ITINERARY
LA SERENA – EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
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
➜ Flight and transfer
Flight: Santiago – La Serena:
Shared transfer: La Serena Airport – Accommodation in La Serena
Check-in – accommodation: From 15:00 hrs
➜ 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.
➜ 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.
➜ 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.
➜ 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.
➜ 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.
