Elqui Valley

The Elqui Valley (Valle de Elqui) is a fertile river oasis in Chile's Coquimbo Region, nestled among the arid foothills of the Andes. Renowned for its exceptionally clear night skies, the valley is one of the world's premier destinations for astronomical research and astrotourism. Visitors can explore public observatories, tour traditional pisco distilleries, and enjoy a landscape of terraced vineyards, orchards, and picturesque villages. Vicuña, the valley's main town and the birthplace of Nobel Prize–winning poet Gabriela Mistral, serves as its cultural heart. With its tranquil atmosphere, dramatic mountain scenery, and reputation as a center for esotericism and alternative spirituality, the Elqui Valley attracts travelers from around the globe.