Discover the world’s clearest skies, enjoy the enormity of the universe away from the buzz of the big cities and the uninhabited islands with astonishing animal presence and white sandy beaches are what the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve has to offer. Please be aware that as this is an experience which visit different sites, just so you know at each day you will have different guides and different travel companions who will share the activities with you. This is NOT a group tour where everybody leaves same date, do same activities, and return same date with a Tour Leader. If you have questions, please ask prior confirming the booking. Thanks!
What is included in the tour
- Accomodations
- Guide
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Explore Elqui Valley & Humboldt Penguins National Reserve,Elqui Valley & Humboldt Penguins National Reserve
Day 1 La Serena, Arrival
You will be picked up from airport at the time your flight arrives, and you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 La Serena, Tour Elqui Valley
We will pick you up at your hotel to begin our travel to the Elqui Valley. Our first stop will be the Puclaro Reservoir, where we will get to know the history of Gualliguaica. Then, we will make a stop in Paiguano, where we will have a panoramic view of the valley.After that, we will get to Montegrande, place where Gabriela Mistral lived during her childhood and adolescence. In this place we will be able to visit the church and pass by the front of the Casa Escuela Gabriela Mistral Museum.
Day 3 La Serena, Humboldt Peguins National Reserve
Hotel pick up early morning to go up to Punta de Choros. From this point we will sail towards the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. We will navigate through two islands: Choros Island and Damas Island. In Choros Island we will see the sea fauna, with sea otters, diving petrels, and Humboldt penguins, at a distance of 30 to 80 m, depending on the sea conditions. After sailing around this island, we will go to the Damas Island, where we will disembark for 1 hour. The island has a white sand beach, crystal clear waters and tracks to go over and see the flora and fauna of the place. Back in the continent, we will have lunch in a typical food restaurant.
On our way back to La Serena, we will see the semi-desert flora and fauna before reaching the city.
Day 4 La Serena, Mamalluca Observatory
Expand your view of the universe with this astronomical tour at the Mamalluca Observatory.
We will pick you up at your hotel to start the Mamalluca Observatory tour, located very close to the Vicuña city. We will begin with a brief introductory talk, and then move on to the observation with telescopes. In this part, we will identify stars, constellations and planets through manual telescopes, which they will teach us how to use. The observation will be accompanied by the guide’s explanation, taking advantage of one of the clearest skies of the planet to carry out this activity. Finally, we will enter to the observatory to use the high-tech telescope in the main dome of this facility. Then, we will return to La Serena city.
Day 5 La Serena, Departure
Pick up at the hotel and transfer to La Serena Airport.
