Embark on a Magical Journey

Embark on a magical journey under the most crystalline skies imaginable, where the hustle and bustle of city life becomes a distant memory. Explore the vast, unspoiled landscapes of the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve, a place where horizons stretch endlessly, merging sky and land. Here, amidst the untouched beauty, you'll encounter an array of fascinating wildlife, with the charming Humboldt penguins playing the starring role against a backdrop of gleaming white sands. This sanctuary offers a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts to connect deeply with the world and discover the unexplored wonders of our planet.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at La Serena and Transfer to hotel

You will be picked up from airport at the time your flight arrives, and you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will pick you up at your hotel. We will begin by the historical center of La Serena, with a visit to the Recova, old handcraft site of the city. Subsequently, we will go to the Main Square, where we will see emblematic buildings of the place, like the old house of former president Gabriel González Videla and the Cathedral of La Serena. The route will take us to La Serena's Lighthouse, place from where we will advance by the Avenida del Mar towards the city of Coquimbo. There, we will visit the Third Millennium Cross, religious monument built in the El Vigía hill to commemorate the Great Jubilee in the year 2000.We will be able to enter and traverse the chapel of the place, at the same time we receive information about the history of this monument's construction.Our next stop will be the Fort Coquimbo or Fort Lambert, built to defend the bay during the war with Spain, used after for the Pacific War. After listening the stories and legends of Coquimbo streets, 3 hours after the beginning of the tour, we will finish the service arriving at your hotel.

Day 1: Overnight at a 3* Hotel in La Serena (Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar)

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.The next point will be the small town of Pisco Elqui, where we can have lunch.After the break, we will go by a handcraft gallery and a little square outside the Nuestra Señora del Rosario church, which contains the only monument in Chile designed by Gustave Eiffel.We will visit a pisco destillery to learn about the elaboration process of this liquor.The last visit will be to the town of Vicuña, where Gabriela Mistral was born, to traverse its streets and the museum dedicated to this wll known Chilean poet.The tour will finish in the city of La Serena.

Day 2: Overnight at a 3* Hotel in La Serena (Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar)

Day 3: La Serena - Humboldt Penguins 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 3: Overnight at a 3* Hotel in La Serena (Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar)

Day 4: La Serena - Mamalluca Observatory

Day is at leisure. 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 4: Overnight at a 3* Hotel in La Serena (Hotel Diego de Almagro or similar)

Day 5: Transfer Out to La Serena Airport

Inclusions

• Lunch
• Breakfast
• 4 Night Accommodation at a 3* Hotel in La Serena
• Transfers In/Out included
• Entrance fee to Gabriela Mistral Museum
• Entrance fee to Humboldt Penguin Reserve
• Admission to Mamalluca Observatory

Exclusions

• Internal Flights are NOT included
• Gratuities

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey under pristine skies at the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve, away from urban life's hustle. Experience vast, untouched landscapes, abundant wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, amidst unspoiled white sandy beaches. A haven for nature lovers to connect with the cosmos and discover natural wonders.

• Discover the world's clearest skies and the enormity of the universe away from big cities
• Experience uninhabited islands with astonishing animal presence and white sandy beaches at the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not stroller accessible
• Not suitable for pets
• No public transportation nearby
• Infants must not sit on laps