Page 21 - Cruise Manual travelArt

COQUIMBO

Excursion Valle del Encanto (Full-day)
and Tabalí winery

From the pier in Coquimbo you drive with your local guide on the Panamericana while you have pleasurable
views of the La Herradura, Las Tacas and Guanaqueros beaches. Once you leave behind the coast, observe the
dense fog of the coastal clouds, a phenomenon that makes it possible to grow vegetables even in this very dry
area.
You go on to Valle del Encanto, a small hidden valley that was inhabited by hunters in 2000 BC. Over 50
petroglyphs and cult stones testify to the fact that this was once an important cultural centre for the pre-Incan
Molle Culture. Later you will reach the Tabali, located in Limari and learn more about the vineyard Tabali on a
guided tour and a wine tasting. Afterwards, you will have lunch in a local restaurant and then drive back to the
pier in Coquimbo.

Solar cooking at Elqui Valley (Full-day) 21

Leave the pier to drive by coastal road up to the charming Elqui Valley, an area of Diaguita culture, sleepy
villages, charming adobe constructions, and beautiful rolling hills. It is also an important agricultural area
awash with papaya (pawpaw) groves, olive groves, pear orchards and vineyards. This is also the area where
muscatel grapes are turned into Pisco, Chile’s national brandy.
Unique in the world this transversal valley features an area of rich agricultural diversity in the midst of a semi-
arid desert. The valley is especially famous for having the clearest atmosphere in the world and it is especially
suited for astronomical purposes.
Highlights of this activities are the visit to the picturesque town of Vicuña, which is noted for being the birthplace
of Gabriela Mistral, the Nobel Prize winner for literature. A stop in the main square, shows the Bauer Tower,
(the old city hall), the church and the main square.
In Villaseca, a small village located next to the Vicuña town, you will enjoy a culinary experience at the
Restaurant Solar. This town is very famous for its Solar Kitchens where local people use solar ovens to prepare
all kind of food, Here you will learn how to prepare handmade bread with solar energy and taste some of the
delicious preparations for lunch.
At the the local Handicraft market called Aldea Elquina you will discover local art, music and handicrafts. You
will find artisans working in metalsmith, paints, wool, natural cosmetics and other local materials. Enjoy a stroll
around this market. At agreed time, drive back straight to Coquimbo pier to re-join the ship.