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Vicuña

In the heart of the Elqui valley, Vicuña is one of the symbolic hearts of contemporary Chile, thanks to its association with Vicuña

Nobel Prize winning poet Gabriela Mistral, whose birthplace was nearby Monte Grande. The Museo Gabriela Mistral honors her memory, but the town has several other worthwhile museums, and is also famous for its pisco, Chile's famous hard liquor, and the tasty dessert wine known as pajarete. Vicuña's Planta Capel offers popular tours and tasting at its distillery. The upper Elqui valley, beyond the hamlet of Rivadavia, contains a series of scenic vineyard villages including Monte Grande, where pilgrims visit Mistral's tomb, and Pisco Elqui, site of the distillery for the premium Tres Erres brand.

Hotels


		Hotel Vicuna

	General Info The best place to stay and to eat in Vicuña.

	Accomodation Service Restaurant, bar, cafe, pool, fax service, laundry, conference room, parking.

	Prices Single US$51, Double US$67, Triple US$89, Quadruple US$106 Rates valid until December 2005


		Hosteria Yunkai

	General Info Good mid-range choice.

	Accomodation Service Bar, café, laundry, fax service, parking, air conditioned.

	Prices Cabins 2 people US$43, Cabins 4 people US$57 Rates valid until 31 December 2005


		Municipal Camping

	General Info Shady, but in need of upkeep.

	Accomodation Service Pool.

	Prices CH$6000 per site.

Activities


		Culture, Historic Buildings

	Museo Gabriela Mistral: (Avenida Gabriela Mistral at Baquedano. (56-51) 411 223. Tues.- Fri. 9am - 1pm , 3pm - 7pm, Sat. 10am - 1pm , 3:30pm - 6:30 pm, Sun. 10am - 1pm.) Biographical exhibits on Chile’s first Nobel Prize poet, born in the nearby village of Monte Grande. US$1. Destillery - Planta Capel: (South side of highway, across bridge, 1.5 km east of Vicuña. Mon - Fri, 9:30am to noon, Saturdays and holidays, 2:30 to 6 pm, 10 a.m. to 12:30 pm). Free tours (Spanish only), with tasting, of Chile's largest pisco distillery Monte Grande: (Approx. 28 km SE of Vicuña, reached by local bus or taxi colectivo from Vicuña.Open Tues. - Sun. 9:30am - 1pm and 3pm to 7pm in summer; 10am - 1pm and 3pm - 6 pm the rest of the year). Monte Grande is Gabriela Mistral's birthplace and her burial site, on a nearby hillside, is the destination of many Chilean and literary pilgrims. She received her primary schooling at the Casa Escuela y Correo, now a modest museum. Museo Entomologico: (Jan-March daily 10am-7pm; April-Dec Mon-Fri 10.30am-1.30pm and 3.30pm-7pm, Sat and Sun 10.30-7pm; CH$400) This museum houses a unique collection of insects and exotic butterflies and shells. Mamalluca Observatory: This is the sole observatory built in Chile specifically for public use. It runs 2-hour evening tours (CH$3500), beginning with an audio-talk and ending with a chance to look though a telescope.


		Horseback riding

	An Andean adventure tour for you who wants to explore nature. Discover the wilderness of Chile during 2 days of horseriding trip far away from civilization suiting riders and non-riders alike. We move through canyons, endless plains and over passes of the untouched Andes. We are close to Chilean mountain farmers and experience untouched nature. There is also time to relax at the Hacienda such as having a bath in the Jacuzzi or in the crystal clear water of the river. You might also like a steam bath in the sauna, hiking our nature trail, or dreaming in the hammock.