Heading to Pisco Country- La Serena & Valle de Elqui

South America » Chile » Coquimbo Region » Pisco Elqui
October 5th 2013

Published: November 12th 2013

My next destination was La Serena, situated about 500km to the north of Santiago. It's the capital of the Coquimbo region and is the second oldest city in Chile. I planned to use it as a stepping off point before heading to the Valle de Elqui- an important area for the production of pisco (grape brandy), the base for the very popular pisco sour, national drink of Chile- and Peru. In addition, ... Read Full Entry

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Susan Storr

Sue Treadie

This blog was started in 2006 when I embarked on a new life adventure teaching English in China. It was a wonderful, enriching and enlightening experience. Many of you came on this journey with me. For those of you who are searching for more meaning and satisfaction in your life and feel that teaching languages overseas might fit the bill, I enthusiastically encourage you to take up the challenge as I did nine years ago. You will never regret it. In fact you will probably say "Why didn't I do this years ago?" I then began a journal of my journey home to Australia- the long way round! U... full info

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Blossoming cactus

Lots of different types of cacti around town.

A closer look......

El Durmiente Elquino

My favourite eating place. Highly recommended by locals. A bit on the exy side (it is a tourist destination!) but nice decor, good vibe and excellent food. Sorry, no pics!

Full Topsy Disco

Well, the mind boggles!! This chalkboard tickled my fancy and set my mind to thinking about my friend Tom and his penchant for the local "titty bar" as he calls it. No, it is actually the name of the bar- and I was assured everyone is fully clothed!!

Turismo Migrantes

Original (and best) tour agency in town. Some of the activities available- numbers permitting. It was off season, so there were very few people in town.

Horse Trekking in Cochiquaz Valley

Miri (my roomate) and I were very lucky, as Isobel and Lucy wanted to go horse trekking as well.

Miri trying to get her horse moving!

My friend Miri, the gentle Swiss girl, just couldn't be "tough" with her horse, so guess who was "boss"! much to Leo (our guide's) frustration!!

Fabulous scenery

Looking the part??

Time for a rest

Snack time at the "magic spring"

A welcome break out of the heat of the day.

Leo

Our guide for the day. He tried so hard to express his passion for this place.

Time to get going

Late afternoon around town

Mexico?

The colours and decor remind me so much of Mexico

There goes the sun, do de do do....

Stroll out of town

Views from the road leading out of town towards the artisan villages further south.

Los Nichos

The oldest pisco distillery in Chile - still using traditional methods

One of the original buildings

Tour of the distillery

Like good wine- aged only in the best French oak!

Aging process

12th November 2013

gail
non-member comment

Love the blogs
Really enjoying the photos and blogs Sue, Im soooooo jealous, Im still travelling with you vicariously

12th November 2013

anonymous
non-member comment

Pisco
Hope you are sampling the local product and enjoying the Pisco Sours. Elaine

17th November 2013

Sue Treadie
Susan Storr

Pisco Especial!
Well, yes, of course! Had a really extra special one the other day in a great little restaurant Mar y Canela (Sea & Cinnamon) in Castro just the other day. House speciality & not even really in Pisco country!!

13th November 2013

Anne Wasley (Wally)
non-member comment

Great Scenery!
Hi Treadie, Another lot of top photos! Enjoyed reading all your blog. Guess what I've bought a car (Hyundai Getz) & in process of getting my licence! My daughter is learning to drive as well so we will share the car for the time being. On On Wally

17th November 2013

Sue Treadie
Susan Storr

Wal on the road!!
Well, whoo hoo, Wal!! That'll free you up a lot won't it- if you get a chance to drive it!!! Come on! Mum has priority!!!

13th November 2013

Spas
non-member comment

Hi Tready.........you little adventurer! Could you change my email on your blog to lisabazzo@bigpond.com. It\'s currently going to my work email. Home is better. Thank you XXXX Spas

17th November 2013

Sue Treadie
Susan Storr

Heh Spas!
Nice to hear from you. Don't know how that happened, as I was positive I had your private email subscribed. Will fix it up in time for the next one. Hope all goes well!

13th November 2013

Dr Eddie Chung Gon
non-member comment

Powerful Adventure and journal !
great photography again KF

17th November 2013

Sue Treadie
Susan Storr

Heh again!
Thx again, KF!

14th November 2013

sara
non-member comment

hi!!
Hello Sue, my mom and I have really enjoied your block. I´d wish a would be more of a writer and done the same for my trip through Europe :(. Anyways, I totally agree with you about the "not education" to conserve nature and to be responsable for our garbage. It´s one of the biggest problmes in CHile. I wish you the best for your trip. We´ll be sending you pictures from our proyect soon. Take care!!

17th November 2013

Sue Treadie
Susan Storr

Hi in Valparaiso!
Heh Sara- glad you're both enjoying the blog. The comment about the garbage wasn't meant as a criticism (not my place) but as an observation. Looking forward to seeing the results of the project!!

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