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Spirit of the Mystical Valley - 4 days |
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DAY 1: LA SERENA – PISCO ELQUI
Once in La Serena, we will embark on a city tour of this colonial town as well as visit the harbor and the bay of La Herradura, Chile. While at the beach we will enjoy a nice lunch and try some of the best seafood of the region. In the afternoon we will explore the spiritual Elqui Valley known for its rich pre-Columbian history, cultivation of Pisco grapes, and famous astronomic observatories. Specifically, within the Elqui Valley, we will visit the cozy laid-back town of Vicuña; birthplace of the famous poet Gabriela Mistral (first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature). After sunset we will drive up into the Andean Mountains and stopover at the Alfa Aldea Observatory. There we will enjoy viewing the stars while sipping on a glass of wine. Afterwards we will continue on to the enchanting town of Pisco Elqui for dinner and our overnight stay at the Elqui Domos. This “Astro Hotel” offers exclusive dome-shaped rooms with a detachable ceiling perfect for observing the incredible clear sky of the Elqui Valley. Overnight at the Elqui Domos. (L, D) or overnight at Hotel Terral in Vicuña DAY 2: ELQUI DOMOS Today we will explore the inner depths of the Elqui Valley by visiting the town of Horcon. This small settlement is known for their local artisans as well as their arts and crafts seeded in spirituality, mysticism and culture. Afterwards we will continue on by visiting one of the oldest Pisco distilleries in Chile, Pisquera Artesanal Los Nichos and the distillery of Los Artesanos de Montegrande, where pisco is still produced the old-fashioned way. Towards the end a lovely lunch is had by all at the Pisco Elqui restaurant. Dinner and a beautiful night sky await us at the hotel. Overnight at the Elqui Domos. (B, L, D) DAY 3: ELQUI DOMOS – LA SERENA After breakfast we will continue exploring the Elqui Valley and the vineyards that give fame to the Chilean piscos and wines including the family run vineyard of Cavas Del Valle that produces superb Syrah wines. Afterwards we will travel to Vicuña where we will enjoy lunch at a nice local restaurant. In the early afternoon we will head back to La Serena where we will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Overnight in La Serena. (B, L) DAY 4: LA SERENA After breakfast we will drive to the airport of La Serena where we will board our connecting flight. (B) OPTIONAL EXTENSION: From May to November a full day excursion to Isla Damas is available (minimum 3 passengers). Situated around 115 km / 71 mi north of La Serena this destination offers great beaches, diving, snorkeling and the chance to observe local wildlife such as dolphins and penguins. From December to April a full day whale watching tour is available. Navigating the waters of Caleta Chañaral de Aceituno, Humpback and Blue whales can be spotted frolicking in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. For both, please consider another overnight in La Serena. |
price per person, double occupancy in US$:
Hotels we use in this program: Hotel Terral (Junior Suite), Campanario del Mar (Superior Room)
The single supplement also applies for 1 person Included: - 3 overnights with breakfast - Meals according to itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) - Private Transfers and excursions with English speaking guide (German and Spanish speaking guide available) - Entrance fees. |
