FD Coquimbo, La Serena & the Elqui Valley

Duration: 1 day

Highlights: Coquimbo, La Recova Market, La Serena, Monte Grande, Vicuña.

Full day excursion to Coquimbo and surrounds.

Itinerary

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Depart from the port of Coquimbo for a glimpse of this important port city. One of the city’s highlights is the picturesque Barrio Inglés. This historical quarter opposite the port stands as a testament to the strong British influence in this port city. The British settlers arrived to the area in the mid-1800s, mainly because of the mining industry, and the legacy remains in the architecture of this barrio. Rising impressively above the city is the Cross of the Third Millennium, a 91-metre structure celebrating Christianity and a new millennium, which has a 2,000-piece coloured glass panel.

To the north of Coquimbo lies La Serena, the regional capital. Accessed along the coastal road – or costanera – this is home to a numerous modern buildings, hotels, pubs, discos and restaurants. It is no surprise that hordes of visitors of all ages come each summer to enjoy the splendid beach. The first stop will be made at the Lighthouse, one of the most emblematic points of the city. In the downtown area lies the La Recova Market, set in a picturesque patio, this market offers numerous interesting shopping opportunities, including handicrafts such as lapis lazuli (Chile’s famous semi-precious blue stone), pottery and ceramic with Diaguita motifs, as well as alpaca wool articles. Here one can also find many items related to the region’s most important fruit; the papaya, which is grown in the nearby Elqui Valley.

On leaving La Serena, and turning east, the landscape transforms itself into a lush array of plantations and vineyards, set amongst rolling hills. Just beyond the impressive Puclaro Dam there will be a visit to a papaya and cherimoya plantation. Continue to the village of Montegrande to visit the Gabriela Mistral Museum. The Nobel Laureate poet did most of her writing in the town of Vicuña, but this former school now houses her paintings, awards and personal objects. The growing wine industry in the area will provide another point of interest during this point of the excursion, with a visit to the Cavas del Valle vineyard. Although the Central Valley still dominates Chile’s wine industry, the Elqui Valley is catching up and is even favoured by a better climate for certain types of grape. Particularly suitable for whites such as Chardonnay, now full-bodied reds such as Cavas del Valle’s speciality Syrah (Shiraz) is gaining recognition. A tasting will be included in the cellar of the vineyard.

Continue to the town of Vicuña, famous for its many Pisco producers and its tranquil, sleepy setting. Lunch will be served at a charming, informal restaurant. Popular with locals, the restaurant serves traditional Chilean cuisine in a charming, informal atmosphere. Following lunch there will be a short tour of Vicuña including the Main Square, Bauer Tower, and church, before the return drive to Coquimbo.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Enjoy a glimpse of the important port city of Coquimbo, with its strong British influence, and the regional capital of La Serena. Heading inland, the landscape transforms itself into a lush array of plantations and vineyards set amongst rolling hills. Here you’ll visit a papaya and cherimoya plantation, stop at the Gabriela Mistral Museum in the village of Montegrande, enjoy a wine tasting at a local cellar and have a relaxing lunch in the sleepy town of Vicuña.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00:00 - 00:15 Drive from the port through the city of Coquimbo
00:15 - 00:30 Drive to La Serena
00:30 - 01:30 La Serena, including visit to La Recova Market
01:30 - 03:00 Drive from La Serena to Monte Grande
03:00 - 04:30 Monte Grande, including museum and vineyard
04:30 - 05:15 Drive from Monte Grande to Vicuña
05:15 - 07:15 Vicuña, including Lunch
07:15 - 09:00 Drive from Vicuña to Coquimbo

Approximate duration: 9 hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Includes the services of an English-speaking guide
- Bottled mineral water included
- Food service includes: Tasting at a papaya and cherimoya plantation, tasting at the Cavas del Valle winery and lunch in Vicuña
- Activity level is Easy