ITINERARY
LA SERENA – EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Not included:
- Landing fees
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Technical clothing or appropriate attire for the activity, unless otherwise indicated in each excursion
What to bring:
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the service, according to the destination and weather conditions
Day 1
➜ Flight and transfer
Flight: Santiago – La Serena:
Shared transfer: La Serena Airport – Accommodation in La Serena
Check-in – accommodation: From 15:00 hrs
Day 1
➜ Astronomical Tour and Astrophotography, Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley), Private Astronomical Center Cerro Mamalluca
The Astronomical Tour and Astrophotography offers a specialized nighttime experience under one of the clearest skies on the planet, in the heart of Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley), located in the Coquimbo Region, in northern Chile. This activity takes place at a Private Astronomical Center located on the slopes of Cerro Mamalluca, in a privileged setting for stargazing.
The experience begins with departure from your accommodation in La Serena, heading inland toward Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley). During the visit to the astronomical center, expert advanced astronomy guides explain the night sky in an educational way, including visible constellations, the main stars and various celestial bodies, using astronomical laser pointers and high-end professional telescopes.
During the observation, equipment such as the 24-inch Hubble Optics, unique in Chile, is used, along with 20-inch Hubble Optics and a 16-inch Meade, with specialized filters to observe planets, nebulae, star clusters, binary stars, galaxies and lunar craters. On moonless nights, a professional group astrophotography session under the starry sky is included, while on nights with moonlight, it is possible to photograph lunar craters with a mobile phone through the telescope. Once the astronomical experience ends, the return to the accommodation in La Serena takes place.
Places to visit: Private Astronomical Center Cerro Mamalluca and Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley)
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Winter: 16:15 hrs approx
- Spring and Summer: 18:15 hrs approx
- Summer (certain days): 20:15 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- Winter: 22:00 hrs approx
- Spring and Summer: After midnight
- Summer (certain days): 02:00 hrs approx
- The return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Tour starting point: Astronomical observatory
- Transfer time between the accommodation and the astronomical observatory: Between 1 h 20 min and 1 h 40 min approx each way
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and back to the accommodation in La Serena (Mercedes Benz fully equipped tourist minibus)
- Local certified astronomical guide
- Professional telescopes 24” and 20” Hubble Optics, and 16” Meade
- Group astrophotography on moonless nights or lunar photography on nights with moonlight
- Tea, coffee or juice during the observation
Important information:
- Meals are not included
- Open-air astronomical center
- Snacks are not included. We recommend bringing some
- Not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Small children should not attend wearing shoes with lights
- Total tour duration: Between 5 and 7 hours approx depending on the season
- Advanced and educational astronomy guides with extensive experience
- Have dinner or an early evening meal before the tour, as the return may be close to or after midnight
- Bring: Warm clothing, especially on winter nights, a snack or light refreshment, water or a hot drink in a thermos
- During January and February, pick-up and return times may be affected by traffic congestion in the coastal area
- Check your lunar calendar: La Serena Lunar Calendar
- It is recommended to check the lunar cycle and choose moonless nights for better observation
- Astronomical observation is not favorable during a full moon or waxing moon
- English translator is not included
- English translator service available at an additional cost from $20.000 for 2 people, subject to availability
- If the activity cannot be carried out and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated, according to operational conditions
- If the cancellation occurs once the transfer has started or while en route due to force majeure, the service will be considered as provided by the supplier
Day 2
➜ Whale Watching, Chañaral Island Marine Reserve
The Whale Watching in Chañaral Island Marine Reserve allows you to experience a marine adventure of great natural importance in the Atacama Region, sailing through Chañaral Island Marine Reserve, one of the privileged areas in northern Chile for observing cetaceans and ocean wildlife.
The excursion begins with departure from your accommodation in La Serena, traveling by road toward the coast of the Atacama Region to board an ecological navigation specially designed for whale watching. During the journey, it is mainly possible to observe the Fin Whale, the second largest animal on the planet, and sometimes other whale species as well, in addition to dolphins, sea lions, pelagic and coastal birds.
