A 2-day trip in La Serena and the Elqui Valley
Updated on 28 de November, 2025
From La Serena to the heart of the universe
2 DAYS
DISTANCIA
220 km
CANTIDAD DE DÍAS
2 days
DESTINOS
PAISAJE
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Tololo Observatory and the Legacy of Gabriela Mistral
Your adventure begins with a trip to the interior of the Elqui Valley to visit the Cerro Tololo Observatory. This daytime tour, available on Saturdays with prior reservation, will allow you to see the impressive facilities where the famous Víctor M. Blanco Telescope operates, the protagonist of important discoveries about dark energy.
After descending from the mountain, you will head to Vicuña, the main city of the valley and the perfect place to enjoy the local gastronomy. Its restaurants offer typical preparations of the area, ideal for recharging your batteries before continuing with your cultural afternoon.
End the day at the Gabriela Mistral Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning poet. Immerse yourself in her legacy through her personal objects and manuscripts. Also, take the opportunity to explore a nearby pisquera and learn about the distillation process of Chile’s national liquor.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Tololo Observatory and the Legacy of Gabriela Mistral
Your adventure begins with a trip to the interior of the Elqui Valley to visit the Cerro Tololo Observatory. This daytime tour, available on Saturdays with prior reservation, will allow you to see the impressive facilities where the famous Víctor M. Blanco Telescope operates, the protagonist of important discoveries about dark energy.
After descending from the mountain, you will head to Vicuña, the main city of the valley and the perfect place to enjoy the local gastronomy. Its restaurants offer typical preparations of the area, ideal for recharging your batteries before continuing with your cultural afternoon.
End the day at the Gabriela Mistral Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning poet. Immerse yourself in her legacy through her personal objects and manuscripts. Also, take the opportunity to explore a nearby pisquera and learn about the distillation process of Chile’s national liquor.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Beach and relaxation in La Serena
Dedicate the morning to exploring the colonial charm of La Serena. Start in its monumental Plaza de Armas, surrounded by historic buildings and a beautiful neoclassical cathedral. The city, renowned for its architecture and stone churches, is perfect for a photographic walk.
Continue your tour towards the coast to visit El Faro Monumental, the undisputed symbol of the city. From its surroundings, you will get a spectacular panoramic view of the Coquimbo Bay and the extensive Avenida del Mar, which connects La Serena with the neighboring city.
In the afternoon, relax on Playa Cuatro Esquinas. It is the ideal place to enjoy the sea breeze, walk along the shore and feel the sand. To end the day, you can choose one of the varied restaurants on the coastal avenue and enjoy a dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Beach and relaxation in La Serena
Dedicate the morning to exploring the colonial charm of La Serena. Start in its monumental Plaza de Armas, surrounded by historic buildings and a beautiful neoclassical cathedral. The city, renowned for its architecture and stone churches, is perfect for a photographic walk.
Continue your tour towards the coast to visit El Faro Monumental, the undisputed symbol of the city. From its surroundings, you will get a spectacular panoramic view of the Coquimbo Bay and the extensive Avenida del Mar, which connects La Serena with the neighboring city.
In the afternoon, relax on Playa Cuatro Esquinas. It is the ideal place to enjoy the sea breeze, walk along the shore and feel the sand. To end the day, you can choose one of the varied restaurants on the coastal avenue and enjoy a dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
What you should know
How to get there by air
To start this itinerary, you must take a flight from Santiago Airport to La Florida Airport in La Serena. From there, you can take a taxi or transfer to your accommodation, either in that city or in the Elqui Valley, to begin your adventure.
How to get there by land
From La Serena, it is 85 km along Route 41 to the Tololo Observatory. For this itinerary that combines valley and city, it is best to rent a vehicle. This will give you flexibility to move between Tololo, Vicuña and the attractions of the capital of Coquimbo.
Climate and clothing
The Elqui Valley is sunny almost all year round. Wear light clothing, a hat and sun protection. La Serena has a temperate coastal climate. A windbreaker is ideal for the sea breeze and a light jacket is recommended for the nights.
Must-Know Tips
Plan months in advance! The visit to the Tololo Observatory is free, but it has very limited places, only on Saturdays and requires online reservation. In the Elqui Valley, don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated under the intense sun.
