The High Elqui Valley of Chile is a breathtaking destination that beckons travelers to embark on a truly magical journey. This picturesque region, nestled amidst the Andes Mountains, offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. From visiting local wineries and artisanal villages to savoring the exquisite flavors of Chilean wines and pisco, the guided tour promises an unforgettable adventure that immerses visitors in the essence of Elquino lifestyle. With stunning vistas and a relaxed pace, the journey through the High Elqui Valley is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who dare to explore its enchanting secrets.
Key Points
- Immerse in the authentic culture of the High Elqui Valley through interactions with local producers and tastings of late harvest wines and pisco.
- Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the valley, reaching an altitude of 1900 meters and witnessing rugged mountain vistas.
- Discover the artisanal village of HorCón, engaging with local residents and browsing handcrafted goods.
- Set out on a relaxed-paced tour, allowing for full immersion in the Elquino lifestyle and natural beauty.
- Experience multiple tasting opportunities, including a 20-minute wine tasting at Piuquenes Winery and a 45-minute session at Doña Josefa Distillery.
Activity Overview
The "Magical Journey through the High Elqui Valley" activity is a 4-hour guided tour that takes visitors through the captivating landscapes of the High Elqui Valley.
Priced from CLP 1,126 per person, the tour is led by a live Spanish-speaking guide. Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour includes transportation, tastings, and a relaxed pace that allows for immersion in the Elquino lifestyle. Key highlights include photo stops, wine and spirits tastings, and swimming in the Estero Derecho River.
Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Pisco Elqui.
Itinerary Highlights
This tour begins at the Turismo Migrantes departure point, where participants board a jeep or SUV for the journey through the High Elqui Valley.
The first stop is Alcohuaz, a quick 10-minute photo opportunity. Next, the group visits Piuquenes Winery for a 20-minute wine tasting.
They then explore the Artisanal Village of Horcón, spending 20 minutes shopping. After that, the tour heads to the Estero Derecho River for a 30-minute swim.
The final stop is Doña Josefa Distillery, where the group enjoys a 45-minute tasting of spirits and wines.
The tour then returns to the Turismo Migrantes starting point.
Exploring Authentic Elqui Culture
Through the Magical Journey tour, visitors enjoy the authentic culture of the High Elqui Valley.
They’ll explore charming villages, interact with local producers, and enjoy tastings of the region’s renowned late harvest wines and pisco. The tour’s relaxed pace allows travelers to truly appreciate the Elquino lifestyle, from the quaint artisan shops to the stunning landscapes.
At the Artisanal Village of Horcon, guests can browse handcrafted goods and support the local economy.
The tour also includes a visit to the Doña Josefa Distillery, where visitors can learn about the production of spirits and sample the unique flavors of the Elqui Valley.
Relaxed Pace, Stunning Landscapes
Travelers appreciate the tour’s relaxed pace, which allows them to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes of the High Elqui Valley.
The journey takes them through an altitude of 1900 meters, revealing breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, lush vineyards, and crystal-clear rivers.
Key highlights include:
- Witnessing the dramatic high-altitude scenery, where the earth seems to touch the sky.
- Exploring the charming artisanal village of Horcón, browsing local handicrafts and interacting with the friendly residents.
- Cooling off with a refreshing swim in the Estero Derecho River, surrounded by the valley’s natural beauty.
This unhurried experience enables travelers to savor the Elquino lifestyle and appreciate the region’s authentic cultural heritage.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTastings of Wines and Pisco
Guests partake in several tasting experiences during the tour, sampling the region’s renowned late harvest wines and pisco spirits.
At the Piuquenes Winery, they enjoy a 20-minute wine tasting, exploring the complex flavors and aromas of the valley’s viticulture.
Later, they visit the Doña Josefa Distillery, where they spend 45 minutes learning about the production of pisco, a distinctive Chilean grape brandy.
Through these tastings, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the artisanal craftsmanship and local terroir that define the Elqui Valley’s beverages.
The opportunity to directly engage with producers enhances the authenticity of the cultural experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all the tastings mentioned in the itinerary highlights.
However, it doesn’t cover the cost of any food or meals. The guide and driver provide their services in Spanish, but simultaneous translation equipment is available for those who need it.
To prepare for the adventure, visitors should bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- A camera
- Swimwear
With these essentials, travelers can fully enjoy the authentic Elquino experience and savor the flavors of the region’s renowned wines and pisco.
Preparation and Recommendations
To fully immerse in the authentic Elquino experience and savor the flavors of the region’s renowned wines and pisco, visitors should bring a few essential items.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves exploring villages and vineyards. A camera is highly recommended to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural moments.
Staying hydrated is crucial, so bringing a water bottle is advised. Dressing in weather-appropriate clothing, including layers, will ensure comfort throughout the day’s activities.
For the riverside stop, swimwear is encouraged for those interested in a refreshing dip in the Estero Derecho River.
With these essentials in tow, travelers can fully enjoy the Magical Journey through the High Elqui Valley.
Customer Reviews
Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified bookings, travelers have awarded the "Magical Journey through the High Elqui Valley" tour an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewers consistently praise:
- The knowledgeable and friendly guide who brings the valley’s culture and history to life.
- The well-paced itinerary that allows ample time to savor the stunning landscapes, unique local products, and engaging interactions with producers.
- The excellent value, with the tour providing a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price point.
Travelers leave this tour with unforgettable memories of the Elqui Valley’s captivating charm and authentic experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The itinerary details do not specify the average group size for this tour. Group sizes can vary, but many small-group tours in this region typically accommodate around 10-15 participants to provide a more personalized experience.
Is There Wheelchair Accessibility During the Tour?
The tour’s itinerary and activity descriptions don’t mention wheelchair accessibility. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the tour operator to inquire about accommodations or determine if the tour is suitable for their needs.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention dietary restrictions being accommodated. However, customers are advised to contact the tour provider in advance to discuss any special requirements, as they may be able to make arrangements.
Can the Tour Be Conducted in Other Languages Besides Spanish?
The tour can be conducted in other languages besides Spanish, as the guide and driver provide simultaneous translation equipment for non-Spanish speaking participants. However, the tour is primarily offered with a live Spanish-speaking guide.
Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Duration?
While the tour is currently offered only in Spanish, the provider may be able to accommodate other language requests with advance notice. Regarding extending or customizing the duration, customers should inquire directly with the tour operator to discuss their preferences.
The Sum Up
The High Elqui Valley tour offers a magical journey through breathtaking landscapes and authentic Chilean culture. Visitors can explore local wineries, artisanal villages, and distilleries, while enjoying tastings of exquisite wines and pisco. With stunning vistas at high altitudes, the tour provides an unforgettable experience at a relaxed pace, immersing guests in the essence of the Elquino lifestyle.
You can check if your dates are available here: