Chile's best-kept coastal and valley escape.
Two hours north of Santiago begins a territory where calm seas, vineyard valleys and the Andes fit into a single weekend. Five destinations, and the people who will welcome you in each one.
Two hours north of Santiago begins a territory where calm seas, vineyard valleys and the Andes fit into a single weekend. Five destinations, and the people who will welcome you in each one.
Everything comes in via Route 5. Los Vilos is 225 km from Santiago (2 h 30) and 250 km from La Serena; from there, Illapel is 63 km along Route D-47 and Salamanca 33 km further. By bus, about 3 hours from Santiago to Los Vilos.
In a few hours' drive you go from uncrowded beaches to farming valleys with vineyards and rock art, and on to the high Andes. No other destination in the region offers that combination so close together.
Summer (December–February) is peak season on the coast. Autumn and spring are ideal for wineries, hiking and stargazing; winter brings snow to the Salamanca mountains and clear skies at night.
Five distinct places, arranged from the coast to the Andes. Each has its own character and its own local businesses.
Choapa Province lies at the southern end of Chile's Coquimbo Region. Locate each destination and plan your route.
Chile has plenty of beach destinations and plenty of valley destinations. Few have both less than an hour apart, without queues or crowds.
Two and a half hours up Route 5 and you're in Los Vilos. A weekend goes a long way when you're not spending the day in the car.
Morning on the beach at Pichidangui, afternoon at a winery in Salamanca. And when the coast fills up in summer, the valley stays quiet.
The Quartz Route, wood-fired hot tubs and the valley's clear skies aren't a trend: they've been here for generations.
Every business on this page is run by its owner. When you write, the person who replies is the one who will host you.
