Top La Serena Nature and Wildlife Tours

This tour stands out by offering a complete and immersive journey through the Elqui Valley, one of Chile’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations. From breathtaking mountain landscapes to charming traditional villages, you will experience the true essence of the region in a single day. Unlike standard tours, this experience combines culture, gastronomy, and local traditions, including visits to a pisco distillery and a high-altitude winery, where you will enjoy guided tastings of regional products. The journey also includes a traditional lunch in the heart of the valley, allowing you to connect with the flavors and lifestyle of northern Chile. With a well-balanced itinerary, comfortable transportation, and expert guidance, this tour is perfect for travelers looking to discover the Elqui Valley in a deeper and more authentic way.

Itinerary: We will pick you up at your accommodation to head towards the Puclaro reservoir, about 16 km from Vicuña, we will arrive at one of the villages surrounding the reservoir, here we will start walking. We will help each other with headlamps and canes throughout the trek. We will arrive at a strategic point and we will settle to make observation of the sky taking advantage of the remoteness and the little light pollution that is in this place, you will be able to observe the stars by naked eye. You will receive a small astronomical talk about the stars that can be seen during the night, we will prepare the camera to start this session of astro photography with one of the cleanest skies in the world as protagonist. We will return from trekking to vehicles and drop you back at your accommodation. It is necessary to bring: Comfortable/warm clothing. Trekking or sports boots/shoes. Backpack. Water (min. 1/2 liter)

Get up close to Chile’s coastal wildlife on this full-day tour from La Serena, including hotel pick-up. Drive past vibrant fields of desert wildflowers (depending on the season), then cruise around the windswept Gull, Choros and Damas islands. After spotting bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and penguins at the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve, tuck into a delicious seafood lunch (included), then spend time relaxing on the islands’ white sand beaches.

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.

This experience stands out by offering one of the best opportunities in Chile to observe fin whales, the second largest animal on Earth, in their natural habitat. Located in the remote and protected waters of Chañaral de Aceituno, this tour takes you far from crowded tourist areas and into a unique marine ecosystem where wildlife thrives. With a high probability of sightings during the season, you may encounter not only whales, but also dolphins, seabirds, and other marine species. Combined with a scenic journey through the coastal desert and a visit to a traditional fishing village, this experience offers a rare and unforgettable connection with Chile’s wild nature.

Visit the home of Chile’s famous Pisco Sour on this full-day, small-group tour of the Elqui Valley from La Serena, including hotel pickup. Uncover the cosmic secrets of the Cochiguaz Valley; tour a Pisco production plant; and indulge in an expert-led Pisco tasting. After tucking into a traditional lunch (included) at a local restaurant, spend time exploring Vicuña, the hometown of Nobel Prize winning poet Gabriela Mistral.

The high-Andes hot springs at 10,827 feet (3,300 meters) on Cerro Las Tortolas's foothills require a 75-mile drive from Vicuña on rough mountain roads, advance reservation, and border post registration with Chilean Carabineros at Juntas del Toro—barriers that keep most independent travelers away. Keep logistics simple on this private tour, which includes breakfast in Huanta, a hot springs visit with wine pairing, and dinner back in Vicuña.