Elqui Valley & Coquimbo Coast
Sunny beaches and the world's clearest skies 🔭
The Elqui Valley and Coquimbo Coast offer a perfect blend of seaside relaxation and inland adventure for families. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with coastal mists that usually clear by midday and almost perpetual sunshine in the interior valley. La Serena, one of Chile’s oldest cities, serves as the coastal gateway with its long stretches of golden sand and iconic lighthouse.
On the coast, the highlight for families is a boat trip from Punta de Choros to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. Here, children can see dolphins jumping in the wake, sea lions basking on rocks, and thousands of penguins nesting on the islands. Back on the mainland, the beaches of La Serena and nearby Totoralillo offer gentle waves suitable for swimming and sandcastle building. The Japanese Garden in La Serena is another peaceful spot for a family stroll, featuring koi ponds and authentic architecture.
Heading inland, the Elqui Valley transforms into a lush ribbon of green vineyards set against arid mountains. This area is famous for being the world's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The Mamalluca Observatory offers specialized tours for children, explaining the constellations and mythology of the southern sky in an engaging way. During the day, families can visit the Gabriela Mistral Museum in Vicuña to learn about the Nobel Prize-winning poet who grew up here, or take easy bike rides along the valley floor. The valley is also the heart of Pisco production, and while the tastings are for adults, the distilleries often have beautiful grounds and history tours that can interest older kids.
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Activities & Best Times
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
As a global capital for astronomy, the region offers world-class scientific observatories and dark sky sanctuaries that provide unparalleled educational experiences. Peak season ensures the cloudless nights necessary for stargazing, while winter months (May-Aug) bring higher rainfall and obscured skies.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The unique contrast between lush valley vineyards and arid mountains, coupled with the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, offers distinctive wildlife and hiking opportunities. Peak months offer dry conditions and optimal visibility for marine life; winter is often too damp and cold for comfortable exploration.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The 'Route of the Stars' offers a world-class scenic drive from the coast into the high Andes, passing through authentic pisco-producing villages. Optimal visibility and dry road conditions are found from October to March, whereas winter rainfall can occasionally cause access issues in the upper valley.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The Puclaro Reservoir is an internationally recognized hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent thermal winds, complemented by high-quality surf breaks at Totoralillo. These activities are best during the windy, dry summer; winter lacks the necessary thermal conditions and brings unfavorable weather.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
While the Humboldt Current makes the water cold for casual swimming, the pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity offer excellent boat-based exploration and surfing. January and February provide the warmest air temperatures for coastal lounging; winter months are too cold and rainy for beach activities.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Sophisticated travelers will appreciate the authentic Pisco heritage, Diaguita indigenous history, and the legacy of Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral. Peak months coincide with the grape harvest and vibrant local festivals, while the off-season sees reduced activity in smaller artisanal villages.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Boutique astro-lodges and specialized retreats offer unique 'energy' and meditation experiences in a mystical, low-pollution environment. The experience relies on outdoor integration, making the warm, dry peak months essential, as winter's chill and 93mm of peak rainfall in July degrade the sense of serenity.
Attractions (52 total)
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Avenida del Mar
La Serena
An extensive beachfront promenade featuring kilometers of sandy beaches, cycling paths, and seafood restaurants perfect for family walks.
Humboldt Penguin National Reserve
Punta de Choros
A premier coastal wildlife destination where boat tours take families to see penguins, sea lions, and bottlenose dolphins around Isla Damas.
Visit website →Playa Totoralillo
Coquimbo
A unique peninsula beach with white sand and turquoise water, highly popular for surfing and safe family swimming in protected coves.
Embalse Puclaro
Vicuña
A massive reservoir in the Elqui Valley providing a unique inland 'beach' experience with high winds perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Playa Guanaqueros
Guanaqueros
A wide, horseshoe-shaped bay known for its calm, warm waters and golden sand, making it a top choice for families with small children.
Playa Socos
Tongoy
A beautiful and extensive beach in the resort town of Tongoy, offering shallow waters, gentle waves, and proximity to famous oyster markets.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Bosque Fray Jorge National Park
Ovalle
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring a unique temperate cloud forest sustained by coastal fog in the middle of a semi-arid desert environment.
