Infinite skies and a land of stars
San Pedro de Atacama / Elqui Valley / La Serena
Explore the driest desert in the world and contemplate the universe like never before.
Venture into the driest desert on Earth and the clearest skies, where cosmic wonder meets breathtaking natural beauty. From tailor-made getaways in the Atacama Desert to serene stargazing retreats in the Elqui Valley, this journey combines surreal landscapes, ancient mysticism, and exploration of the universe.
Destination attractions
Elqui Valley
Deep in the Coquimbo Region, nestled among mountains and vineyards, the Elqui River gives life to one of Chile's most popular tourist valleys, dotted with charming towns. The Elqui Valley has captivated Chilean and international travelers for two main reasons: first, its exceptional skies for astrotourism, boasting world-class observatories; and second, its reputation as the most energetic place on Earth, even surpassing Tibet in that regard. Beyond that, the Elqui Valley also combines history, being the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, with excellent cuisine. It is, in fact, where some of Chile's finest piscos originate. When to go: September to April. The peak season, with the highest tourist traffic, is during January and February. How to get there: Take a direct flight to La Serena from Santiago, Calama, Antofagasta, Iquique, or Concepción. From there, the drive takes about an hour. What to visit: the Pisco Route, the Gabriela Mistral Museum in Vicuña, the mystical route of Cochiguaz, the Puclaro reservoir and the observatories of the area (Mamalluca, Alfa Aldea or Chakana).