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Published: 22-09-2022
Nestled between the contrasting desert of San Pedro de Atacama and the golden coastline running from Arica to Valaparaíso is the mystical and magical Elqui Valley. Primarily a Pisco and wine region, thanks to over 340 days of sunshine with year-round warm sunny weather and strong valley winds, coupled with dramatic drops in temperature at night, the Elqui Valley is valued for its wines and pisco. The never-ending horizon of green, and one of the clearest skies in the world, with no light pollution, the fascinating factor is the energy and vibration you feel as soon as you enter the dry and dusty valley. The Elqui Valley is a magical place where the moon shines bright, the stars glow brighter, and a simple breath will clear your mind and enrich your soul. We will head to one of the most scenic stretches of nature from La Serena city, Vicuña.
Elqui Valley
Star Gazing
The Elqui Valley is a place of outstanding natural beauty. Its most notable feature is the clear skies, the clearest in the southern hemisphere. As soon as the sun goes down, a million stars appear, and the area has been associated with extra-terrestrial phenomena and is home to many observatories. Given the remote location, high elevation and reliably cloud-free nights, the Elqui valley is one of the best places for stargazing. Major observatories dot the desert landscape, and back in 2015, the entire valley was declared the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary during the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union. Astronomers have long known about this unique place in recent years, astro-tourists have also discovered its charms, and there are many ways to experience those magnificent star-filled night skies.
Starry Skies Over Elqui
Pisco Tour
The following day head out on a Pisco tour, where you will learn about the production processes of this national drink. Beginning when the grapes are picked between February and May to when they are stored and aged, then finally sold. Experience the product through several tastings and visit the museum to learn more about the history of pisco.
Wine Barrels, Elqui
Gabriela Mistral Museum
After a traditional lunch in the valley, we will learn more about the life of one of Chile’s most prominent political, social, and literary figures with a visit to Museo Gabriela Mistral de Vicuna. Gabriela Mistral was a poet, feminist, educator, and also the first Latin-American woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945. Displays of Mistral’s personal belongings, manuscripts, unfinished works, book collections, and awards come together in her birthplace, giving visitors a picture of her life.
Gabriela Mistral Museum
Coquimbo
Today we return to the city of La Serena and Coquimbo, where the main attraction is the Cruz del Tercer Milenio, a giant cross, 83 meters tall and made of concrete, that sits on a hill and lights up at night. Visitors can go up to the top in an elevator, which provides fantastic views of Coquimbo and across the bay to La Serena. Since it is primarily a religious construction, there is also a lovely chapel to explore. The town of Coquimbo itself does not offer many other attractions but is full of neo-colonial architecture, which makes for quite a pleasant stroll.
Coquimbo, La Serena
If you want to escape the “big smoke,” re-connect with nature and experience the positive vibrations of the relaxing Elqui Valley, book an Elqui Valley Immersion tour with Va Expeditions here!
