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Village · Vicuña, Coquimbo
Pisco Elqui
A village in the upper Vale do Elqui, at about 1,250 meters altitude, which changed its name from La Unión to Pisco Elqui in 1936. It has a central square with a church, the Pisco Mistral distillery open for visits and vineyards around it.
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 Pisco Elqui
Pisco Elqui is about 45 km from Vicuña, high in the valley, at roughly 1,250 meters altitude. The settlement was called La Greda and later La Unión, referring to the meeting of the rivers that form the Rio Claro. In 1936, a law proposed by regional deputies, including Gabriel González Videla, changed the name to Pisco Elqui to strengthen the association of the spirit with Chile.
The central square brings together the village church, cafés, craft shops and restaurants. Next to it is the Pisco Mistral distillery, with guided tours of production in Spanish or English, tastings and a restaurant.
The tradition is old: the Fundo Los Nichos, founded in 1868, is cited as the oldest operating distillery in Chile, and historians link the Hacienda La Torre, in the same locality, to pisco production in the 18th century.
Around it, vineyards cover the slopes and the Rio Claro runs at the bottom of the valley. Many visitors spend the night there, in cabins and guesthouses, to enjoy the silence and the dark sky.
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
Half a day for the square and a distillery; a full day or an overnight to enjoy the valley.
Best time
Late morning and afternoon, when distilleries receive visitors. To stay overnight in the village, choose weekdays outside January and February, when it gets crowded.
How to get there
From Vicuña, follow the valley road passing Paihuano and Montegrande, about 45 km on paved road. Buses and vans depart from the Vicuña terminal throughout the day; from La Serena it is about 107 km.
Tip
At Pisco Mistral, tours depart hourly from late morning. Drivers should skip the tasting and request the tour only.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pisco Elqui
Why is the village called Pisco Elqui?
The former La Unión was renamed by law in 1936 to associate the name of pisco with Chile.
Can you visit a distillery in Pisco Elqui?
Yes. Pisco Mistral, next to the square, offers guided tours in Spanish or English, with tastings.
Is it worth staying overnight in Pisco Elqui?
For those who want silence and dark skies, yes. The village has cabins and guesthouses and is about 50 minutes from Vicuña.