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The Elqui Valley: 4-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 4-day version for November: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 2-day plan · 3-day plan · 4-day plan · best time to go.

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4
days
100 km
distance
4.3 h
driving
22
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 La Serena

6 curated stops
Transit
0h42
Finish
~17:20
Temperature
12.7°C–22.7°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
13.5h
09:00
Observatorio La Silla eso.org read more
Gaze through powerful telescopes at the stars and planets in a pristine night sky.
90 min · La Serena
10:45
Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory read more
Stand atop Cerro Tololo and witness breathtaking, crystal-clear views of the cosmos.
90 min · La Serena
12:30
Cathedral of San Bartolomé de La Serena read more map ↗
Admire stained glass windows from France and a historic bell tower.
50 min · La Serena
13:30
Examine regional pre-Hispanic and indigenous artifacts and cultures.
50 min · La Serena · 600 pesos, senior or student 300 pesos
open: Tu-F 09:20–17:50, Sa 10:00–13:00 and 16:00-19:00, Su 10:00–13:00
14:30
Church of San Agustín read more map ↗
Explore this eclectic church with a rich history of reconstructions.
50 min · La Serena
open: Masses on Saturday, at 11:00 and 20:00. Sunday 10:00, 11:30 and 20:00. There may be other Masses, Monday through Friday at 11:00 and 20:00.
15:30
Jardin del Corazon read more map ↗
Relax in a Japanese-style garden with ducks, geese, and a serene pond.
50 min · La Serena · 2,000 pesos
16:20
Restaurant Daniela search map ↗
Savor homemade dishes in a cozy dining atmosphere.
60 min · La Serena
Overnight here
e.g. Hostal El Punto · Hostal Maria Casa

Day 2 Around La Serena

6 curated stops
Transit
0h48
Finish
~16:50
Temperature
12.7°C–22.7°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
13.5h
09:00
Monumental Lighthouse read more
Visit this iconic lighthouse, a national monument and key landmark.
50 min · La Serena
10:05
House of Providence read more map ↗
Discover neoclassical architecture with preserved stained glass and altars.
50 min · La Serena
open: +51 2215215
11:05
Church of La Merced read more map ↗
Appreciate Gothic-style tower and architectural heritage of the city.
50 min · La Serena
12:05
Gabriel González Videla Historical Museum museohistoricolaserena.gob.cl read more map ↗
Browse historical and artistic pieces illustrating the president's life.
50 min · La Serena
13:10
Outdoor museum search
Stroll through marble statues donated by Italy along a pedestrian area.
50 min · La Serena
15:00
Museum of Religious Art search
View centuries-old Eucharistic ornaments, vestments, and oil paintings.
50 min · La Serena
open: Tu-Sa 09:30-13:00, 15:00-18:00; Su 09:30-13:00
15:50
Restaurant Casona Dell 900 search map ↗
Enjoy perfectly grilled BBQ meats served on a coal-heated plate.
60 min · La Serena
Overnight here
e.g. Hostal El Punto · Hostal Maria Casa

Day 3 Vicuña

6 curated stops
Transit
1h49
Finish
~18:00
Temperature
8.3°C–21.9°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
13.5h
10:15
Puclaro Dam read more map ↗
Enjoy the scenic views of this beautiful dam between La Serena.
50 min · Vicuña
12:05
Cerro de la Virgen search map ↗
Climb for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and valleys.
90 min · Vicuña
13:55
Mamalluca Observatory search map ↗
Join a guided evening tour featuring telescopes and laser presentations.
50 min · Vicuña · 4,500 pesos for the tour and 3,000 pesos per person for minibus to observatory
15:00
Bauer Tower read more
Find tourism information in this distinctive office building.
50 min · Vicuña
16:05
Gabriela Mistral Museum mgmistral.gob.cl read more
Walk through the preserved childhood home of Nobel laureate poet.
50 min · Vicuña
17:10
Immaculate Conception Church search
Marvel at painted ceilings and a revered image of the Virgin.
50 min · Vicuña
Overnight here
e.g. Hostal La Elquina

Day 4 Pisco Elqui

2 curated stops
Transit
1h02
Finish
~12:25
Temperature
8.3°C–21.9°C
Rainy days
~1
Daylight
13.5h
09:50
Pisco Doña Josefa de Elqui piscodonajosefa.cl
Tour a distillery and learn about Pisco production, free of charge.
50 min · Pisco Elqui · Bottles: 0.05l 2,000
10:55
Turismo Migrantes search
Enjoy guided outdoor adventures and stargazing tours in the scenic Elqui Valley.
90 min · Pisco Elqui

🚗 Rental cars for this trip →

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Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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