La Serena and Elqui Valley holidays
La Serena and Elqui Valley holidays at a glance
Some 500km north of Santiago, La Serena is Chile’s second-oldest city and a pleasant university town. A 19th-century silver boom paid for its fine churches and mansions, and a colonial-style facelift in the 1940s gave the city the look it’s known for today, now a popular resort with Chilean holidaymakers.
It’s also the gateway to the Humboldt Reserve, home to nesting colonies of Humboldt penguins and a prime spot for whale watching between November and March.
An hour inland, it’s a different world entirely. The Elqui Valley is a green oasis known first and foremost for pisco, though wine is produced here too, its terraced vineyards climbing the valley sides beneath the Andes.
Villages like Vicuña, Pisco Elqui and Alcohuaz add local character, and the valley carries a rich layer of pre-Columbian heritage alongside its more recent reputation for astronomy: the dry climate and clear skies have made it home to two observatories open to visitors.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to La Serena and Elqui Valley
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
La Serena and the Elqui Valley showcase a different side of Chile, where golden beaches, fertile valleys and exceptional stargazing opportunities come together beneath some of the world’s clearest skies.
When to visit La Serena and Elqui Valley
The region enjoys a generally sunny climate throughout much of the year, making it one of Chile’s most reliable destinations for outdoor activities and stargazing.
These are the warmest, driest and clearest months, perfect for stargazing in the Elqui Valley. There are lively Christmas celebrations in the mining town of Andacollo, with traditional music, dancing and prayer.
Temperatures are slightly cooler though still pleasant during these Autumn months. In general the climate remains dry, though in May the valley sees increased rainfall. Pisco distilleries are still offering tours, and with fewer visitors than the summer months you’ll have space to enjoy the fertile valleys and lush orchards without crowds.
These are the coolest months of the year, with slightly shorter days and the most rain falling in June. However, many pisco distilleries remain open for tours and there are far fewer visitors.
Spring is a peaceful time to visit the Elqui valley, as there are fewer visitors. Temperatures warm up pleasantly and the likelihood of rain is very slim – an average of just one day a month.
Top Things to do in La Serena and Elqui Valley
The region offers a rewarding mix of nature, culture and outdoor experiences, with activities centred around the valley’s landscapes, vineyards and unique skies.
Marvel at distant nebulas and moons from a world-class astronomical centre.
FAQs about visiting La Serena and Elqui Valley
La Serena and Elqui Valley is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit La Serena and Elqui Valley?
Any rain falls in winter, May – Aug, when it’s cool and there are fewer sunshine hours. There are many Chilean and Argentine tourists visiting La Serena in Jan – Feb.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in La Serena and Elqui Valley?
The main language spoken in La Serena and Elqui Valley is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in La Serena and Elqui Valley?
The Chilean Peso is the main currency used in La Serena and Elqui Valley. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in La Serena using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also some money exchanges (casas de cambio) where you exchange US dollars cash.
- What is the time difference between La Serena and the UK?
The time difference between La Serena and the UK is GMT -4 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, from Sep/Oct to early Mar.
- What places combine well with La Serena and Elqui Valley?
San Pedro de Atacama, 1.5 hours by air from La Serena to Calama then 2 hours by road.
- How do I get to La Serena and Elqui Valley?
Fly from Santiago to La Serena (1 hour).
- What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in La Serena and Elqui Valley?
La Pampilla: Coquimbo, 12 km from La Serena, 14 – 21 Sep; Chile’s biggest Independence Day party.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.