit the wineries that processing of pisco and wine, with tastings included.

As there are many alternatives to find this place, a good way to start is to visit pisco processing plants. There you can learn all the manufacturing process of grapes distillate, tastings and purchases.

Vicuña, a quiet town, famous for here was born poet and Nobel Prize for Literature Gabriela Mistral. From here you can continue  into Elqui Valley to visit Monte Grande, the town where Gabriela Mistral spent her childhood, which is still his school, his home and his grave.

The purity of the atmosphere of La Serena and Elqui Valley allow the existence of several astronomical observatories, such as La Campana, Cerro Tololo, La Silla and Cerro Mamalluca.

If you like adventure sports, Elqui Valley also has hiking, horseback riding, trekking, biking and jeep tours.

In Pisco Elqui and Vicuna, surrounded by vineyards, you can find great restaurants to eat from roasted goat to organic food. You can ask for recommendations from the locals, especially for it jams, pies, bread and milk caramel.