Discover the virtues and surprises that the so-called “Small North” of Chile hides. Located less than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the capital, Santiago (there are daily flights between the two cities), this destination offers its visitors nice weather throughout the year, extensive plantations of vineyards and fruits, and one of the clearest skies in the world for gazing at the stars. One of the favorite touristic places for Chileans – and we’re sure soon yours too – is the city of La Serena and its surrounding areas. Its beaches, coastline and outdoors, where many sports and leisure activities can be enjoyed, as well as its wide gastronomic offer, its beautiful night skies, and many more appeals, make this city a notable destination for those who would like to know the Small North of Chile.

Take advantage of the beaches of La Serena during the spring and summer, walk along the long Avenida del Mar or go shopping at Recova, the area’s most famous market and arts & crafts fair. In Coquimbo, 9 km from La Serena. you can’t miss La Herradura beach and Barrio Inglés’ nightlife. You can also try your luck at the casino. If you have a sports soul, come and enjoy the many adrenaline sports of La Serena and Coquimbo: trekking, sport fishing, surfing and paragliding are some of the activities waiting for you.

The Elqui valley is a spectacle in itself.  The Valley, deeply carved by the Elqui River (formerly called the Coquimbo River), begins only 15 km from La Serena, from where the road makes its way into the Andes Mountains. The sun shines more than 360 days a year in the Elqui Valley, a privileged climate that makes the perfect ripening of the grapes possible in order to produce the best pisco and some of the best wines of Chile. With one of the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere, several international astronomical organizations have installed their observatories here on the summits of the Pachón and the Tololo hills. But for those who love to gaze at the night sky, the spectacle of stars is visible to the naked eye or also with smaller telescopes. The Elqui Valley’s special climatic conditions, with sunny days and cold nights, as well as its fertile land and protected hillsides, make this the most exceptional wine region of northern Chile. In addition to the cultivation of grapes for the production of pisco, Syrah is the leading variety planted for the production of red wine, and Sauvignon Blanc for white wine.  Many wineries are open to the public and have wine tastings, tours of their vineyards and facilities, which can be visited entirely in a few hours. The small and sunny traditional town of Vicuña is the main city of the Elqui Valley. This is where Gabriela Mistral, Chilean poet, Nobel Prize winner in 1945, was born. In addition to all these enjoyable scenarios, the Elqui Valley is known for its mystical energy. The locals say it is caused by the clarity of the skies and the direct light that comes from the stars, which translates into healing energies, giving its visitors a moment of total relaxation and disconnection, which can be further enhanced with the wide range of alternative therapies, meditation and spa centers that exist in the place.

You can find more information about Chile and La Serena in these videos: