La Serena and the Elqui valley
The Norte Chico, about 450km north of Santiago, has an arid landscape of towering mountains which are punctuated by green and fertile valleys irrigated by the rivers that flow towards the Pacific. The Elqui valley is famous for the grapes used to make Pisco brandy, and also for astronomical observatories: with virtually no rain, clear nights are almost guaranteed.
Our preferred accommodation
Casa Molle
Country hotel - El MolleCasa Molle is a comfortable and well-appointed small resort in the Elqui Valley, a 30 minute drive inland from La Serena airport. Set on a 17 hectare site which includes a pretty walnut orchard, the hotel is built using local Molle culture styles and designs, with plenty of public space. There is a fire pit, restaurant, indoor pool and spa building, and large outdoor pool surrounded by decorative cacti.
Elqui Domos
Beach hotel - 110km from La SerenaAn astro-hotel offering exclusive dome-shaped rooms with a detachable ceiling to observe the stars above the Elqui valley. There is a very comfortable communal area with hammocks and a swimming pool.
Hacienda Los Andes
Hacienda - Rio Hurtado ValleyThis restored old 500 hectare hacienda is on and above the Rio Hurtado, around a two hour drive from La Serena. It was built in the colonial style, with traditional influences from Chile and Mexico in decoration and architecture.
Hotel Halley
City hotel - VicuñaA lovely colonial hotel with swimming pool situated a few blocks from the town centre.
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