La Serena is a sea side city north of Santiago which makes a great long weekend getaway or forms a smaller part of longer trip to the north. With beautiful beaches and a historic center it is a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Santiago.
Inland into the Andes the Valle Elqui (pronounced vy-yeh elk-eh) Elqui Valley offers an even quieter getaway. The Elqui was a valley of very special energy for the Incas and today with its clear blue sky and tremendous stars this feeling is easily captured. Nearby are some of the largest observatories in the world.
In the little village Vicuña Gabriela Mistral, the chilean Nobel prize winner, was born. Today an interesting museum is a reminder of her life.
At the end of the valley Pisco Elqui is situated. This is where the Chilean Pisco, the famous grain alcohol is made and where Chilean raisins are produced.

Day 1
La Serena
Reception at La Serena airport. Transfer to the Hotel Costa Real. In the afternoon enjoy a city tour of La Serena and Coquimbo.
La Serena is the second oldest city in Chile after Santiago and it maintains a Spanish neo-colonial style. The heritage of the city includes 30 churches, a romantic avenue of replica classical Italian statues and townhouses dating from the last century together with public buildings according to the Plan Serena.
We´ll visit the most interesting sights like the Archaeological Museum, the "artesania" market of La Recova, the hill of the University of La Serena with a wonderful view over the city, the Lighthouse, El Faro, the symbol of La Serena as well as the neighboring city of Coquimbo with its traditional fish market.
In the evening we return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 2
Elqui Valley B/L/D
After breakfast we set out toward the Elqui Valley. The tour of this vibrant valley lasts all day but leaves the tourist feeling more energized that when he left in the morning.
In the valley we first do a short tour of the pisco distillery. Visit the cellars, exhibition room and enjoy a tasting.
Vicuña is the main town of the valley, 60 kilometers from La Serena, and is also noted for being the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, the Nobel Prize winner for literature.
We have lunch in a typical restaurant in the valley.
The tour begins its descent into the valley, stopping at the tomb of Gabriela Mistral in the village of Montegrande and a visit to the old schoolhouse where she spent her childhood and is now a small museum.
After dinner we visit the Municipal Amateur Observatory Mamalluca. Upon arrival the staff give an explanation and introduction to the stars, planets and galaxies. You are allowed access to use the 12 inch diameter telescope which is installed in the small dome or to use the portable telescopes outside in order to observe the stars in one of the clearest atmospheres in the world. Here more than 300 nights per year have clear skies.
We return to La Serena in the late evening.

Day 3:
La Serena – Ovalle – Valle Del Encanto B/L
Today we depart in the morning from La Serena. A rural road leads to the Enchanted Valley.
Enjoy a guided walk to observe the petroglyphs, pictographs and characteristic mortars ground into the rock of the El Molle Culture. Lunch is served in a typical restaurant.
Continuing along the wine route, the tour arrives at one of the local vineyards. This semi-arid valley has optimum conditions for the production of high quality wines, an excellent climate with ideal temperatures, high quality, selected grape varieties, and modern technology. The visit shows how the grapes are cultivated for wine and the processes involved in wine production. Wine tasting is included.
Return to La Serena in the evening.

Day 4
Isla Damas B/L
Today we depart for a fascinating full-day excursion for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Arriving at the small fishing village of Caleta Punta Choros, which is 122 kilometers from La Serena. From here we can see the Gaviota, Choros and Damas Islands, which form part of the Humboldt Penguin Natural Reservation and are administered by the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF). From here, the tour departs in a small-motorized fishing boat. Compulsory life jackets are supplied. The boat navigates the three islands in safe waters, depending on weather conditions.
On the rocky shoreline of Choros Island are handsome sea lions, and a large variety of sea birds -- and often penguins and a colony of bottlenose dolphins -- can be spotted.
The tour disembarks at Damas Island, where we have lunch. There is time to enjoy the island’s white sand beaches and surroundings before returning.

Day 5
La Serena B
Transfer to La Serena airport after breakfast.

B = Breakfast
BL = Box-lunch or picnic
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

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