Lost among the stars in the Elqui Valley, an open door to space
If only it were that easy. Knock on a door, have a celestial being open it and grant us entry into space. It seems like a pipe dream, a metaphor for a journey beyond Earth, but science fiction seems to transform into magical realism when we land in the Elqui Valley . It's that simple.
It was my first time in the Valley. Instead of going with expectations, I chose to let myself be surprised by the mysticism, the charm, and the spirituality that, for some reason—a blessed reason—this enchanting bubble in the Coquimbo Region exudes.
A 45-minute flight from Santiago to La Serena marks the beginning of the journey. From the window, you can admire the mountains of the Norte Chico region, a scene that continues as the overland journey begins, from the airport to the Elqui Valley.
The combination of green and brown hues on the imposing hills, the sunlight shining on the vineyards and distilleries, and the positive energy that grows stronger as we travel make the hour and a half journey seem to fly by. Meanwhile, the guides often share some of the valley's history, its legends, and even its connection to the landscape.
Some locals even claim that the reason the place is so mystical is because a portal opened, connecting the deepest reaches of the universe to Earth. Many also claim to have witnessed extraterrestrial discoveries, which have been classified as confidential files by space agencies.
“ Eating here feels different ,” I exclaimed during dinner on our first night. The place seems enveloped in a layer of peace that expels fresh air. Breathing seems to slow down, hearing seems heightened, sight can better identify the nuances, and taste buds can better appreciate the flavors.
The flavors of the Elqui Valley
The Elqui Valley's calling card is illustrated by its pisco and wines. In fact, with a blend of humor and seriousness, some locals claim that, instead of coffee, they start their days with a shot of pisco. Others highlight its value as a digestif and its expected presence at toasts, parties, and celebrations.
Many say the fields of the Valley are blessed. How is it possible that, amidst arid mountains, with 300 sunny days a year and average temperatures of at least 25 degrees Celsius, green reigns and grapes flourish? Much of the magic of the Elqui Valley lies in forgetting the facts, the verifiable, and delving into the mystery that enriches this region.
The various tours to pisco distilleries and vineyards allow you to discover dozens of places in the Valley, such as the towns of Vicuña, Pisco Elqui, and Monte Grande, among others. You'll learn about their sociocultural history, pick up a handcrafted souvenir, and sample the distinctive flavors of piscos and different wine varieties, especially (and this is a recommendation) Syrah. In any setting, these will always be the perfect accompaniment to the delicious food served in the restaurants of the Elqui Valley.
For many, this sanctuary marks a turning point in their wine experience. “ Drinking wine should awaken your five senses ,” explained a guide, detailing this multisensory experience.
" Your sense of touch should feel the stem of the glass to move it slightly in small circles, your sense of smell will identify the notes, your gaze will always be fixed on its color, your hearing will awaken when you toast by clinking glasses, and your sense of taste will be pleased when you take a sip ." How right he is.
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Where the stars touch
The Elqui Valley is more than just pisco, wine, and spirituality, and stargazing isn't just a nighttime activity. Just before the sun sets, you can observe it through a solar telescope, an instrument often offered on astronomy tours. The experience is etched in your memory; even after blinking, an eternal film of that enormous red sphere illuminating the valley seems to remain in your eyes. I can still feel the warmth in my eyes.
When night falls, the Elqui Valley needs no lamps, spotlights, or flashlights. The universe provides the light. Hundreds of stars can be admired from any of the fields and observatories, from the ground or from the mountains. Let the following photo speak for itself.
It's impossible not to want to take pictures of such landscapes, but astronomers recommend that, for a true connection, you put your cell phones aside, turned off for a few hours. Your gaze seems to expand, the light of the stars and the moon becomes even more intense, and in the blink of an eye you'll feel like you've stepped through that doorway between the Elqui Valley and outer space.
Look up at the clearest sky in the world. Observe the stars. Take a deep breath as you gaze at the moon. Close your eyes while listening to sound therapy and connect with your surroundings. Open them.
The Elqui Valley is a wonderful place to vacation. It's unique. It combines many facets, from wine and pisco tastings to stargazing. There are dozens of accommodations and hotels, restaurants, observatories, and many other reasons why being in the Valley is so special. The connection with nature is immediate, the passion for local products is contagious, and the most mysterious questions about our universe spark intense and interesting debates that enrich our understanding.
Furthermore, from very few places on Earth can you appreciate (with telescopes) the glow and silhouette of Saturn and its rings, or a full image of the Moon, as if we were about to land on it.
“ The happiest days are those that make us wise ,” the poet Gabriela Mistral, Nobel Prize laureate in Literature and a native of Vicuña, used to say. After a few days in the Elqui Valley, you will be happier and wiser. And like me, you will want to lose yourself among the stars again.
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