Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Ancient Landscapes: En route to coastal Parque Nacional Fray Jorge you'll pass herds of goats and their caretakers, but the true enchantment is upon arrival. Venture into the ghostlike fog that fills the forest when coastal clouds hit the park's ridge and tiptoe through the fairy-tale foliage of cinnamon, myrtle, and olivillo trees.

Sugar-Sand Beaches: The sugary sand, turquoise water, and warm breezes make El Norte Chico's beaches among the best in the country. During the summer months of January and February, you may have to fight for a place in the sun.

Southern Skies: Chile's northern desert has some of the clearest skies in the world, making it a top destination for international star gazers and scientists. There are six astronomical observatories in El Norte Chico and while Vicuña's Mamalluca is the most accessible, you can also visit the others if you make arrangements ahead of time.

Crafts & Jewelry: Unusual crafts are plentiful in El Norte Chico. The Elqui Valley is known for the beautiful ceramics of the Diaguita people, which often come in zoomorphic shapes with intricate geometric patterns. In La Serena, jewelry and items crafted from the locally mined combarbalita are particularly lovely.