Hostels in Pisco Elqui, Chile

Chile’s mystical Elqui Valley, tucked in the middle of the precordillera of the Andes, is home to a number of charming small towns, but none more so than the area’s touristic centre, Pisco Elqui. Thanks to the area’s beautiful microclimate, residents of this town enjoy upwards of 300 sun-filled days each year – making this a popular destination for travelers looking to explore deeper into an exciting part of Chile.

Hostels are popular here, but visitors can also find hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals to accommodate their stay. Many hotels and hostels are located right in the town’s centre, making it easy for tourists to get around within Pisco Elqui and the surrounding valley.

Trek through the mountains and enjoy the stunning Chilean landscapes, take a moonlit ride on horseback, learn how the region’s famous pisco is made, ride a bike through the town, or participate in a guided astro-tour at one of three open-air observatories to find out more about the secrets of the night sky. The town itself offers plenty to explore with shops, restaurants, bars, yoga studios, and local artisans selling homemade goods.

While some complain the area has become “commercialized,” as more and more tourists flock to this region, it maintains a charm and feeling of positive energy – thanks, in part, to the friendly locals that make a hostel stay in Pisco Elqui so rewarding. There are plenty of guides who are eager to take tourists out on tours of some of the region’s attractions.

Rental cars are recommended for travelers in this area, as there is a lot to explore over a large landscape. Fortunately, the roads are quite easy to navigate, even for foreign drivers. Buses are also available to bring visitors from the airports in Santiago, Punta Arenas, or even some of the smaller airports nearby.