Visit website →Estero Derecho Nature Sanctuary
Pisco Elqui
A high-altitude Andean mountain reserve offering family-friendly hiking trails through glacial valleys, wetlands, and dramatic mountain peaks.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Cocinas Solares de Villaseca
Vicuña
This unique rural community offers a world-famous solar cooking experience, where visitors can taste traditional dishes prepared using only sun-powered ovens in the Elqui Valley.
Fundo Los Nichos
Pisco Elqui
The oldest pisco distillery in the valley provides an authentic rural experience through its historic cellars, antique production methods, and deep cultural heritage.
Visit website →Pabellón de Alpacas
Vicuña
A charming rural stop featuring a boutique museum and live alpacas, where visitors can learn about the history and processing of high-quality Andean wool.
Granja Educativa Tierra Viva
Coquimbo
A family-oriented educational farm where visitors can interact with domestic animals and learn about sustainable agriculture in a rural setting near the coast.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Cruz del Tercer Milenio
Coquimbo
A massive religious monument and museum towering over the city, featuring observation decks with 360-degree views of the coastline.
Visit website →Faro Monumental de La Serena
La Serena
A castle-like monumental lighthouse and iconic symbol of the city, offering coastal views from its fortified base.
Visit website →Museo Gabriela Mistral
Vicuña
A dedicated museum and historic site at the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American woman to win a Nobel Prize.
Visit website →Catedral de La Serena
La Serena
The region's most important historic church, built from white volcanic stone with a neoclassical facade and beautiful stained glass.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Historic Center of La Serena
La Serena
Chile's second-oldest city offers families a walk through time with its grand stone cathedrals, colonial architecture, and the bustling La Recova craft market.
Visit website →Pisco Elqui Village
Pisco Elqui
Families can explore this enchanting Andean village known for its colorful craft stalls, historic church, and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyard-covered mountains.
Barrio Inglés
Coquimbo
Families can wander through this restored 19th-century waterfront district to see elegant Victorian-style wooden buildings from the region's historic mining era.
Montegrande Village
Montegrande
This peaceful National Monument village provides a cultural journey for families through the schoolhouse and memorial sites dedicated to Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral.
Vicuña Historic Center
Vicuña
The heart of the Elqui Valley features the iconic red Bauer Tower and sun-drenched plazas perfect for families exploring the legacy of poet Gabriela Mistral.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Japanese Garden (Jardín del Corazón)
La Serena
South America's largest Japanese garden offers a peaceful escape with traditional architecture, koi ponds, and manicured landscapes perfect for family strolls.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Museo Arqueológico de La Serena
La Serena
An essential museum featuring a vast collection of Diaguita pottery and an authentic Moai statue from Easter Island.
Visit website →Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca
Vicuña
Chile's pioneer amateur observatory offering family-friendly guided stargazing and educational talks about the southern night sky.
Visit website →Observatorio Interamericano Cerro Tololo
Vicuña
A premier scientific research facility offering public tours of its massive telescope structures and high-altitude mountain scenery.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Museo Histórico Regional Presidente Gabriel González Videla
La Serena
This museum occupies a historic mansion and features a dedicated fine arts wing alongside regional history exhibits.
Visit website →Centro Cultural Palace
Coquimbo
A vibrant cultural hub in the port city offering rotating contemporary art exhibitions and performance spaces in a restored historic building.
Museo de Arte Religioso de la Catedral
La Serena
Located within the Cathedral of La Serena, this museum preserves an impressive collection of colonial-era paintings and liturgical objects.
Museo al Aire Libre de la Avenida Francisco de Aguirre
La Serena
An extensive open-air gallery showcasing a series of classic marble and bronze statues along one of the city's most beautiful boulevards.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Ruta de las Estrellas (Ruta 41-CH)
La Serena
Approx. 100km paved highway (2 hours) from La Serena to Pisco Elqui. This iconic route winds through the steep, arid mountains of the Elqui Valley, passing the Puclaro Reservoir, the city of Vicuña (birthplace of Gabriela Mistral), and numerous pisco distilleries and world-renowned astronomical observatories like Mamalluca.
Visit website →Paso Internacional Agua Negra
La Serena
Approx. 230km high-mountain route (6-7 hours) reaching 4,765 meters at the border with Argentina. The road is paved through the lower Elqui Valley and shifts to high-quality gravel in the high Andes. Highlights include jagged peaks, turquoise mountain lagoons, and the unique 'Penitentes' ice formations.