During the land transfers, it is also possible to appreciate the flora and fauna of the coastal desert, such as guanacos, South American gray foxes, cacti and the characteristic geography of northern Chile. The main whale watching season runs between October and April, with very high chances of sightings, while in winter the chances decrease, although there is still the possibility of seeing resident whales and other marine species depending on ocean currents, water temperature and food availability. Once the navigation and the day’s activities are completed, the return to the accommodation in La Serena takes place.
Places to visit: Chañaral Island Marine Reserve
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 06:00 and 08:00 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- Between 16:30 and 18:30 hrs approx
- The return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Transfer time between the accommodation and the activity starting point: 2 hours approx each way
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and back to the accommodation in La Serena (Mercedes Benz tourist minibus)
- Certified bilingual guide
- Boat tickets
- Lunch at a menu-style restaurant (starter, main course, dessert and beverage)
Important information:
- The navigation takes place on the open sea
- It is recommended to rest well the night before
- Total activity duration: approx. 10 to 12 hours
- Beverages and snacks are not included. We recommend bringing your own
- In case of optimal sea conditions, priority may be given to whale searching outside the usual wildlife observation radius of the reserve
- The whale season runs from October to April, with higher probabilities of sightings
- From May and during winter, the probability of sightings may decrease to approximately 50%, depending on ocean currents, water temperature and food availability
- If the activity cannot be carried out and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated, according to operational conditions
- If the cancellation occurs once the transfer has started or while en route due to force majeure, the service will be considered as provided by the supplier
Day 3
➜ Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, Choros Island and Damas Island
The Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, Choros Island and Damas Island tour allows you to discover one of the most important marine ecosystems in northern Chile, visiting the Punta de Choros area, located in the Coquimbo Region, within the well-known Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.
The excursion begins with departure from your accommodation in La Serena, traveling approximately 113 km toward the coast to board a navigation through biodiversity-rich waters. During the journey toward Choros Island, it is possible to observe the largest colony of Humboldt Penguins within the reserve, as well as different species of cormorants, pelicans, boobies, gulls, vultures, oystercatchers, sea lions and, with some luck, the marine otter or chungungo.
Afterwards, the navigation continues toward Damas Island. On the days when landing is allowed, it is possible to walk along its interpretive trails, rest at Playa La Poza and enjoy the scenery. On days without landing, observation takes place from the boat. Once the navigation is completed, the return to the mainland includes lunch at a local restaurant serving homemade typical food from the area. After the experience, the return to the accommodation in La Serena takes place.
Places to visit: Punta de Choros, Choros Island and Damas Island
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 06:00 and 07:00 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- Between 17:00 and 17:30 hrs approx
- The return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Transfer time between the accommodation and the activity starting point: 1 h 30 min approx each way
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and back to the accommodation in La Serena (Mercedes Benz tourist minibus)
- Certified bilingual guide
- Boat ticket
- Lunch at a local restaurant (without beverage)
Important information:
- Landing ticket for Damas Island is not included
- Total tour duration: approx. 10 to 11 hours
- Beverages and snacks are not included. We recommend bringing your own
- Swimming is not allowed on Damas Island
- During winter, between May and August, wildlife may be observed in lower numbers due to nesting and migration periods
- After the 2023 avian flu outbreak, wildlife may appear in lower numbers
- It is recommended to rest well the night before, as departure is very early
- Do not bring loose objects on the boat
- Information about landing and operation of Choros Island and Damas Island
- There is no landing on Choros Island, only observation of marine fauna and birdlife from the boat
- There may be landing on Damas Island on dates permitted by CONAF
- From March 18 to December 15, landing on Damas Island operates from Thursday to Sunday
- From December 16 to February, landing on Damas Island operates from Wednesday to Sunday
- Landing tickets are subject to availability and changes by CONAF without prior notice
- Reference landing prices for Chileans and residents: ages 0 to 11 free, ages 12 to 17 $3.200, ages 18 to 59 $4.700, ages 60 and over free
- Reference landing prices for foreigners: ages 0 to 11 free, ages 12 to 17 $5.200, ages 18 to 59 $10.400, ages 60 and over $10.400
- Landing payment is made in cash on the same day of the tour
- Landing restrictions may apply due to sea conditions, pier maintenance, trail maintenance, loco extraction, pandemic, avian flu or other contingencies
- On days without landing, the tour is still carried out with navigation around Choros Island and Damas Island from the boat
- If the activity cannot be carried out and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated, according to operational conditions
- If the cancellation occurs once the transfer has started or while en route due to force majeure, the service will be considered as provided by the supplier
Day 4
➜ Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley), Vicuña, Montegrande, Pisco Elqui, Piscos and Organic Wines
The Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley), Vicuña, Montegrande, Pisco Elqui, Piscos and Organic Wines tour allows you to discover one of the most representative cultural and scenic routes in northern Chile, visiting some of the main attractions of Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley), located in the Coquimbo Region, just a few kilometers from La Serena.
