Overview
Vicuña is the largest town in Valle de Elqui, with 25,000 residents, serving as Chile's pisco capital. The valley experiences approximately 300 totally clear days and nights annually, making it a premier destination for astronomical tourism.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Festivals · History · Nature
Before you go
Activities
Pisco distillery tours, observatory stargazing, hiking Cerro de la Virgen, and exploring the Route of the Grappa are the main activities.
Culture
Vicuña celebrates Gabriela Mistral's Nobel Prize legacy throughout town with statues, museums, and the poet's preserved childhood home.
Money
Chile uses the Chilean peso (CLP). ATMs and banks are available. Pisco bottles make unique souvenirs starting around 3,000-5,000 pesos.
Transport
The town is fully walkable. Buses connect Vicuña to La Serena and onward valley destinations. Local minibuses serve observatory tours.
Weather
Summer (Dec-Feb) is warm and busy with carnival season. Winter is cooler and quieter. The valley floor experiences arid conditions with high daytime temperatures.