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Village · Vicuña, Coquimbo
Montegrande
Village in the upper Elqui Valley where Gabriela Mistral spent her childhood and where her tomb is located. It has the school-house where she lived, now a museum, and has been a Zona Típica since 1990.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Montegrande
Montegrande is located high in the Vale do Elqui, in the comuna of Paihuano, about 40 km from Vicuña and at more than 1,100 meters altitude. It is a small village of low houses among dry hills and vineyards, protected as a Zona Típica since 1990 and linked to the memory of Gabriela Mistral, who moved there as a child.
The Casa Escuela, where her sister Emelina taught and where the family lived, is now a site museum and preserves the classroom, the bedroom and objects from the time. The village church stands beside it.
Gabriela Mistral died in New York in 1957 and asked to be buried in Montegrande. The grave is on a small hill in the village and is a quiet place to visit, with a view of the valley.
Around it, the valley narrows and grapevines climb the slopes. The road continues to Pisco Elqui, a few kilometers away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, including the Casa Escuela, the church and the tomb.
Best time
In the morning or mid-afternoon, combined with Pisco Elqui on the same day. Confirm the Casa Escuela opening days before you go.
How to get there
From Vicuña, follow the valley road towards Paihuano and Pisco Elqui, about 40 km. Buses and vans depart from the Vicuña terminal to Montegrande throughout the day.
Tip
Visit the tomb before the Casa Escuela to follow the order of her life. Bring a hat and water: the sun in the high valley is strong and there is little shade on the hill.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Montegrande
Why visit Montegrande?
Because of its connection to Gabriela Mistral: it is where she spent her childhood and where she is buried, and the family's school-house became a museum.
Is Montegrande far from Vicuña?
About 40 km via the valley road, roughly 45 minutes by car or bus.
Can you combine Montegrande and Pisco Elqui in the same day?
Yes, the two are only a few kilometers apart, high in the valley.