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Unique Destinations (South America) Ltda

Chile Norte Chico - La Serena & Elqui Valley

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Chile's Norte Chico & the Elqui Valley:  ​South of ​"Norte Grande"​ is a transition area known as "Norte Chico".  ​Similar to the north with a warm climate and cooler altiplano highlands in the east, the sea is much cooler.  Caused by the cold Humbolt current that brings in rich nutrients from the south, it regularly forms sea mist known locally as "Camanchaca​", that sweeps inland to deliver welcome moisture.  Here begins "wine country" and even greater  harvests from the sea.  Visitors usually base themselves in the coastal towns of La Serena/Coquimbo, or in the verdant Elqui Valley (3).   ​
La Serena and nearby Coquimbo, are modern seaside resorts with populations of about 200,000 each.  Both are hugely popular for Chileans, with Coquimbo ​hosting one of the biggest "National Day/Criollo" festivals in mid September annually.   Founded in 1544, La Serena ​is actually the second oldest city in Chile after Santiago.  So, there are many interesting sites to visit in its Old Centre.  But the star features are the beautiful beach and fresh seafood to be found in good restaurants all along the seafront.  ​
Coquimbo's
​claim to fame comes from the unusual 3rd Millennium Cross, opened in 2000 with Vatican approval.  It is 83m high and from the two "rooms" located in the arms of the Cross visitors can admire a magnificent view of La Serena's Herradura Bay.  The other feature in Coquimbo ​is the beautiful  mosque, whose patron is King Mohammed VI of Morocco. 
​
Basing out of La Serena, ​500kms north of Santiago, there are a host of sites that can be visited on day trips.  These include the unique biosphere of Parque Nacional Fray Jorge, some 100kms south of La Serena.  ​A rare example of Valdivian temperate rainforest that grows in a desert environment, it is a UNESCO declared reserve.   Nearby is another fascinating site known as the "Enchanted Valley".   A tranquil place with ancient petroglyphs and Inca ruins, it displays unique flora in the Spring.  Another superb outing is a day trip north to Punta de Choros and the Pinguino Humbolt Marine Reserve.  Here, visitors can visit protected islands that shelter great numbers of marine sea-life and birds, including whales and bottlenose dolphin.  
​But perhaps the most visited spot in Chile's Norte Chico is the area inland from La Serena, the fabled ​Elqui Valley!  Mystics note that the Elqui Valley is located exactly at the opposite pole to Lhasa, Tibet.  Accordingly, this area has been attributed with an energy that has restorative benefit, and is a magnet for legend and spiritual beliefs that add to the physical beauty of the place.  The ​Elqui Valley is certainly unique; with hardly any rain, the  Camanchaca  sea mists bring in vital moisture to the vineyards that supply the pisco ​industry.  Also the home to Chile's first Nobel Laureate, Gabriela Mistral, a stay in the magic ​Elqui Valley to enjoy the scenery, ride the trails, view the stars and visit the pisco culture, is an especial delight!
​PRICING
​
A three-night stay is recommended for La Serena/Elqui as a minimum. 

For a "Gold Star" experience, stay at Casa Molle Villa & Golf, from US$ 375/person/night all-inclusive (see our Tour Report by clicking HERE).

B&B prices start at around US$ 120/night for a high-end, seafront room in La Serena or ​Coquimbo for two persons sharing, with private WC.  
 
Elqui Valley ​accommodation is slightly cheaper, from US$ 100/night for a double room, including breakfast, in the better lodges/hostels.
​
Half-day tours can be obtained from US$ 35/person; Full Day tours from US$ 65/person.   Stargazing from US$ 35/person (NB.  NO stargazing ​tours 3 days either side of Full Moon!  Check with us for exact dates
!)
Contact Unique Destinations HERE to check on Availability & Rates in La Serena, Coquimbo & the Elqui Valley!

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  • Unique Destinations
    • ARGENTINA >
      • Buenos Aires
      • Iguazu Falls
      • Vineyards
      • National Parks
      • Cruises & Antarctica
    • BOLIVIA >
      • La Paz & Yungas
      • Lake Titicaca
      • National Parks
      • Celebration, Colour & Carnival in Colonial Bolivia
    • BRAZIL >
      • Amazonia & The Pantanal
      • Brazil, Best Beaches, Sea & Sun >
        • Fernando de Noronha Island
        • Brazil, Ilha Grande
        • Pousada Picinguaba
        • Ponta Dos Ganchos
      • Brazil, Carnaval, Music & Rhythm
      • Iguacu Falls
    • CHILE & RAPA NUI >
      • Norte Grande & Atacama Desert
      • Chile Norte Chico, La Serena & Elqui Valley
      • Zona Central, Santiago, Valparaiso & Wine!
      • Chile Zona Sur, Rivers, Lakes, Volcanoes & Chiloe Island
      • Chile Zona Austral, Carretera Austral & Torres del Paine >
        • Catamaranes del Sur
        • Nomads of the Seas, Patagonia
      • Chile's Pacific Islands
      • Chile Cruises & Antarctica >
        • Australis Cruise Options
        • Patagonian Ice Fields Cruises
    • ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS >
      • Classical Ecuador
      • The Galapagos
      • Ecuador, Mega-diversity
    • PERU >
      • Lima & Surrounds
      • Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
      • Amazonia Peru >
        • Peru, Amazonia River Cruises
        • Peru, Amazonia Land Tours
      • Peru, Pre-Inca Civilisations >
        • Kuelap, Warriors of the Clouds
    • ANTARCTICA >
      • Antarctica Cruise Options
    • FALKLAND ISLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA
    • SOUTH AMERICA OVERVIEW
  • Contact
  • About Us/Travel Insurance
    • Terms, Conditions & Payment
    • Travel Insurance
    • Reviews
  • DOM/TOUR REPORTS
    • Accessible Tourism
    • Argentina >
      • Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza
      • El Colibri, Cordova
      • Iguazu Falls
    • Bolivia >
      • Luna Salada, Salar de Uyuni
    • Brazil >
      • Iguazu Falls
      • Ilha Grande
      • Ponta Dos Ganchos
      • Pousada Picinguaba
    • Chile >
      • Chile Norte & Central >
        • Alto Atacama
        • Tierra Atacama
        • Casa Molle, Elqui Valley, Chile
        • Elquimista, Elqui Valley
        • Ski Portillo, Chile
        • L'Ambassade Petit Hotel, Santiago
        • Tumunan Lodge, Chile
        • Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island
      • Chile Sur & Austral >
        • Tierra Chiloe
        • Patagonia Camp
        • Remota Patagonia
        • Australis Cruises
    • Ecuador >
      • Magical Galapagos
      • Sacha Lodge, Amazonia
    • Falkland Islands
    • Peru >
      • Delfin Amazon River Cruise
      • Inkaterra Experience >
        • Inkaterra Amazonica
        • Inkaterra Cuzco
        • Inkaterra Machu Picchu
      • Manu - Pura Amazonia