Enjoy the magic of the desert climate in the north and the closeness of the fertile land of the central valley, where grapes are grown to produce amazing wines and piscos, all around the towns of La Serena and Coquimbo.
If you come in the spring or summer, visit the beaches of La Serena. Walk down the long Avenida del Mar to choose where to lay down your towel or go shopping at Recova, the most famous market in the area, which includes an amazing arts and crafts fair.
In Coquimbo, you must visit the La Herradura beach and the nightlife of the English District. You can also try your luck at the casino. If you come around the time of the Chilean Independence celebrations (18th and 19thSeptember), the party is at La Pampilla, a classic spot for dancing cueca, cumbia, salsa, or to try typical food and to drink wine or pisco based drinks.
If you’re a sports person, come and enjoy the many adrenaline filled sports of La Serena and Coquimbo, trekking, sport fishing, surfing and parasailing are some of the activities that await you.
Are you a nature enthusiast looking for a different kind of break? Why not explore the beautiful Elqui Valley? Visit one of Chile’s most important valleys where the production of wines like the Syrah and Carmenere stands out.
Discover its vineyard-filled slopes and visit charming small towns where agriculture and tourism meet. See Vicuña, birthplace of the poet and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Gabriela Mistral, and sample some of the region’s typical food in one of its sophisticated restaurants or quaint local eateries.
For an ‘intoxicating’ sensory experience, visit one of the pisco distilleries to learn how this distinctive grape spirit is made, take part in a tasting session and buy pisco to enjoy at home.
For those who love sports and adventure, the valley offers trekking routes, horse riding, cycle paths and off-road 4 x 4 tours.
Do you need to completely relax and unwind? This part of Chile is widely renowned for its reputedly healing energies and many alternative therapies – including reiki, meditation and massages – are available.
After nightfall, enjoy a spectacular view of the stars: the Elqui Valley is the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Popular Location:La Serena, Coquimbo, Elqui Valley
