We had to set the alarm this morning as we wanted to be out of the hotel by 9.30am to pick the car at 10am. All went to plan.
So shortly after 10.20am we were heading east in our bright green Chevrolet Spark (1.2ltr). Brand new with only 600km on the odo and a rubber band under the bonnet. The tank was full, a relief and the first time in Chile, and there appeared to be nothing wrong with it.
Our first stop, a dam big wall.
Yep, a dam, it was big wall keeping the water back.
Next stop Vicuna. It is a very pretty, neat and tidy town about 55km east of La Serena. We stopped for a walk around Plaza de Armas and to find coffee (and a bano). Found them both and some really good empanadas. So an espresso and meat empanada each later we head out of Vicuna and onwards.
Our drive was taking us east towards to border with Argentina and through the foothills and big hills of the Andes. The views are awesome.
We took a right and headed towards Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley). This valley is the home of Chilean pisco production. Pisco, Chile’s national drink, is distilled wine and mightily delicious when combined with a sour mix (for example lemon juice) to become Pisco Sour. The road to Pisco Elqui was windy and along the valley and stunningly beautiful.
They grow the Pisco on some seriously step hills!
At Pisco Elqui we did a tour of the Mistral Distillery which included a tour in Spanish, tastings of two of their piscos (one which is their premium line) and a free pisco drink.
So after lunch and the tour, we headed down a dirt road to Cochiguaz. Chochiquaz had a telescope, not a very big one, and apparently is known for its magical healing powers, hippies and UFO sightings. How could we not go for a visit? We believe!
A leisurely drive back to La Serena at 90km max (that’s as far as the rubber band would stretch) with no car problems! Yah!
Pick up some groceries for dinner for the next few nights and back to our apartment.
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