Coquimbo Region, northern Chile · Chile
A sun-drenched valley of pisco vineyards, mountain villages and brilliant starry skies.
The Elqui Valley is a narrow green ribbon through the arid mountains of northern Chile. Fed by the Elqui River, it grows grapes for pisco, Chile's national spirit, as well as papayas and avocados, and its villages are known for their relaxed, bohemian feel.
With almost no cloud and almost no light pollution, the valley has some of the clearest night skies in the world, and several observatories offer public tours. By day, you can tour distilleries such as Capel and Mistral, visit the Gabriela Mistral museum in Vicuña, and hike through the dry hills.
Pisco Elqui, a village renamed to promote the spirit, is the heart of the valley, with artisan shops, cafes and guesthouses. Most visitors base themselves here or in Vicuña and add La Serena, a coastal city with beaches, for the start or end of the trip.
Why visit
The Elqui Valley is relaxed, scenic and star-filled.
Distilleries to tour.
Observatory visits.
A slow pace.
Poet and Nobel winner.
Close to La Serena.
Main attractions
The valley is easily explored in a couple of days.
The main village.
Tip Sit in the plaza.
A big pisco producer near Vicuña.
Tip Book a tour.
A smaller, scenic distillery.
Tip Try tastings.
Public stargazing tours.
Tip Book ahead.
In Vicuña.
Tip Allow an hour.
A quiet side valley.
Tip Hike or relax.
Things to do
The valley is for slow travel.
At a distillery.
Tip Do not drive after.
At an observatory.
Tip Book in advance.
Dry hills with views.
Tip Carry water.
Cafes and shops.
Tip Stay overnight.
Papayas and avocados.
Tip Markets.
Beaches and a cathedral.
Tip Day trip.
Local food
Local products are the highlight.
Classic cocktail.
Where to try it Bars.
Local sweet.
Where to try it Cafes.
Local specialty.
Where to try it Markets.
Pastries.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Grown here.
Where to try it Markets.
Accommodation
Stay in villages or small lodges.
Transport
The valley is reached via La Serena.
A car is best.
When to go
Sunny almost all year, with clear skies.
Mild and clear.
Hot and sunny.
Warm and calm.
Cooler nights.
Worth planning around: Rare, but winter nights can be cold.
Itinerary
Pisco and stars.
Vicuña
Village
Relax
Travel tips
Tips for the valley.
FAQ
Two to three days.
Yes.
A grape brandy.
Yes.
Via La Serena.
Yes, by day.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Elqui Valley, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Chile's capital and gateway: Plaza de Armas, La Moneda, Mercado Central, bohemian barrios, hill-top parks and Maipo Valley wineries within an hour.
Don't miss Looking out from Cerro San Cristobal as the Andes glow pink at dusk.
Explore Destination — SantiagoAntofagasta Region, northern Chile, Chile
A small oasis town in the Atacama Desert at 2,400 metres, base for the Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, flamingo lagoons, salt flats and astronomy tours.
Don't miss Stargazing in one of the driest places on Earth after a day of salt lakes and geysers.
Explore Destination — San Pedro de AtacamaValparaiso Region, central coast, Chile
A UNESCO-listed port with 42 hills, cable-car lifts, street art, the Neruda house and the seaside resort of Vina del Mar nearby.
Don't miss Riding a century-old funicular up a hillside of painted houses.
Explore Destination — ValparaisoRead next
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