When to go to La Serena and Elqui Valley

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December - February

These are the warmest, driest and clearest months, perfect for stargazing in the Elqui Valley. There are lively Christmas celebrations in the mining town of Andacollo, with traditional music, dancing and prayer.

20°C Average max daytime temperature

12°C Average min nighttime temperature

2 days per season rainfall

None humidity

CHI_Coquimbo_shutterstock_343374050

March - May

Temperatures are slightly cooler though still pleasant during these Autumn months. In general the climate remains dry, though in May the valley sees increased rainfall. Pisco distilleries are still offering tours, and with fewer visitors than the summer months you’ll have space to enjoy the fertile valleys and lush orchards without crowds.

17°C Average max daytime temperature

10°C Average min nighttime temperature

2 days per season rainfall

None humidity

Elqui Valley

June - August

These are the coolest months of the year, with slightly shorter days and the most rain falling in June. However, many pisco distilleries remain open for tours and there are far fewer visitors.

14°C Average max daytime temperature

7°C Average min nighttime temperature

2 days per season rainfall

None humidity

CHI_ElquiValley_shutterstock_219660664

September - November

Spring is a peaceful time to visit the Elqui valley, as there are fewer visitors. Temperatures warm up pleasantly and the likelihood of rain is very slim - an average of just one day a month.

17°C Average max daytime temperature

9°C Average min nighttime temperature

1 days per season rainfall

None humidity

Elqui Valley Vineyards

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Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

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