Elqui Valley

The basics

The Elqui Valley wine region is at the southern end of the Atacama Desert. Home to the production of syrah, sauvignon blanc, and Carmenere wines, this beautiful, lush valley is also a top spot for pisco, a grape brandy. Tours of the Elqui Valley usually visit pisco distilleries and area natural attractions. Many tours include a stop at observatories to learn about the night skies. Some include visits to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve just off the mainland.

Things to know before you go

• The Elqui Valley is a must-visit for people interested in astro-tourism—it was the first International Dark Skies Sanctuary.

• Pack comfortable shoes and wear layers, as most visits to the valley include plenty of time outdoors.

• If you plan to go pisco-tasting, go with a taxi or a tour to avoid driving.

How to get there

Vicuña, the main city in the valley, is about a 6-hour drive from Santiago. Alternatively, you can take an hour-long flight to La Serena and then drive inland for about an hour. Tours that include ground transportation are available from both Santiago and La Serena and are a great alternative to renting a car, particularly if you plan to drink alcohol.

When to get there

The Elqui Valley is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is between September and April when the temperatures are warmer and the skies are reliably clear. The valley gets the bulk of its precipitation between May and August, so if you want to try sky-gazing, these months are better avoided.

Vicuña

Vicuña is the main municipality in the Elqui Valley and home to many of the hotels in the area. Given the five observatories in and around town, many use it as a base for astronomy. It's also the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral. Visit the museum dedicated to her life and works to learn more about the influential writer.