Visit website →Coastal Route to Punta de Choros
La Serena
Approx. 115km drive (1.5-2 hours) via Ruta 5 North and Route D-110-C. The road is primarily paved with well-maintained gravel sections near the coast. It traverses vast desert landscapes known for 'Desierto Florido' blooms, guanaco sightings, and coastal vistas, ending at the gateway to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Sendero Bosque Hidrófilo (Fray Jorge)
Ovalle
1.5km easy loop trail with 60m elevation gain, taking approximately 45 minutes. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve features a unique 'relic forest' that survives in the desert due to coastal fog (camanchaca). Entrance must be booked via aspticket.cl.
Visit website →Cerro La Virgen Loop
Vicuña
4.5km moderate loop hike with 280m elevation gain, taking roughly 2 hours. The trail leads to a summit viewpoint overlooking the city of Vicuña and the Puclaro Reservoir. Popular for its accessibility from the town center.
Visit website →Cochiguaz Valley Gravel Route
Montegrande
32km challenging out-and-back gravel bike/hike route with 700m elevation gain, taking 4 to 6 hours. Follows the Cochiguaz River into the high Andes. Remote terrain requiring good hydration. Bike rental: Elqui Bike (elquibike.cl).
Visit website →Cerro Grande Hiking Trail
La Serena
7.2km moderate out-and-back hike with 350m elevation gain, typically taking 2.5 hours. Offers panoramic views of La Serena and Coquimbo bay. Popular for sunset viewing and trail running.
Visit website →Pisco Elqui to Alcohuaz Cycling Route
Pisco Elqui
18km moderate paved route (round trip) with 450m elevation gain, taking 2 to 4 hours. Follows the scenic Route D-485 through vineyards and high Andean peaks. Bike rental: Elqui Bike (elquibike.cl) or Horse Riding & Bike Elqui.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Acuario Universidad Católica del Norte
Coquimbo
An educational marine aquarium showcasing the diverse fish and invertebrate species found along the Chilean coast.
Visit website →Parque Pedro de Valdivia
La Serena
A popular urban park featuring a mini-zoo with llamas, ostriches, and goats, alongside extensive playgrounds and picnic areas.
Zoológico de La Serena
Coquimbo
A large private zoo located in the Pan de Azúcar area, home to exotic species including lions, jaguars, and primates in a desert landscape.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Casa Escuela y Museo Gabriela Mistral
Montegrande
A national monument preserving the former childhood home and school of Nobel Prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral in a picturesque valley setting.
Visit website →Iglesia de Pisco Elqui
Pisco Elqui
A charming and colorful blue-and-white wooden church that stands as the most iconic visual landmark of the upper Elqui Valley.
Jardín Japonés Kokoro No Niwa
La Serena
The largest Japanese garden in South America, providing families with a tranquil escape featuring traditional bridges, koi ponds, and cherry blossom trees.
Mezquita de Coquimbo
Coquimbo
Also known as the Mohammed VI Center, this Moroccan-style mosque features a stunning 40-meter minaret and serves as a unique architectural landmark on the coast.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Cochiguaz Valley
Pisco Elqui
A picturesque and tranquil Andean valley with a crystal-clear river, lush greenery, and stunning views of the surrounding high-altitude desert mountains.
Puclaro Reservoir
Vicuña
A large turquoise lake situated in the heart of the arid Elqui Valley, famous for its dramatic mountain views and steady winds.
Totoralillo Beach
Coquimbo
A beautiful white-sand beach and rocky peninsula offering turquoise waters, excellent surfing conditions, and scenic coastal walks.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Cumbres del Elqui
Paihuano
An outdoor center featuring suspension bridges and canopy circuits that allow families to explore the rugged beauty of the Cochiguaz mountain range.
Visit website →Parque Aventura Elqui
Paihuano
A premier zip-lining and canopy park providing families with a thrilling aerial perspective of the lush Elqui Valley and its towering mountains.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
UCN Marine Science Aquarium and Museum
Coquimbo
This educational facility showcases the diverse marine life of the Humboldt Current through interactive tanks and research displays, providing a great learning experience for families.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Curunina Water Park
La Serena
This expansive water park offers families a variety of themed swimming pools and high-speed slides set against the scenic backdrop of the Elqui Valley foothills.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Parque Acuático Curunina
La Serena
A prominent regional water park featuring multiple swimming pools, high-speed slides, and recreational areas nestled in the Elqui Valley foothills.
Visit website →