Itinerary
- Day 1
La Serena
You'll get picked up from the airport and head to your hotel to settle in. This afternoon, you can start walking through La Serena's historical center and check out the Recova handcraft site where local artisans sell their work. The Main Square with its Cathedral is right there, and you'll pass by the Lighthouse. After that, head over to nearby Coquimbo to see the Third Millennium Cross and visit the historic Fort Coquimbo before heading back.
Included Activities
- Visit to Recova handcraft site
- Visit to Main Square and Cathedral of La Serena
- Visit to La Serena's Lighthouse
- Visit to Third Millennium Cross and chapel in Coquimbo
- Visit to Fort Coquimbo (Fort Lambert)
Landmarks/POIs Recova Main Square of La Serena Cathedral of La Serena La Serena's Lighthouse Third Millennium Cross Fort Coquimbo (Fort Lambert) - Day 2
Elqui Valley
Early start as you travel inland to the Elqui Valley. Along the way, you'll stop at Puclaro Reservoir and drive through Paiguano for nice views of the valley. Next you'll reach Montegrande, where the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral spent her childhood, and tour the Casa Escuela Gabriela Mistral Museum. After that, head to Pisco Elqui for lunch and see the Nuestra Señora del Rosario church, which features a monument designed by Gustave Eiffel. You'll also tour a pisco distillery to learn about the local brandy, then finish the day in Vicuña at Gabriela Mistral's birthplace museum.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch menu 2 courses in Pisco Elqui)
Included Activities
- Visit to Puclaro Reservoir
- Panoramic view at Paiguano
- Visit to Montegrande and Casa Escuela Gabriela Mistral Museum
- Visit to Nuestra Señora del Rosario church
- Pisco distillery visit and tour
- Visit to Vicuña and Gabriela Mistral museum
- Entrance fee to Gabriela Mistral Museum
Landmarks/POIs Puclaro Reservoir Paiguano Montegrande Casa Escuela Gabriela Mistral Museum Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church Vicuña Gabriela Mistral Museum - Day 3
Humboldt Penguin National Reserve
You'll be picked up early to travel to Punta de Choros, where you'll board a boat and sail out to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. While sailing around Choros Island, you'll spot sea otters, diving petrels, and Humboldt penguins from about 30 to 80 meters away. Then you'll land on Damas Island for about an hour to walk along the white sand beach and explore some trails. After you head back to La Serena, grab lunch at a typical local restaurant to wrap up the day.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch menu 2 courses in a typical food restaurant)
Included Activities
- Sailing to Humboldt Penguin National Reserve
- Visit to Choros Island
- Visit to Damas Island with one hour disembarkation
- Entrance fee to Humboldt Penguin Reserve
Landmarks/POIs Punta de Choros Humboldt Penguin National Reserve Choros Island Damas Island - Day 4
La Serena
You'll have the day free to do what you'd like. If you're interested in stargazing, there's an optional astronomical tour at Mamalluca Observatory near Vicuña. The tour includes an introductory talk, a chance to look through manual telescopes to see stars and constellations and planets, explanations from your guide, and time using the observatory's main high-tech telescope. Just keep in mind this depends on clear skies and good weather.
Optional Activities
- Mamalluca Observatory astronomical tour including telescope observation and guide explanation
- Admission to Mamalluca Observatory
Landmarks/POIs Mamalluca Observatory Vicuña - Day 5
La Serena
Hotel staff will pick you up and drive you to La Serena Airport for your departure flight.
