Coquimbo region: scenic beauty and starry skies
The Coquimbo region in Chile beckons with its breathtaking coastal panoramas, picturesque valleys, world-class astronomical observatories, and a tapestry of cultural heritage. This diverse and captivating destination promises an enriching experience for travelers.
Approximately five hours north of Santiago lies the regional capital, La Serena, boasting a historic center adorned with colonial architecture, churches, and museums. The extensive sandy beach offers an ideal setting for sunbathing, engaging in water sports, and relishing the scenic beauty of the Pacific. Further exploration along the coastline reveals other enchanting beaches in the towns of Coquimbo, Tongoy, and Guanaqueros.
Embarking on a journey from La Serena to Pisco Elqui offers a distinctive opportunity to immerse yourself in Chile’s semi-desert landscapes and rich culture. The scenic route leads from the vibrant coastal town into the idyllic Elqui Valley, renowned for its mountainous terrain, vineyards, and the crafting of pisco, a traditional Chilean spirit. A visit to a local pisco distillery provides a chance to savor the national brandy and gain insights into its production process.
While travelling through the Elqui valley, you will also come across charming villages. In Vicuña, the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, you can learn more about the life and works of the poet and Nobel Prize winner. This beautiful region inspired her poetry and many monuments in the surrounding area commemorate her literary legacy.
In the Elqui Valley, you will find unrivaled clarity in the night skies, providing an unparalleled view of the Milky Way. It’s no serendipity that a majority of the nation’s observatories have chosen this celestial haven. Here, astronomy enthusiasts can marvel at the stars in an environment dedicated to the pursuit of cosmic exploration.
For nature enthusiasts, venturing into this Chilean region proves to be an idyllic escapade. The Bosque Fray Jorge National Park beckons with hiking trails weaving through its renowned coastal cloud forest, while the Pingüino de Humboldt National Reserve boasts colonies of Humboldt penguins, both standing as remarkable treasures within the Coquimbo region.
For more information on excursions in the Coquimbo region contact your Travel Consultant or incoming@turavion.com