The excursion begins with departure from your accommodation in La Serena, heading inland into the valley to make a first stop at Puclaro Reservoir, an important hydraulic work surrounded by hills and semi-arid landscapes. Afterwards, the route continues toward the foothills of the Andes, in the commune of Paihuano, where a stop is made at a natural viewpoint with panoramic views over Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley).
During the day, an organic vineyard pioneering the production of high-altitude wines in Chile is visited, where its facilities are toured and a tasting of white and red wines is offered. Then, the experience continues at a traditional pisco distillery, where the pisco-making process is explained and a tasting takes place. Later, the tour continues to Pisco Elqui, with time to explore its main square, handicraft fairs and have lunch at a local restaurant. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Gabriela Mistral Museum in Montegrande and ends in Vicuña, the heart of the valley, where there is free time to walk around its square, artisan shops and local atmosphere. Once the visits are completed, the return to the accommodation in La Serena takes place.
Places to visit: Puclaro Reservoir, Paihuano, Cavas del Valle Organic Vineyard, Pisco distillery, Montegrande, Pisco Elqui and Vicuña
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Between 08:00 and 08:30 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- Between 18:00 and 19:00 hrs approx
- The return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Tour starting point: Puclaro Reservoir
- Transfer time between the accommodation and the tour starting point: Between 45 and 60 min approx each way
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and back to the accommodation in La Serena (fully equipped Mercedes Benz tourist minibus)
- Certified bilingual guide
- Lunch at a local restaurant (without beverage)
- Tasting at a pisco distillery
- Tasting at an organic vineyard
Important information:
- Tips are not included
- Museum entrance fees are not included
- Total tour duration: approx. 10 to 11 hours
- Beverages and snacks are not included. We recommend bringing your own
- The vineyard tasting is only for guests over 18 years old
- Ideal for those who enjoy culture, wine and local history
- An extra personal glass at the vineyard has a reference value of $3.000
- The organic vineyard tasting corresponds to one glass per couple
- The museum visit is optional and subject to visitor flow or the conditions of the day
- During much of the route, there may be low or no mobile phone signal
- The Gabriela Mistral Museum in Montegrande operates from Tuesday to Sunday
- During January and February, the Puclaro Reservoir dam is visited every day
- On Mondays, between March and December, Puclaro Reservoir is visited from Gualliguaica
- The Puclaro Reservoir dam is visited from Tuesday to Sunday between March and December
- If the activity cannot be carried out and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated, according to operational conditions
- If the cancellation occurs once the transfer has started or while en route due to force majeure, the service will be considered as provided by the supplier
Day 5
➜ Transfer and return flight
Check-out – accommodation: 11:00 hrs
Shared transfer: Accommodation in La Serena – La Serena Airport
Flight: La Serena – Santiago
End of our services.
