Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Santiago – Vicuña. Departure via bus from Santiago to the small north (Norte Chico) and the Elquí river valley. This is one of the most spectacular geological regions of Chile, and the center of Pisco production. Pisco is delightful and popular brandy distilled from Muscatel grapes. Traveling along the Elquí river into the Andes, passing papaya, chirimoya, olive and avocado farms, and hill climbing vineyards. Arrival Vicuña. Hotel check-in. Overnight Vicuña.
Day 2: Vicuña – Elqui Valley. Breakfast in the Hotel. Excursion to the end of the Elquí valley, passing through miles of vineyards that seem to reach the clouds, and quiet rural villages clinging to the mountainsides. Snow melt from the Andes waters these green patches in the desert and large curtains protect the fruit from daily winds coming down the mountains. Visit a distillery and learn how the muscatel grapes are fermented into wine, and then distilled and aged in wood barrels to produce the national drink, pisco. Time to stroll around the square, peek inside the ancient chapel, and visit the shops.
In Montegrande we find the grave and former school house of Gabriela Mistral, one of Chile’s most famous Nobel Prize winners, and much beloved in Chile. Return to Vicuña, the most important city in the valley, and the site of the Gabriela Mistral Museum, the Tower Baüer, the Immaculate Church of the Conception and Plaza of Weapons. Visit one of the largest pisco factories and sample the various types of brandy. Enjoy the spectacular sunset (puesta del sol) over the Andean foothills and a relaxing evening on the hotel patio. Overnight Vicuña.
Day 3: Vicuña. Buffet breakfast. The Elquí valley is one of three best Chilean sites for astronomical observatories. Here are located the International Observatory at Tololo mountain and the older Mamalluca Observatory. On Tololo mountain the largest of the seven telescopes has a mirror 8.1 meters in diameter. Our technical guide gives us a comprehensive tour of the site (upon to former authorization)
For those who choose to stay in town, Vicuña offers a beautiful desert style church, a museum of entomology and natural history, and a museum of antique furniture, books, clothes and other household items from the 18th and 19th centuries. Following lunch at our hotel we have a guided tour of the Gabriela Mistral museum. After sunset, participate in the program as the astronomical observatory Mamalluca which includes a scientific program on the astronomy and opportunity to view the heavens through powerful telescopes. Overnight Vicuña
Day 4: Vicuña – La Serena – Coquimbo. Buffet breakfast. Depart Vicuña to the coastal community of La Serena. City tour including classic colonial Spanish style mansions, the archeological museum and the central market. Our guide relates La Serena’s history, explains the unique architecture, well cared for parks and the numerous monuments. Visits to the Precolombino and Archeological Museum, and the picturesque La Recova Market featuring local handcrafts, are also included. Visit the viewpoint of the University of La Serena with a broad view of the city, Coquimbo Bay and the port. In the afternoon visit to National Park Humboldt to enjoy of the nature and the dolphines and the Island. After the visit, departure to Coquimbo. Overnight Coquimbo
Day 5: Coquimbo – Los Vilos – Pichidangui. Buffet breakfast. Visit Coquimbo’s commercial port, fishing harbor, and the bay of Guayacán, a historical den of thieves. Depart to the south and Los Vilos, a small beach resort and port. Seafood lunch on the beach. Continue to Pichidangui, site of the best beaches in Chile. Free afternoon to soak up the sun, swim, stroll and just enjoy one of the best beaches in Chile. Hotel check-in. Overnight Pichidangui.
Day 6: Pichidangui – Viña del Mar. Buffet Breakfast. Depart to Con Con following the Aconcangua river valley filled with avocado and orange trees. Lunch in the popular resort community of ConCon. Continue to Viña del Mar, the most famous beach resort in Chile. Hotel check-in. Free evening to try your luck at the Monte Carlo style casino, stroll Avenida Peru with the local folks, visit the wine shops and sample the exquisite cuisine at one of the many nearby restaurants. Overnight Viña del Mar.
Day 7: Viña del Mar – Santiago. Buffet breakfast in hotel. Free morning to visit museums, historical sites and shopping centers. In the afternoon departure to the Casablanca Valley. Guided tour of the William Cole winery including the vineyards, winery and wine tasting.
The Casablanca valley is one of the newest appellations in Chile, but William Cole has been producing wine in Chile for many years and is a perfect example of the Chilean winery style. Continue to Santiago passing through the Casa Blanca valley and the Curacaví valley, filled with nut trees, orange trees, avocado trees and vegetable fields. Hotel check-in. Free afternoon and evening in Santiago. Overnight Santiago.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Ground transportation via chartered, air-conditioned coach
- 6 nights of accommodation in double occupancy
- Meals according to the program
- Entrance fees to museum and Historical sites
- Touristic activities and events
- Full time English-Spanish Bilingual guide
- All tolls, taxes on items included.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Chile
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Food & Wine
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