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).
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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. |
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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.
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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!
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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!) |