5 Days Exploring Copiapó La Serena Valle del Elqui Itinerary

Begin your day in La Serena with La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour. This tour will take you through the charming streets of La Serena, showcasing its colonial architecture, beautiful churches, and vibrant markets. Don't miss out on visiting La Recova Market where you can find unique handicrafts and souvenirs. For breakfast, stop by Café Colonial, famous for its hearty breakfasts and freshly squeezed juices.

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting adventure with Damas or Chañaral island Whales & Humboldt Penguin Reserve. This tour offers an incredible opportunity to see whales, dolphins, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat. Enjoy lunch on board or at one of the coastal restaurants such as Mar Adentro, which specializes in seafood dishes made from fresh local catch.

Conclude your day with dinner at El Nuevo Peregrino, located near La Serena's beachfront. This restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine that blends traditional Chilean flavors with international influences. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along Avenida del Mar promenade to enjoy the ocean breeze and stunning sunset views.

Begin your day with a visit to the Fray Jorge forest National Park and UNESCO Reserve. This unique forest, located in the middle of the desert, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offers a rare glimpse into an ancient ecosystem. Enjoy a guided tour through the lush greenery and learn about the diverse plant and animal species that inhabit this area. For breakfast, stop by Café Tololo, known for its delicious pastries and aromatic coffee.

After exploring Fray Jorge forest, head back to La Serena for lunch at Restaurant Ayawasi, which offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes made from fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, embark on Caleta Los Hornos Hiking archaeological sites. This hike will take you through stunning coastal landscapes and archaeological sites where you can learn about the region's ancient history and culture.

Conclude your day with dinner at Restaurant Huentelauquén, located near La Serena's historic center. This restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes and cozy atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along La Serena's charming streets, admiring the colonial architecture illuminated by soft evening lights.

Start your day early with Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena. This comprehensive tour will take you through the picturesque landscapes of Valle del Elqui, known for its clear skies and vineyards producing some of Chile's finest pisco. Visit charming villages like Vicuña and Pisco Elqui while learning about their history and culture. For breakfast on-the-go, grab some empanadas from Panadería y Pastelería San Francisco before departing.

Continue exploring Valle del Elqui with visits to local pisco distilleries where you can learn about the production process of this iconic Chilean spirit. Enjoy tastings at places like Mistral Distillery or Fundo Los Nichos while soaking in panoramic views of vineyards stretching across rolling hillsides. For lunch stop by Domus Mare, offering delicious regional cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

End your day with stargazing at one of Valle del Elqui's renowned observatories such as Mamalluca Observatory or Pangue Observatory which offer guided tours showcasing constellations visible only from this part of world due exceptionally clear skies year-round making it prime location astronomical observations dine under stars picnic prepared earlier enjoyed tranquil setting

Elqui Valley Grand-Tour is perfect for starting your day in Valle del Elqui. This grand tour covers all major attractions in the valley including visits to picturesque villages, pisco distilleries, and cultural landmarks. Enjoy breakfast at Café Frida, known for its artisanal bread and freshly brewed coffee before embarking on this comprehensive tour.

Día completo a Isla Damas y Reserva Nacional del Pingüino de Humbolt awaits you in the afternoon. This full-day excursion will take you to Isla Damas where you can see Humboldt penguins up close along with other marine wildlife such as dolphins and sea lions. For lunch during your excursion, enjoy a packed meal from La Picá de la Vicky, offering delicious sandwiches made from locally sourced ingredients.

Return to Valle del Elqui for dinner at Restaurant Solar de Pisco Elqui. This restaurant offers traditional Chilean cuisine with an emphasis on local flavors and ingredients. After dinner, unwind with some stargazing or simply relax under clear skies while reflecting on your incredible journey through Copiapó, La Serena, and Valle del Elqui.