4-Days Small Group Discover the Clearest Skies in the Desert at La Serena
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 4-day journey to La Serena, Chile, where the desert meets the fertile lands of the central valley. This small group tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and astronomical wonder. Discover the historical heart of La Serena, visiting landmarks like the Recova and the Cathedral, before venturing to Coquimbo to see the monumental Third Millennium Cross. Experience the enchanting Elqui Valley, with stops at the Puclaro Reservoir and a pisco distillery, and delve into the life of poet Gabriela Mistral. The highlight is an astronomical tour at the Mamalluca Observatory, where you'll gaze at the universe through high-tech telescopes under the world's clearest skies. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and seamless transfers, making this an unforgettable adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : La Serena
Location: La Serena
Accommodation Name: Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrival at La Serena and Transfer to hotel
In the afternoon, we will pick you up at your hotel. We will begin by the historical center of La Serena, with a visit to the Recova, old handcraft site of the city. Subsequently, we will go to the Main Square, where we will see emblematic buildings of the place, like the old house of former president Gabriel González Videla and the Cathedral of La Serena. The route will take us to La Serena's Lighthouse, place from where we will advance by the Avenida del Mar towards the city of Coquimbo. There, we will visit the Third Millennium Cross, religious monument built in the El Vigía hill to commemorate the Great Jubilee in the year 2000.We will be able to enter and traverse the chapel of the place, at the same time we receive information about the history of this monument’s construction.Our next stop will be the Fort Coquimbo or Fort Lambert, built to defend the bay during the war with Spain, used after for the Pacific War. After listening the stories and legends of Coquimbo streets, 3 hours after the beginning of the tour, we will finish the service arriving at your hotel.
Overnight at a 3* Hotel in La Serena (Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar) ...more ...less
Day 2 : La Serena - Tour Elqui Valley
Location: Elqui Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We will pick you up at your hotel to begin our travel to the Elqui Valley. Our first stop will be the Puclaro Reservoir, where we will get to know the history of Gualliguaica. Then, we will make a stop in Paiguano, where we will have a panoramic view of the valley.After that, we will get to Montegrande, place where Gabriela Mistral lived during her childhood and adolescence. In this place we will be able to visit the church and pass by the front of the Casa Escuela Gabriela Mistral Museum.The next point will be the small town of Pisco Elqui, where we can have lunch.After the break, we will go by a handcraft gallery and a little square outside the Nuestra Señora del Rosario church, which contains the only monument in Chile designed by Gustave Eiffel.We will visit a pisco destillery to learn about the elaboration process of this liquor.The last visit will be to the town of Vicuña, where Gabriela Mistral was born, to traverse its streets and the museum dedicated to this wll known Chilean poet. The tour will finish in the city of La Serena.
Overnight at a 3* Hotel in La Serena (Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar)
Day 3 : La Serena - Mamalluca Observatory
Location: La Serena
Accommodation Name: Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day is at leisure. Expand your view of the universe with this astronomical tour at the Mamalluca Observatory.We will pick you up at your hotel to start the Mamalluca Observatory tour, located very close to the Vicuña city. We will begin with a brief introductory talk, and then move on to the observation with telescopes. In this part, we will identify stars, constellations and planets through manual telescopes, which they will teach us how to use. The observation will be accompanied by the guide’s explanation, taking advantage of one of the clearest skies of the planet to carry out this activity. Finally, we will enter to the observatory to use the high-tech telescope in the main dome of this facility. Then, we will return to La Serena city. *the activity is subject to optimal weather conditions.
Overnight at a 3* Hotel in La Serena (Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar)
Day 4 : La Serena
Location: La Serena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer Out to La Serena Airport
Pick up at the hotel and transfer to La Serena Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
Lunch and breakfast are included.
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Accommodation
3-night accommodation at a 3-star hotel in La Serena is included.
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Transfers
Transfers to and from La Serena Airport are included, along with transportation for all tours and activities.
What's Not Included
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Internal Flights
Internal flights to/from La Serena are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities are not included.
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Wheelchair Accessibility
The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
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Public Transportation
There is no public transportation nearby.
Know Before You Go
- Stroller Or Pram Accessible
- Infant Seats Available
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- You will be picked up from airport at the time your flight arrives, and you will be transferred to your hotel.
Mode of Transport
Transfers to and from La Serena Airport are included, along with transportation for all tours and activities, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout your journey.Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 3 nights of accommodation at a 3-star hotel in La Serena, such as Hotel Diego de Almagro or a similar establishment, including breakfast and lunch.Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see during the astronomical tour at the Mamalluca Observatory?
During the astronomical tour at the Mamalluca Observatory, you will begin with a brief introductory talk followed by telescope observations. You will have the opportunity to identify stars, constellations, and planets through manual telescopes, with guidance on how to use them. The tour also includes using a high-tech telescope in the main dome of the observatory, taking advantage of the clear skies for optimal viewing. ...more ...less
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What historical sites will be visited in La Serena?
In La Serena, you will visit the historical center, including the Recova, an old handcraft site, the Main Square, and the Cathedral of La Serena. You will also see emblematic buildings such as the old house of former president Gabriel González Videla.
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What is included in the tour of the Elqui Valley?
The tour of the Elqui Valley includes stops at the Puclaro Reservoir, a panoramic view in Paiguano, and a visit to Montegrande where Gabriela Mistral lived. You will also visit the small town of Pisco Elqui for lunch, explore a handcraft gallery, and see the Nuestra Señora del Rosario church. The tour includes a visit to a pisco distillery to learn about the liquor's elaboration process and ends in the town of Vicuña, where Gabriela Mistral was born. ...more ...less
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Are meals included during the tour?
Yes, lunch and breakfast are included during the tour.
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Is transportation provided throughout the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided throughout the tour, including transfers to and from La Serena Airport and transportation for all tours and activities.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes a 3-night stay at a 3-star hotel in La Serena, such as Hotel Diego de Almagro or a similar establishment, with breakfast and lunch included.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The tours are in small groups with the same interests. But it also depends on the operators at the destination.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 15 years we have been taking travelers to visit South America, we have always been committed to being there for our travellers.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, We do not operate this option.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, the accommodation will include meet local health and safety regulations.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No, You don't contributing to any charity by booking the tour.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Services and hotels can be changed up to 15 days before your trip., except for services and hotels with prepaid. Changes in flights are subject to a penalty fee.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Before your trip, you will receive the voucher with the booked services.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It all depends de the tour and the operator. Usually, you can not join the tour once it has departed.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Biosecurity protocols all along the journey according to the local Sanitary Authorities The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test
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Low Deposit
Signature DMC requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 50 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of signature dmc charges.
Up to 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 49 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
4-Days Small Group Discover the Clearest Skies in the Desert at La Serena
4 Days Starting and ending in La Serena, Chile
Visiting: La Serena, Elqui Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
442869
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
