Experiences and local guides in Valle del Elqui

Nature

The Elqui valley climbs from La Serena between arid hills of ochre and violet, with a green floor of vines, papayas and pisco vineyards watered by the river. More than 300 clear nights a year make it the world capital of astro-tourism: the Tololo, Gemini and Mamalluca observatories are here. Small villages such as Vicuña, Paihuano, Pisco Elqui and Alcohuaz, with Gabriela Mistral's sun and mountain silence.

Activities

• Star nights at Mamalluca, Pangue and private observatories with telescopes and astronomy guides
• Horseback riding and trekking in the hills of Cochiguaz and Alcohuaz, river swims
• Pisco route: Aba, Mistral and Los Nichos distilleries, high-altitude vineyards and craft breweries
• Cycling between villages, kayaking and windsurfing on the Puclaro reservoir
• Gabriela Mistral house museum, crafts, solar cooking and meditation centres

When to go

All year, with the clearest skies from April to November and cold nights. December to February is warm and lively; avoid full-moon nights if you come for the stars.

How to get there

La Serena airport (LSC) has flights from Santiago (1 hour); from there it is 1 hour by car or bus to Vicuña and 1 h 30 to Pisco Elqui. Direct buses from Santiago to Vicuña (7 hours). Within the valley, shared taxis and local buses link Vicuña, Paihuano, Pisco Elqui and Alcohuaz; observatories arrange evening transfers.