The Elqui Valley is one of Chile's premier tourist destinations, located 500 kilometers north of Santiago, the capital. Renowned for its mystical aura, it is famous for UFO sightings and offers a fertile landscape stretching from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean. Its pristine, pollution-free skies have made it an ideal location for telescopes, supporting both tourism and major scientific research centers. In recent years, numerous international awards and media mentions have brought global attention to this remarkable site.
The valley itself is a magnet for tourists, celebrated for its natural landscapes, vineyards, and colonial villages, which seamlessly blend agrotourism, ecotourism, and astrotourism.
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| A privileged place for astronomy lovers Image: Astrovida.cl |
The publication highlights this destination for several reasons, including its connection to astrotourism, local products like pisco (an alcoholic beverage made from specific grape varieties), and its designation as a national cultural heritage site linked to Gabriela Mistral, the Nobel Prize-winning poet. The article emphasizes the area's numerous tourist attractions and notes that, although it was once relatively unknown, it has gradually gained recognition, particularly for its famously clear skies. Furthermore, the Elqui Valley was a prime location for observing the total solar eclipse in 2019.
For the second consecutive year, The New York Times included Valle de Elqui in its global list of "52 Places to Visit" for 2019. Stretching along the Elqui River basin, this valley is among the most popular destinations in Northern Chile.
Also known as 'Norte Chico' (Small North), this area is located in the Coquimbo Region. Discover the treasures of the Valle de Elqui, a magical and charming destination well worth a visit.
- By Air: From Santiago to La Florida Airport, city of La Serena.
- By Land: Buses or private vehicles, mainly from La Serena and Santiago.
- Local Tours: Departing from La Serena (the regional capital, another of the must-see cities in Chile), there are a number of agencies offering excursions to this tourist destination.
Tourist Attractions in Valle de Elqui:
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| Torre Bauer, a symbol of the village Image: rallymobil.emol.com |
Vicuña is the most important town in the area and the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, the Chilean poet who won the 1945 Nobel Prize in Literature. Like much of the "Norte Chico" (Small North), the town is internationally recognized for its clear skies, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Highlights include Cerro Tololo Observatory, one of the most important in the world, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy; the Cerro Mamalluca Tourist-Educational Observatory; Collowara, a tourist observation post managed by the Red de Alojamiento de Andacollo; and Pangue Observatory, offering guided astronomical tours and currently a standout in this region of Chile.
Other attractions include the Museo y Biblioteca Gabriela Mistral (Gabriela Mistral Museum and Library); the Museo Entomologico y de Historia Natural (Entomology and Natural History Museum); the Torre Bauer, an iconic symbol of the village built in 1905, now serving as the Oficina Municipal de Informaciones Turísticas (Municipal Tourist Information Office); the Planta de Producción Pisco Capel (Pisco Capel Distillery); the Embalse Puclaro (Puclaro Dam), completed in 1999 to regulate scarce rainfall and control the waters of the Elqui River; and Villaseca, a small village renowned for its traditional Chilean cuisine prepared using solar ovens and grills.
Museo Gabriela Mistral
The Gabriela Mistral Museum honors the legacy of the renowned Chilean poet, educator, and diplomat, Gabriela Mistral, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945 and the National Literature Prize in 1951. Located at 759 Gabriela Mistral Street in Vicuña, at the heart of the Elqui Valley and near her birthplace, the museum offers visitors an intimate look into her life and work.
Exhibits include personal belongings, documents, photographs, and books that once belonged to the poet, alongside displays about her literary achievements, educational initiatives, and diplomatic contributions. Opened in 1957, the museum also houses a specialized library featuring part of Mistral’s personal book collection and resources for studying her legacy.
Valle de Cochiguaz
A secluded valley nestled among rolling hills in the commune of Paihuano, near Elqui, and approximately 110 km from La Serena. The valley is nourished by the Cochiguaz River, and its semi-arid hills contrast beautifully with the lush greenery of the river basin. This serene setting makes it a sought-after destination for meditation enthusiasts and those seeking unparalleled tranquility.
The surrounding hills are rich in quartz and magnetite, which add to the valley's mystical appeal. Many local accommodations, including boarding houses and cabins, offer alternative therapies such as Reiki, yoga, esoteric practices, meditation, and aromatic baths.
Another standout feature of Valle de Cochiguaz is its pristine night sky. Virtually free of light pollution, the valley offers astronomy enthusiasts a rare opportunity to stargaze. On clear nights, the stars create a breathtaking spectacle, often visible without the need for a telescope.
Pisco Elqui
Image: piscoelqui.com
Organizacion Turistica Valle de Elqui
Organizacion Turistica Valle de Elqui
A charming town with pre-Columbian roots, nestled in the commune of Paihuano. Pisco Elqui lies 107 km east of La Serena and 37 km southwest of Vicuña. This picturesque town, originally known as La Greda and later as La Unión, adopted its current name in 1936.
A haven for nature lovers, Pisco Elqui is surrounded by vineyards and thrives on the production of pisco—a distinctive Andean grape brandy that originated in the 16th century. The town’s main square, shaded by beautiful trees, is home to the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church. Completed in 1922 with materials imported from Europe, the church boasts a tower over 30 meters tall, visible from afar. Inside, its central nave and two aisles are adorned with religious images imported from France.
But the stunning Elqui Valley offers more than grapes and pisco. Since the late 19th century, the region has nurtured a brewing tradition, beginning with Bauer beer in Vicuña. This tradition has recently seen a strong resurgence, delighting locals and visitors alike.
For beer enthusiasts, local agencies offer the Cerveceros Ancestrales guided tour, an 8-hour journey through much of the valley. This unforgettable experience allows you to visit and sample offerings from some of the region's most renowned craft breweries.
Montegrande
A picturesque village situated 98 km from La Serena and 31 km from Vicuña, within the commune of Paihuano. In 1990, it was designated a National Monument under the category of Typical Zone.
Montegrande is widely recognized as the childhood home of Nobel Prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral. Visitors can explore her childhood home, school, and tomb nestled among the village's streets. Guided tours offer insights into the town's historic architecture, central square, church, and the local pisco industry.
Astronomical Tours in Elqui Valley
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| Cerro Tololo Observatory Image: latercera.com |
With the rise of astrotourism, some of the best locations for educational and recreational stargazing have emerged. The Elqui Valley, one of the world’s most privileged places for observing the cosmos, now boasts numerous facilities catering to both amateur and professional astronomers. This northern region of Chile is home to some of the world’s leading scientific centers, drawn by its exceptional climatic conditions, political and economic stability, and high level of security.
Guided tours, often departing from the city of La Serena, are led by experts who provide introductory talks to help visitors identify planets, stars, constellations, and more. Stargazing begins under typically clear skies with the naked eye, followed by observations using standard telescopes and advanced equipment. Today, numerous tours offer astronomical routes for enthusiasts eager to uncover the mysteries of the universe. Below are some options to explore:
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