Top Things to do in Vicuna
What to do and see in Vicuna, Chile: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Vicuna, Chile including Planetario Natural Alfa Aldea, Pisquera Aba Oficial, Gabriela Mistral House and Museum, Observatorio del Pangue, Mamalluca Observatory, Guayacan, Centro Turistico Cooperativa Capel, Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion, Plaza de Armas, Torre Bauer.
Restaurants in Vicuna
1. Planetario Natural Alfa Aldea
Overall Ratings
5 based on 183 reviews
Located two kilometres from the city of Vicuna and overlooking nine hectares of beautiful and prolific vineyards you can find the 'Alfa Aldea' Natural Planetarium. In this splendid place you can enjoy an unforgettable stellar experience, a different concept of astronomical observation. Our intention is to be always in touch with nature, mirroring the way the first, ancient astronomers watched the skies. The modern astronomical facilities are located in the middle of the vineyards; in order to provide superior service and ensure a wonderful astronomical experience to our visitors a ground-level Amphitheatre has been built with a Seating capacity of 50 people. The design of the aforementioned building allows the installation of our last-generation telescopes of 10", 12" and 16" inches. All extra accessories (ocular lens suitcases and filters) are included and are available for the tour guide. Personalized tours are available in English and Spanish languages.
Reviewed By Wabisabi101 - San Francisco, California
This family-run Observatory provides an excellent overview of basic star science, plus ample viewing of stars and planets, along with wine from the vineyard, a little soup and a snack. Fernanda, s getting her masters in astronomy at the University of La Serena, and does a wonderful job of explaining and hosting the event. They have several large telescopes. We saw the rings of Saturn, the rotating twins of Alpha Centauri, and many other wonders. Dress warmly!
2. Pisquera Aba Oficial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Boutique company that produces pisco since 1921 in the Elqui Valley. Crafted from hand harvested muscat grapes of great aromatic quality. Each end of summer, the fruit is first turned into wine to be distilled in ancient copper still pots in a double distillation process. After 12 to 24 months of maturation, the spirit is blended with ultra pure water to adjust alcoholic strength to 40% in a step
Reviewed By dkbe - Walldorf, Germany
We enjoyed the free tour (in Spanish) a lot, the guide mixed information and jokes in a nice way. Bought 2 bottles of Pisco, which are very good and not too expensive (the high-end product 10,000CLP for 500ml). I also recommend to walk back from...MoreMuchas Gracias por su visita y también por su comentario le esperamos.
3. Gabriela Mistral House and Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By otolith - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
This museum quite comprehensively outlines the life of one of Chile's most famous daughters, Gabriela Mistral. It contains personal items, writings and photographs from the poet's life.
It is very well arranged in a lovely setting. All of the text and explanations are in Spanish so bring along your a Google Translate App! If you are a non-Spanish speaker, it's still a nice thing to do, and it's free!
4. Observatorio del Pangue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Astronomical Observatory offering guided Tours, as well as telescope renting programmes for advanced astronomers. Several large telescopes offered, ranging from 16 inches to 28 inches of aperture, and away from city lights. Groups strictly limited to 10 people per night, so booking in advance is requested. Transfert to the Observatory (17km) included. Open every night except around Full Moon dates, all year long. Programmes performed in english, french, and spanish.
Reviewed By Janne A
This is the place you should go If you want to observe the sky. They let you see many things through the telescope and it is amising.
The Tour up to the Observatory is pritty bad. Very steep dirt roads, but it was worth it. We went at the 22.30 Tour and it was plenty dark.
If it is cloudy they cancel the Tour and book you the next day If you want.
5. Mamalluca Observatory
Overall Ratings
4 based on 528 reviews
The Mamalluca Observatory ("mother who shelters" according to Quechua) is located 9 kms northwest of Vicuña, at 1,100 m.s.n.m. Is a must see in the region of Coquimbo, is the first tourist Observatory in Chile, has a 12-inch telescope donated by AURA that has CCD detectors for electronic photography, as well as a computer for data transfer This Observatory offers one of the most important attractions of the area, the cleanest skies in the world, perfect for watching the night sky and be amazed. Within the Mamalluca Observatory, there is a tour with a duration of approximately 2 hours, where guides specialized in the matter explain in details about the universe and answer the concerns giving a sample of quality and truthfulness to the visitors. There it is possible to observe the stars, the Moon, the planets like Saturn and its rings or Jupiter and its 16 moons, and the different constellations.
