Valle del Elqui — Pisco, Stars & AndeanFoothills.
Distance
200 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,300 m
Valle del Elqui — Pisco, Stars & Andean Foothills.
A day ride up Chile's most beautiful wine valley. Ruta 41 follows the Río Elqui from the colonial port of La Serena inland to the foothills of the Andes, past pisco distilleries, century-old vineyards, and the world's clearest skies. Detour south to the Cerro Tololo Observatory perched at 2,240m, then continue east to Pisco Elqui where the night sky sells out distillery-tasting menus.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance200 km
Days1
Total climb1,300 m
DifficultyEasy
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The route.
La SerenaStart · Start at La Serena — colonial Pacific port. Fuel up and pack a sweater: the valley climbs from sea level to 1,300m. Head inland on Ruta 41.
Vicuña — Plaza & Gabriela Mistral MuseumScenic Point · Hometown of Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral. Capital of pisco production. Stop at the central plaza and the Mamalluca Observatory turnoff just east.
Cerro Tololo Observatory Viewpoint — 2,240mPhoto Spot · Switchback road climbs to one of the world's premier astronomical sites. Daytime tours by reservation; the road itself is the reward. Pristine air at altitude.
Pisco ElquiEnd · End in Pisco Elqui (1,300m). Tour the Mistral, Aba, or Tres Erres distilleries. Stay overnight if possible — the stars here are legitimately unmatched.
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