Why the Elqui Valley
The Elqui Valley is an Andean valley in northern-central Chile, between arid hills, pisco vineyards and some of the clearest skies on the planet. It is the land of pisco, of poet Gabriela Mistral and of observatories open to visitors.
The choice is services or nature. Vicuña has everything and is cheaper; Pisco Elqui has more charm and higher prices; and Cochiguaz is for switching off completely.
Choosing by type of trip
- First visit: base yourself in Vicuña and explore the valley.
- Couple: a dome or cabin in Pisco Elqui.
- Family or group: a large cabin or house in Montegrande or Paihuano.
- Switch-off and stars: Cochiguaz.
When to go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Good time to save
- Peak season: pricier and busier
- A guide only: varies each year.
Spring and autumn (September to November, March to May)
The best time: mild days, cool nights and clear skies for stargazing, with fewer people than summer.
Summer (December to February)
Hot days and Chilean holiday season: places fill up and prices rise, especially in Pisco Elqui.
Winter (June to August)
Cold nights and some of the clearest skies of the year. The July winter holidays and mid-September national holidays bring the most demand.
Getting there
- Fly to La Serena, then about an hour by road to Vicuña and a bit more to Pisco Elqui.
- Buses run from Santiago to La Serena or directly to Vicuña; within the valley, buses and shared taxis link the villages.
- A car makes it easier to explore the valley and reach areas like Cochiguaz, which has a gravel stretch.