Top La Serena Extreme Sports

The Elqui Valley is the most valuable cultural and mountain destination in Chile, creator of the most emblematic cultural treasures of our country. Its illuminated atmosphere allowed the creation and development of various cultural practices that make it a dream destination for those seeking relaxation, inspiration, cosmic connection and advanced knowledge about Chile's cultural heritage. Its beautiful geography welcomed ancient indigenous peoples, churches and hacienda houses of the first conquerors surrounded by pyramidal mountains full of minerals, energy and a transparent atmosphere, propagated tropical, desert and Mediterranean crops and the oldest wine and pisco cellars in the country. You will discover the art of the Diaguitas, the legacy of the Incas, the origins of Chilean and Argentine wine, the advanced astronomical observatories and the places that inspired mystics and the first female Nobel Prize winner for literature in Latin America, Gabriela Mistral.

The coastal region of the Atacama Desert is home to stunning landscapes and remote settlements, which are difficult to explore without a private vehicle. Make the most of your time and visit two national parks—the Pan de Azucar and Llanos del Challe—along with coastal and mining towns and the Obispito archaeological site in one day with this guided tour from La Serena, which takes care of all your logistics.

Avoid the hassle of navigating remote mountain roads at night and enjoy a stress-free experience of northern Chile’s world-famous dark skies. This small-group astronomy experience at Pangue Observatory provides telescope viewing far from light pollution and 4,265 feet (1,300) meters) above sea level. Learn about planets, galaxies, and constellations while enjoying an immersive experience that thrills for novices and astronomy enthusiasts alike.