Reviewed By Robert C - Dublin, Ireland
Chile has some of the clearest best skies in the world hence there are a lot of observatories. This is 1 of the best for doing public shows. There are offices in La Serena and Vicuna. I booked it in Vicuna and it cost 10,000 for a tour. You can do an English or Spanish tour. You get picked up and driven to Observatory. The Spanish seemed to start with a show but the English which I took goes straight into Observatory and looked through the telescope. It's a 4 metre scope so we saw stars galaxies and clusters. After that we went outside and the guide pointed out some more stuff in the sky with a laser and we got to see through some other telescopes. A pretty good evening out. Bring some warm clothes as it can get chilly.
6. Guayacan
Overall Ratings
4 based on 147 reviews
Guayacan is the first Brewery in the Elqui valley. It was founded in 2010 a we are located in the town of Diaguitas. We invite you to visit us and learn about the elaboration process of Craft Beer with a guided tour in our plant that also uses solar energy for its functioning. Also you can taste all our beer styles and visit our Beergarden to try our products with hand made pizzas and burguers. We are certified as a B Corporation. We look forward for your visit in Diaguitas!
Reviewed By EdinburghDrich - Edinburgh
Our plan had been to walk here from Pisqueria ABA for a beer tasting and lunch. When we got here there was no sign of a tour being available and the only person serving at the bar was completely disinterested. We managed to sample two beers and then bought one to drink because it was so painful trying to sample the rest.
Beyond the service, for whatever reason they were not serving food. I have no idea why but I can tell you there's not much else in town and we were really lucky that someone took pity on us and gave us some cheese and salami!
The beer was fine (I've definitely had better but I did enjoy the one I bought) and the prices are reasonable (2000 for 500ml) but we didn't enjoy the visit and wouldn't recommend it.
7. Centro Turistico Cooperativa Capel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By imtom55711 - Largo, Florida
We visited here because this is the Pisco capital of the world, well, this and Pisco Elqui. There was nothing wrong with it but it's probably something that would interest anyone who likes Pisco or just likes touring factories. The tour is in Spanish only, so if you don't speak the language you'll miss a lot. At the end there is the customary pisco tasting; I was surprised at the variety which Capel makes. One tasted like Margaritas, one tasted like whiskey, one tasted like Bailey's - they were all very good. We bought a couple of bottles in their gift shop on the way out and have been enjoying them. I don't mean to throw water on this tour, but don't expect too much - it's just ok.
8. Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Haythem19 - Bellevue, Washington
This handsome old church in Vicuña's Plaza de Armas is definitely not the best maintained church. When you walk in you notice itss patchy ceiling frescos and creaky wooden floors, but that's part of the charm. The sweet smell of wood also makes the expansive space somehow feel small and cozy.
9. Plaza de Armas
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Globebugs - Australia
Like all main squares this one is small enough to walk around and admire the quirky but admired statue of the poet Gabriela Mistral.The ever present blue sky here, the green of the trees and the layout of the square with its park benches is just right for eating ice cream and gazing at the Church of Mary’s Immaculate Conception.
On the other side is an unusual wooden building with tower whose architecture is in direct opposition to the local style. This is the Bauer Tower, whose construction was ordered by a German Mayor of the time - it was named after him. The atmosphere is slow and that's a good thing when on tour so we could appreciate this small inland town famous for it's famous Pisco grapes.
Enjoy your visit!
10. Torre Bauer
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Globebugs - Australia
The Bauer Tower, was constructed by a former mayor Adolfo Bauer and named for him. It's considered to be a traditional symbol of Vicuña however we thought it didn't fit in with the rest of the town's architecture - the turreted tower and fine wood construction does make for a great photo!
Modelled on a group of towers from the German city of Ulm, it's now home to the Municipal Tourist Office, which provides information to visitors about the region.
Enjoy your visit!
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