Excursion Elqui valley tour at Coquimbo

Explore the lovely Elqui Valley, an area of Diaguita culture, with its sleepy villages, charming adobe constructions, and beautiful rolling hills. It is also an important agricultural area awash with papaya (pawpaw) groves, olive groves, pear orchards and vineyards. This is also the area where muscatel grapes are turned into Pisco, Chile's national spirit.

Unique in the world, this transversal valley features an area of rich agricultural diversity in the midst of a semi-arid desert. The valley is especially famous for having the clearest atmosphere in the world and is especially suited for astronomical viewing.

Departing the pier, drive 45 minutes along a coastal road towards the small, picturesque town of Vicuña, which is noted for being the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, the Nobel Prize winner for literature. Vicuña is also known for its famous Pisco producers and its tranquil, sleepy setting. Make a stop in the main square, to see the Bauer Tower (the old city hall) and other historic buildings. Enjoy the view of the square's grande, old trees, in stark contrast with the aridity of the surrounding hills. See the Parish Church with a pretty wooden tower erected in 1910.

In the Main Square is the Bauer Tower, a strange wood-lined metal structure made to resemble a medieval tower with battlements. It was prefabricated in 1905 at Ulm, Germany, by order of Mayor Adolfo Bauer. Also visit the Vicuña handicraft market for some free time for shopping before boarding you bus to drive to Pisco Capel, one of the bigger pisco producers in Chile for a tour and tasting. Drive back straight to Coquimbo, a 90-minute return trip.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Elqui Valley, Vicu