The Elqui Valley in northern Chile is a unique destination that blends artisanal pisco production, exceptional stargazing opportunities, and the rich cultural heritage of Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral. This region, nestled within the Atacama Desert, draws visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Pisco and Brandy Tourism
The Elqui Valley produces roughly 36 million liters of pisco annually, making it a central part of the region’s economy. Vineyards thrive here due to the high altitude, intense sunlight, and underground rivers that irrigate the otherwise arid landscape. Destilería Pisco Mistral, located in Pisco Elqui, is Chile’s most well-known brand and offers tours including museum visits, production area walkthroughs, and tastings paired with artisan chocolates. Reservations via WhatsApp are recommended, as English-language tours run only once daily.
For a more intimate experience, Pisco Doña Josefa de Elqui is a family-run producer committed to traditional techniques and sustainability. Tours are free but conducted exclusively in Spanish. Nearby, Los Nichos Winery, the valley’s oldest pisco producer, also focuses on heritage methods with English-speaking guides available upon request.
Beyond pisco, the valley also boasts Guayacán, Chile’s first solar-powered brewery, offering craft beers alongside sourdough pizzas and local fries. Cavas del Valle provides a boutique wine selection with free tours (typically in Spanish) and the chance to purchase bottles for enjoying under the clear night sky.
Unparalleled Stargazing
The Elqui Valley, located at the southernmost edge of the Atacama Desert, is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies. Stargazing tours combine astronomical talks with telescope viewings, often paired with a pisco sour.
Several observatories offer bilingual experiences: Elki Magic provides round-trip transport and guided sessions, while Turismo Migrantes offers excursions from Pisco Elqui. Galileo Observatory, Pangue Observatory, and Alfa Aldea Observatory also host bilingual tours with varying levels of scientific focus. Reservations are essential, especially for interpreters.
For a more in-depth experience, the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory is open to the public on Saturdays, offering tours of the Victor M Blanco Telescope. Spaces fill up months in advance due to its high altitude (7,200 feet). Even without a telescope, the Milky Way, Magellanic Clouds, and passing satellites are visible with the naked eye. The Stellarium app can help identify constellations.
Following Gabriela Mistral’s Route
Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, was born in Vicuña in 1889. The Gabriela Mistral Museum in her hometown provides insights into her life, poetry, and diplomatic career (translation apps are helpful for non-Spanish speakers). The Gabriela Mistral Schoolhouse Museum documents her rural upbringing. Her final resting place is a short walk from her former school.
The valley also attracts those seeking wellness and esoteric experiences, with some believing its quartz ranges hold unique energy. The road to Cochiguaz passes through a green corridor with local lore about vortexes and UFO sightings, culminating at the Stupa of Enlightenment, Chile’s largest Buddhist monument.
Getting Around
The best way to explore the Elqui Valley is by renting a car from La Serena’s La Florida Airport. Buses from Santiago take six hours. Public buses and shared taxis connect La Serena with Vicuña and Pisco Elqui, while hitchhiking is also common.
Hotel Dorys de Lourdes offers luxury accommodations near Pisco Elqui, complete with a spa and pool. For seclusion, Puma Cottage in Horcón provides a private vineyard, wood-fired hot tub, and telescope. Hotel Halley in Vicuña offers historic charm and a shared barbecue area.
The Elqui Valley provides a multifaceted experience, blending cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique astronomical opportunities. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or spiritual enlightenment, this Chilean gem offers a memorable escape.
