Around Elqui Valley
People from all over the world flock to the Elqui valley to experience the serene surroundings, clear skies and zen like atmosphere it provides. Our recommendations of things that you could do surrounding are project areas are:
Vicuña
Elqui Valley - Around City Lying 528 km from Santiago, this town stands on the upper reaches of the Elqui or Coquimbo river, at about 700 meters above sea level; this, combined with its mediterranean climate and a good supply of water, has permitted the development of a rich and varied agriculture. The town is located about 60 km east of La Serena, with which it has been connected by a railway line since 1885. It was founded by Joaquin Vicuña with the name of San Isidro de Vicuña. It is the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, and the museum which bears her name is the most characteristic cultural feature of the town.
Cerro Mamalluca Observatory
This observatory is a scientific, tourist and educational complex which lies 9 km northeast of the town of Vicuña, 60 km east of La Serena and 565 km from Santiago at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. It is open to the public, and tourists who have a particular interest in astronomy are able to visit the observatory every night of the year, subject only to unforeseen weather conditions.
Pisco Elqui
37 km south of Vicuña and 109 km from La Serena is Pisco Elqui. This village sits on a hill with some streets which wind and others which run straight up towards a mountain. There are good hotels, restaurants and campsites; and a variety of traditional handicrafts are available for sale.
Monte Grande
The town of Monte Grande lies 93 km from La Serena and 31 km from Vicuña; it belongs to the municipality of Paihuano. The town boasts a beautiful church with a high wooden bell-tower. Gabriela Mistral, the poet who won the Nobel Prize for Literature, grew up in the Casa Escuela y Correo (Schoolhouse and Post Office) which is now a National Monument.
Valle de Cochiguaz
This valley is considered to a have great mystic value and is renowned as a center for meditation. An 18 km dirt road, which follows the twists and turns of the Cochiguaz river, opens up a beautiful landscape of towering deserted hillsides and cactus- covered mountains.
Algarrobito
Located 11 km from the city of La Serena and 51 km from Vicuña, this small town consists of characteristic fruit farms and orchards, with a beautiful square and church built in adobe. Above the town lies the cemetery, which is one of the oldest in Chile.
El Molle
Elqui Valley - Around City El Molle is an attractive village lying 34 km from La Serena and 28 km from Vicuña.
It was a cradle of pre-Hispanic civilization, and the first archaeological traces of a pre-Diaguitas culture, known as the Molle culture, were found here. A great feature of this village is the large houses of the farmers, and the visitor can savor the typical cuisine and baking, especially fig and papaya jams, quince jams and cheeses, and manjar, a sweet caramel spread, as well as home-baked bread.
The village also has restaurants, and picnic and recreation areas. It is easily reached via Ruta 41, which is the only access to the town for the numerous visitors.
El Tambo
Surrounded by hills and vineyards, this town lies 7 km west of Vicuña. The streets are narrow, and opposite the main square is the church, also built of adobe. This was one of the first churches to be established in the Elqui Valley and is famous for its bells, which are cast in gold and ring with a very special sound.
Peralillo
Situated 5 km from Vicuña, this is one of the most important towns of the Elqui Valley, since it preserves its characteristic structure grouped around the main street, where the old church made of adobe is of particular interest. Peralillo is also an important producer of grapes for the pisco production of the area.
Quebrada de Talca
Lying 27 km from La Serena, Quebrada de Talca is an ideal place for direct observation of the skies of the Elqui Valley. Access to the area is easy and safe.
The site is reached just past the small hamlet of Quebrada de Talca and its altitude is about 450 meters above sea level, with capacity for about 50 vehicles.
Puclaro Reservoir
41 km from La Serena is one of the most important engineering works of the area. The Puclaro reservoir has a capacity of 200 million cubic meters of water and a surface area of 760 hectares. This site was opened on October 27th 1999 by the President of Chile, Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle.