The Elqui Valley lies approximately 500 km from Santiago. The principal point of access is La Serena.
There are different alternatives to travel to the Elqui Valley:

By Plane:
The quickest way to get to the valley is by plane to La Serena.

Travel Agencies:
These operate all year round from La Serena, offering tours going to the valley.

By Bus:
There are daily departures from the Bus Terminal in Coquimbo (Avenida Varela 1300) and from the Bus Terminal in La Serena (Amunátegui s/n), which also stop in Calle Esmeralda s/n°, Plaza de Abastos, between Juan de Dios Pení and Colo Colo streets.
By Car:
If you are travelling by car, whether from the north or south of Chile, you must take the Panamerican Highway (Ruta 5) North.

Leaving La Serena you should take Avenida Francisco de Aguirre, heading east, in order to continue on Larraín Alcalde, Juan de Dios Pení and Cisternas streets. From the last named take Avenida 18 de Septiembre in order to start the road which leads to the Elqui Valley. The route is well sign-posted. The distance from La Serena to Vicuña is 62 km, which takes about an hour by car.