Elqui Valley Solar Viewing Experience
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Port
Coquimbo (La Serena), Chile
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$269
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
4.5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Your journey begins at the Port of Coquimbo, where you will set out toward the charming coastal city of La Serena. As you travel along the shoreline, you will enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, elegant historic buildings, and the calm, inviting atmosphere that defines one of Chile’s oldest cities. After taking in this panoramic introduction to the region, the route continues inland as the landscape gradually transforms into the warm, sunlit scenery of the Elqui Valley.
Your next destination is the picturesque town of Vicuña. Here, a visit to a traditional artisan village offers the chance to see local crafts up close, meet the artisans who create them, and learn about the cultural traditions that shape daily life in the valley.
The experience deepens as you arrive at the Alpha Aldea Observatory, where two memorable activities await. You will begin with a hands-on lesson in preparing an authentic Chilean Pisco Sour, guided by local experts who will walk you through each step. Preparation stations will be set up with everything you need—from blenders to fresh lemon juice—so that every participant can fully enjoy the process. Afterward, you will take part in a daytime solar observation session led by licensed astronomer Ivonne Laferte (or someone similar). Using specialized telescopes and protective lenses, you will safely observe the sun in extraordinary detail, viewing features such as sunspots, solar flares, the chromosphere, and other dynamic structures that are rarely seen with the naked eye.
To complete your adventure, you will visit a unique local restaurant known for its innovative use of solar energy. Here, savor this unique meal—flavorful, fresh, and entirely solar-cooked—you will feel the deep connection the region maintains with its environment. And naturally, no visit to the Elqui Valley would be complete without enjoying one final Chilean pisco sour with your meal. After lunch, you'll head back to the ship.
Notes:
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat or other form of sun protection, as the Elqui Valley is known for its bright, sunny weather throughout the day. This experience takes you into a rural region where the landscapes, traditions, and pace of life create a unique atmosphere. The tour combines culture, science, gastronomy, and stunning natural scenery, offering a day that is both enriching and truly unforgettable. Please keep in mind that most guides speak English as a second language, so their accents may sometimes be difficult to understand.