Nature and mysticism in the Elqui Valley

In northern Chile there are many places with outstanding natural beauty. One of the most beautiful areas to visit are in the Elqui Valley, in the area of La Serena

With a very special climate and landscape that make it suitable to visit all year, between the mountains and the sea several villages are located along the course of the Elqui River and its tributaries.

Cochiguaz Valley is a quiet place surrounded by mountains and the valley watered by the River Cochiguaz, it is a quiet, mostly dedicated to agriculture and tourism.

Lonely mountains covered with cactus and the waters of the Cochiguaz River which goes next the vines that are grown in the area. Its privileged location in the middle of a beautiful landscape with many natural resources make it ideal for a relaxation retreat.

In the Elqui Valle and Cochiguaz area, there is an interesting offer of natural and complementary therapies, yoga and different outdoor activities, including trekking and a the biggest scene in Chile of Tourism astronomical, on the Route of the Stars.

Cochiguaz Valley has a special attraction for those who enjoy meditation and reflection. Various communities have been installing since the seventies, from ecological communities, Tibetan lamas and UFO watchers.

In the last years, tourism has developed in Cochiguaz Valley. Especially tourism related to natural therapies, meditation, yoga and esotericism, might be because the surrounding hills are rich in minerals such as quartz and magnetite, so many people think there is a special energy in the area.

Some esoteric groups says that the magnetic axes of earth have changed its place in the last years, and now it has moved to Cancana Hill that is located at latitude 30º and would be the current magnetic and energetic center of the planet.

Cochiguaz would become something like a South American brother of Tibet, also called the ‘Corner of Andean Miracles’.

All this coincides with two events that marked the arrival of these immigrants into the Elqui Valley. The passage of Halley’s comet in 1986, had as its main point of watching this area. In turn, for the most mystical, the arrival of the Age of Aquarius would mark the definition of this change in the energy course on the planet and following this trend many people have decided to settle in these lands to lead a more spiritual life and away of urban life.

Trekking at Cochiguaz Valley

Turismo Migrantes company invited me to make a trek with them through this valley. Very well-organized and guided by Barbara, the hike of about four hours through the Valley of Cochiguaz it is unforgettable.

After meeting in the office in Pisco Elqui, where they distributed a ration of grapes growing in the house of the guide, we begin the journey in a mini -van. After about 20 minutes we arrive to the starting point of the trekking.

Touring the old path of the farmers called ‘Caminos Troperos’, which is where the locals pass on their journeys through the valley. Many times, walking on horseback or with their animals, so this is the traditional way to delimit the lands with wooden sticks and wire doors.

Something that explained Barbara, is that the etiquette of the area indicates that you should never change them and leave them as you found them. You can open them if they are closed, but you must leave them as they were.

Community life and ancient traditions can be appreciated when walking these lands. The way to build houses and fences, as well as communal farming system are present even today and are who keep the farming and culture of the region.

Something that characterizes this area is the irrigation canals installed in times when Diaguitas and then by the Incas when they occupied the valley. Later they were used by the Spaniards, who introduced trees such as willow and poplar whose roots help keep the riverbeds along a given route.

Towards the end of the hike, the group was divided between those who will do all the way walking and in the end those who follow cycling. It was a day that brought us to learn more about the traditions and landscape of one of the most beautiful areas of the fourth region of Chile and has much to offer!

How to get there

If you travel from Santiago you can reach the area in several ways:

By car

Located at 1,500 meters above sea level, east of the town of Montegrande, it is necessary to reach a path of about 18 km.

From La Serena you get through CH-41 route and the village of Rivadavia turn right to follow the D -485 route which goes into the valley.

Plane

There is 3 daily flights between Santiago and La Serena.

Bus

Buses arrive to Montegrande and Pisco Elqui and can be addressed in Coquimbo and La Serena. There is no direct public transport to Cochiguaz Valley, so you must either hire a cab, hitchhike or walk around 18km to the town.