Elqui Valley: Pisco & Organic Wine Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Elqui Valley flavors, pisco tastings and Nobel poet’s footsteps

You’ll wander from La Serena into the heart of Elqui Valley on this day trip: taste pisco at Chile’s oldest distillery, sip organic wine among vineyards, enjoy home-style lunch in Pisco Elqui, and trace Gabriela Mistral’s poetic legacy through mountain towns. Expect laughter with your guide, unexpected flavors, and moments of quiet beauty between each stop.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the van because I couldn’t find my sunglasses — classic me. The driver just grinned when I apologized in clumsy Spanish, waved me in, and we set off from La Serena. The road curled through hills that looked dry at first, but then suddenly everything went green. Our guide, Camila, kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed: papaya trees, goats nibbling by the roadside, even the way the light changed as we got closer to the Puclaro reservoir. It was windy up there — my hair kept sticking to my lip balm — but the water was this strange blue-green that made everyone go quiet for a second.

I’m not usually a big drinker before noon, but honestly? The CAPEL pisco tasting was worth it. There’s this smell inside the distillery — kind of sweet and sharp at once — that stuck to my shirt all day. Camila explained how pisco is made (I only half followed), but I remember her laughing when someone asked if Chilean or Peruvian pisco was better. “Depends who you ask,” she winked. The organic vineyard after that felt different: quieter, more serious somehow. We tasted wine outside under some scraggly grapevines; it wasn’t fancy, just honest and earthy.

Lunch in Pisco Elqui was simple but good — chicken stew with rice and these little salads I still crave now. I wandered around after, poking into shops selling woven bags and soap that smelled like herbs I couldn’t name. Kids were playing soccer in the square; one of them tried to teach me a trick shot (I failed). Later we stopped in Montegrande, where Gabriela Mistral lived; her statue stands by the church with wildflowers at its feet. Something about that spot felt gentle, like time slowed down for her poems.

By the time we reached Vicuña for ice cream (lucuma flavor — weird but good), everyone was sun-tired and happy-quiet. There’s something about sharing a long day with strangers that makes you feel less like a tourist and more like you belong for a minute. The Elqui Valley isn’t perfect — dusty roads, odd weather swings — but maybe that’s why it sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Elqui Valley history and flavors

• Collect passengers in La Serena
• Visit Puclaro reservoir viewpoint
• Tour CAPEL pisco museum and tasting
• Stop at Paihuano viewpoint
• Visit high-altitude organic winery and tasting
• Lunch and free time in Pisco Elqui
• Free time in Gabriela Mistral's town
• Explore Vicuña main square and landmarks
• Drop off passengers at accommodations

Top questions

How long is the Elqui Valley day trip from La Serena?

The tour lasts a full day with morning pickup from La Serena and drop-off back at your accommodation in the evening.

Is lunch included on the Elqui Valley tour?

Yes, a traditional home-style lunch is included during your visit to Pisco Elqui.

Are wine and pisco tastings part of this tour?

Yes, tastings are included at both a historic pisco distillery (CAPEL) and an organic vineyard.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The standard tour is in Spanish; an English option is available for groups of two or more.

Can children join the Elqui Valley day trip?

Yes, children can join; infants may sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram during transport.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels but isn’t recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health due to some walking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from La Serena accommodations.

Does the tour visit Gabriela Mistral’s hometown?

Yes, you’ll stop in Montegrande where Gabriela Mistral lived and taught.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from La Serena, all entry fees for tastings at CAPEL distillery and an organic vineyard (with one glass per couple), a traditional home-cooked lunch in Pisco Elqui plus free time to explore mountain villages before returning by air-conditioned vehicle in the evening.