Elqui

Elqui is a name used for several related places in northern Chile, including the Elqui River, the Elqui Valley, and the Elqui Province in the Coquimbo Region. The valley lies between the coastal range and the Andean foothills and is irrigated by the Elqui River, which rises in the Andes and flows north to the Pacific Ocean near La Serena. The region is known for its dry, sunny climate and for vineyards and pisco production.

Elqui Province is one of four provinces in the Coquimbo Region. It comprises the communes of Andacollo, Paihuano, La Higuera, and Vicuña, with Vicuña as its capital. The province encompasses rural and semiurban communities, with agriculture, wine and grape production, and local cultural traditions.

Economy and culture in the Elqui area emphasize viticulture and tourism. The valley is noted for pisco and wine production, as well as scenic routes and rural heritage. In recent decades, astronomy and stargazing have become prominent, with several observatories and astronomy centers benefiting from the region’s clear skies.

Notable people and heritage are tied to the capital, Vicuña, a center of culture in the valley. Gabriela Mistral, the Nobel Prize in Literature winner, was born in Vicuña, a fact reflected in local museums and commemorations. The Elqui area remains a popular destination for visitors seeking natural scenery, wine experiences, and sky observations.