La Serena – Astronomy in Elqui Valley

Reception at the airport of La Serena and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, city tour of La Serena and Coquimbo, starting with a travel through the streets of the historic center of La Serena visiting the “Recova”, old crafts center (local fruits, alpaca wool poncho, ceramic with Diaguitas design) and the archaeological museum. Then you will go to the Main Square to see some emblematic buildings of this zone, with a unique Neo-colonial architecture. Later, the tour continues to the sea coast watching the old lighthouse and by Del Mar ave. The tour continues towards Coquimbo where you will visit the Fort, the Artisanal Fisherman’s Bay, the “Barrio Inglés” (English neighborhood), the “Cruz del Tercer Milenio” (Cross of the Third Millenium), the Navigators lookout and the “La Herradura” in the bay of Guayacan, the history and legends of the pirates who invaded these coasts. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion to Damas Island – Humboldt Penguin National Reserve: In this incredible journey you will visit the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, starting with a navigation (regular service, the boat trip with other guests ) around Choros Island to observe different species of marine fauna such as penguins, sea otters, yuncos, pikemans, etc. Then, you will disembark on Damas Island (subject to confirmation), a beautiful island of white sands and crystal clear waters, where you can walk by its beaches and take some pictures. Lunch in a local restaurant and transfer back to the hotel.
* During the Chilean summer, the largest animal on Earth, the whale, visits the waters near the coast as it travels from the tropics to the Antarctic. During this period, whales come close to the coast to feed, providing the opportunity for sightings.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion to Valle del Elqui: Today you will enjoy a wonderful day visiting some of its picturesque villages full of charms and traditions. You will learn about the elaboration process of pisco (a grape distillate) and taste some of its varieties. You will also learn about the life and works of the Literature Nobel Prize winner Gabriela Mistral. Lunch in Pisco Elqui village enjoying its traditional gastronomy. Then, we will walk around the crafts zone and its main square, where one of the only monuments designed by Gustavo Eiffel can be found. Back to the hotel and overnight.
Note: at night, in the Elqui Valley, it is recommended to take an astronomical tour (as an optional tour $).

Breakfast at the hotel.
At the agreed time, transfer to the airport to board your flight.