Rio Grande is a rural commune in the valley of mountains along the river of the same name. It is characterized by quaint structures made from stone, mud and straw. Escape from modern chaos and appreciate this quieter way of life. The village is a fascinating place to find out about Chile’s indigenous history through the petroglyphs in the rock face offering an insight into pre-Hispanic life.
Enjoy the fresh air of this rural commune, miles from the nearest city. Fewer than 100 inhabitants live here. They farm corn, garlic, onions, lettuce and potatoes and also raise llamas, goats and other animals.
An advantage of the village’s isolation is its spectacular night sky, where you can see the Milky Way clearly. Lie under the evening stars and name the constellations. During the day, appreciate excellent views of the red-brown mountains that surround valley pueblo structures.
Spot cute chinchillas and vicuñas, Andes camels that produce very expensive wool. Get a close look at the drawings and carvings that reveal information about the lives of the Atacameño people.
Arrive in the village to enjoy festivals, such as the Cleaning of the Canals and the Cross. The commune’s highlight is the church, which receives thousands of visits from pilgrims every year. Gaze up at the cross rising from the thatched roof of the red mud and stone structure.
Bring plenty of liquids with you for your trip to this arid terrain. The area has very dry weather year-round. Prepare for possible difficulty breathing at the high altitude.
The village is 55 miles (90 kilometers) north of San Pedro de Atacama in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, near the border with Bolivia. Fly into El Loa Airport, which serves domestic locations such as Santiago and Iquique. The drive to the village from the airport should take about 2 hours.
Come to Rio Grande for a bit of history in a quaint rural area that retains its isolated charm.
