Planning Your Time

Five days should give you time for a quick road trip to see the best the region has to offer if you don’t mind driving long distances at a stretch; if you have the time, allow yourself rest days to enjoy each place in more detail. Start by visiting the Valle del Encanto near Ovalle to see the petroglyphs, and then go to nearby Viña Tabalí vineyard, ending the day with a relaxing dip in the hot springs at the Termas de Socos. The next morning, head toward the coast to La Serena and spend the day exploring the whitewashed churches and lively markets of this quaint colonial town. On the third day, journey to the idyllic and mystical village of Pisco Elqui to relax with a massage and obligatory pisco sour, before spending the evening stargazing. The following morning, head north towards Bahía Inglesa to sunbathe on some of the region’s most beautiful and deserted beaches, finishing on Day 5 in Copiapó after a visit to the Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar.