How to Get to the Elqui Valley
LATAM PLANE - RENT A CAR – MINIBUS – MAYBE AN EXTRA RENT A CAR
Introduction
There are two basic ways to get to the Elqui Valley. One is to fly from Santiago and the other is to drive up from Santiago. Either way, a trip here is ideal for those who wish to self-drive either after the fight up or from Santiago, although we can of course include private transfers if that is what you prefer.
By Road
Considering that the start of the Elqui Valley is only 470km north from Santiago, on the main Ruta 5 highway, it is possible to drive here, which will take around 5hrs (to the “entrance”), followed by another 1.5hrs to Vicuña.
The route to get onto the road called Route 41, which goes along the Elqui Valley to Vicuña, is slightly complicated. Upon approaching (coming in from Santiago) La Serena you will need to look for signs to Route 41 (on the right) and take Amunátegui Avenue to a place called Juan Cisternas, and then take the avenue called 18 de Septiembre, passing by a residential sector, but this leads to the Route 41 and the Elqui Valley.
We can arrange a rent a car, or private transfer in your travel itinerary, please just ask.
By Plane
Flights operate from Santiago airport to La Serena, which take about 1hr. From here we can arrange a rent a car or private transfer to take you to Vicuña, or, if you wish, you can start with a night or two in La Serena, a beach-side resort town.
