A happy day in Elqui Valley

Yesterday was a great day. We had a few highs and lows but as is the case with any day of traveling and looking back on it I can't help but feel pretty damn happy! 

We started off with a failed attempt at finding a supermarket, followed by two successes - finding a SIM card for Jimmy's phone, and renting a car from Avis. Next came the 'low' which was having to keep Jimmy calm as he tried to negotiate driving on the wrong side of the car, on the wrong side of the road. He managed ok, and as far as lows go it wasn't too bad but if any of you know him, you'll know it's not very often that you'll see him in full panic mode so it was rather fascinating for me.

After checking out of our hostel we set off to Pisco Elqui, the home of Pisco, which is a few hours inland from La Serena. A few months back while researching our trip I had seen a few photos of a place that looked amazing to stay but was a bit of a honeymoon splash out for us. After a bit of initial hesitation due to some less than positive reviews of Elqui Domos, we decided to bite the bullet and book anyway and I'm pleased to say that upon our arrival here we were not disappointed. The accomodation is set in the middle of an incredible valley and the domes that you sleep in have raised beds that are situated beneath a sky light, allowing you to enjoy the impressive night sky which the valley is also known for due to its clear skies for 350 days of the year. The interiors are simple but comfortable and all we could have hoped for.

After our best meal so far at the Pisco Domos restaurant, accompanied by not only a pisco sour but a vino tinto too, we thought it best to walk the few kms back into town rather than drive. It turned out to be a bit longer than we thought, taking us about 45mins to get there but it was a beautiful evening for soaking up the incredible surroundings as the sun slipped away and the shadows crept in.

Once we had picked up a few supplies we wandered past an open air bar that happened to be playing Fat Freddy's Drop (our second taste of home that day as we had heard Royals earlier in the day while walking in La Serena). We took it to be a sign so stopped off to enjoy one of their local cervezas as the last of the sun disappeared from the peaks above us.

Another 45min walk home and and we were ready for our dinner of local avos and toms as we played euchre then attempted to star gaze. We were fairly unsuccessful of that front though sadly, due to the moon being right above our sky light. Maybe tonight instead.

Ciao x