We drove to the center of pisco production in Chile today, a town called Pisco Elqui, right in the middle of the strikingly beautiful Elqui Valley. Beside being known for pisco production, this area is also dotted with numerous astronomy observatories because of its clear desert sky. Richard was so looking forward to visit these observatories until he realized that it was right at full moon during our visit here!
We stopped by the most famous Pisco distiller in town and hoped to join their tour. Unfortunately, due to the season, it was cancelled without notice. They did offer taste testing of their high grade pisco (ie, not the one used for mixing pisco sour). It was really good, similar to fine congnac. We bought two bottles on the spot, one high grade bottle for neat drinking and one lower grade for mixing pisco sour. The prices were really good as well. $8 CAD for the lower grade and $15 CAD for the drinking grade. Larry also bought two bottles of the mixing pisco although they didn't drink much.
The drive through the valley on narrow winding roads reminded us of those at Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast in Italy. At times, it seemed every inch of the valley was cultivated with something...grapes, various citrus fruits, and others.
This is as far north as we drove in Chile. Turning back, we visited the town square in La Serena and its beachfront. Nothing special there. We drove further south till 5p and stayed in a cabin in a seaside town called Pichidangui. We caught a perfect sunset by a stormy oceanside. Watching the big waves crashing the site is actually quite mesmerizing.
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