The course that follows Elqui river to La Serena's beaches goes through about 140 km between hills full of vineyards and villages which for years have combined agriculture with tourism. Elqui Valley is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and those looking to relax in different ways.

The Elqui Valley focuses its business on growing grapes, fruits, cereals, fodder and vegetables. In addition, sheep cattle and has deposits of iron and copper. However, tourism has gained a privileged position in recent years, so it has excellent accommodation and restaurants.

The city of Vicuna is 62 miles east of La Serena and 532 north of Santiago. Located amidst stunning greenery of Elqui Valley is one of destinations chosen by clear skies lovers, perfect for viewing stars, and those who wish to discover the route of Pisco. Vicuna is also famous because here was born Gabriela Mistral, poet and Nobel Prize for Literature. From here you can continue walking into the valley. In Monte Grande, the town where Gabriela Mistral spent his childhood, still retains her school, home and her grave.

Quiet villages such as Algarrobillo, El Tambo, Peralillo, San Isidro and El Molle appeal visitors by their vineyards, orchards, adobe architecture and beautiful churches.

Elqui valley has a Mediterranean climate, though mountains provide a desert aspect. Summer temperatures range from 20 ° C and 34 ° C, with warm days and cool nights. Its winters are mild, with minimum 3 and maximum 16 ° C.

One of main Vicuna and Elqui Valley advantage is that they has at least 300 days and nights completely clear, so their Cerro Mamalluca observatory becomes the absolute protagonist for those who want to look at the universe through their telescopes on entertaining astronomical observation tours.

How to get there

Vicuna is accessed by land, either by car or through local bus station. By car it is reached through the route CH 41, excellent condition, which connects this city with San Juan (Argentina) through Agua Negra border pass, or through route D 445, consolidated .

By plane. Daily flights from Santiago to La Serena (1 hour).

By Bus. From Santiago buses depart on Los Heroes and San Borja terminals.

From Coquimbo and La Serena buses depart to Monte Patria, Pisco Elqui and Vicuna.

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

From La Serena to east on Route 41 to Vicuna are 62 km, paved until Pisco Elqui.

Activities and attractions

There are so many options to discover this valley. A good way to start is to visit pisco processing plants. There you can learn all grapes distillate process, tastings and purchase souvenirs. A few kilometers from Vicuna you can follow the Pisco Route with Capel, Mistral, Tres Erres and Artesanos de Cochiguaz pisco factories .

In Pisco Elqui and Vicuna,surrounded by vineyards, you can find very good restaurants and "picadas" to eat from roasted goat to organic food. Ideally, ask for recommendations, especially if it jams, pies, bread kneading andy delicacy.

For those who like adventure sports, the valley also has hiking, horseback riding and biking routes.

Urban feature of Vicuna and the valley has noble and ancient buildings from the early 1900's. ain points of interest  are Vicuna square with old trees and sculptures that pay tribute to Nobel laureate poet Gabriela Mistral, The Inmaculada Concepcion temple, the Bauer Tower, which houses the tourism information office, the council building and Gabriela Mistral, Elqui Historical and Ethnology museums.

Very near of Vicuna you can visit picturesque towns such as El Molle, El Tambo, Diaguitas, Rivadavia, Chapilca, Monte Grande and Pisco Elqui.

Another attraction is Puclaro dam, ideal for water sports. Its lagoon, natural viewpoints, craft fairs and the corner diaguita worth visiting.

In different corners of Elqui valley have installed many people looking to live a life closer to nature and away from big cities hustle. And because this valley is considered a source of healing energies, it is easy to find accommodation centers and alternative therapies spas like reiki, meditation and massage. Amid beautiful geography Cochiguaz Valley is the hotspot of mysticism and alternative therapies.

To complete this sensory experience, we recommend visiting Mamalluca observatory.  Elqui Valley's clean air allows spectacular stargazings.