
Destilería Los Nichos
Chile's oldest pisco distillery, offering a journey into traditional spirit making with a touch of mystery and charm.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours

Destilería Los Nichos
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chile's oldest pisco distillery, offering a journey into traditional spirit making with a touch of mystery and charm.
"Highly recommend going here! The tour was fun and informative, and the pisco tasting was excellent."

Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for a pisco tour and tasting by booking in advance, especially during busy periods. :ticket:
Embrace the Journey
The distillery is a bit off the beaten path; enjoy the scenic drive through the Elqui Valley. :car:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Oldest Distillery
Paihuano
Step back in time at Chile's oldest pisco distillery, a living museum of artisanal spirit production since 1868.

Artisanal Pisco Tasting
Tasting Room
Savor the distinct flavors of traditionally crafted pisco, with knowledgeable guides explaining each unique varietal.

Historic Stone Tunnels
Distillery Grounds
Explore the mysterious stone tunnels that hold centuries of pisco-making secrets and local legends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Pisco Pilgrimage
Embrace the Elqui Valley Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for a pisco tour and tasting by booking in advance, especially during busy periods. :ticket:
Embrace the Journey
The distillery is a bit off the beaten path; enjoy the scenic drive through the Elqui Valley. :car:
Ask for Byron!
If available, request Byron as your guide for a fascinating, funny, and informative pisco experience. :star:
Tasting Included
Tours often include a tasting of 2-3 different piscos, sometimes with souvenir glasses. :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours Ahead
Secure your spot for a pisco tour and tasting by booking in advance, especially during busy periods. :ticket:
Embrace the Journey
The distillery is a bit off the beaten path; enjoy the scenic drive through the Elqui Valley. :car:
Ask for Byron!
If available, request Byron as your guide for a fascinating, funny, and informative pisco experience. :star:
Tasting Included
Tours often include a tasting of 2-3 different piscos, sometimes with souvenir glasses. :wine_glass:
Cash is King
While some places accept cards, having cash on hand is recommended for smaller purchases or tastings. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Destilería Los Nichos for its authentic pisco-making experience and knowledgeable guides, particularly praising Byron for his engaging tours. While the location is a bit further out, the historical significance and quality of the tasting make the journey well worth it. Some minor drawbacks include limited food options at the on-site cafe.
"This pisco distillery is a bit farther from the town center where there are distilleries that are frequented by most tourists, but several locals told us to go to Los Nichos and it was worth going just a little father down the road! The tour of the distillery took you through the whole distilling process and ended with a pisco tasting!"
Emily White
"Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable. He accommodated both English and Spanish speakers on our tour. We learned about the process of pisco making and tasted 3 different pisco products. We highly recommend going here!"
Terri Krevanko
"This morning we had an excellent distillery guide thanks to Byron, who really knows his stuff. He makes the process of differentiating and appreciating the variety of Pisco grapes, blends, aging simple to understand and fascinating and funny. We enjoyed our sampling so much and can't wait to go back. We highly recommend. Try and tour with Byron if he is available."
Anthony Goldstein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Destilería Los Nichos is located in Paihuano, a bit outside the main tourist hubs of Pisco Elqui. You can reach it by car, taking approximately 1-1.5 hours from La Serena. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car or joining a guided tour is often the most convenient way to visit.
While direct public transport to the distillery is scarce, you can take a bus towards Paihuano from La Serena or Vicuña and then arrange local transport or a taxi for the final stretch. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance.
The drive to Destilería Los Nichos is scenic, winding through the beautiful Elqui Valley. Expect picturesque landscapes and a sense of tranquility as you venture further from the main towns.
Yes, the Elqui Valley is home to several pisco distilleries. Nearby options include Pisquera Doña Josefa and Mistral, making it possible to create a pisco-themed day trip.
Absolutely! Many Elqui Valley tours include a stop at Destilería Los Nichos, often combined with other attractions like astrotourism or scenic drives. This can be a convenient way to experience the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but recent information suggests a tour with tasting costs around $3,000 CLP per person. It's always best to confirm current pricing when booking.
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak tourist season or on weekends, to ensure availability.
Tours typically include a guided walk through the distillery, explaining the pisco-making process, and conclude with a tasting of different pisco varieties. Some tours may even include souvenir glasses.
While some tours may accommodate English speakers, the primary language is Spanish. However, guides are often knowledgeable and can communicate key information effectively, even with language barriers.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour times and availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect an immersive experience detailing the traditional pisco-making process, from grape to bottle. You'll learn about the history, ingredients, and unique methods employed at Chile's oldest distillery.
The pisco tasting is a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to sample different varietals and appreciate the nuances of artisanal pisco. Guides like Byron are praised for making the tasting both educational and enjoyable.
Absolutely! The distillery itself is a historical landmark, dating back to 1868. You can explore its ancient stone tunnels and learn about the enduring traditions of pisco production.
The atmosphere is often described as charming and mysterious, with a strong sense of history and tradition. It offers a more authentic and less commercialized experience compared to some other distilleries.
Yes, you can typically purchase bottles of pisco directly from the distillery after your tour and tasting. It's a great opportunity to take home a piece of Elqui Valley tradition.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the focus is on pisco production, there might be a small cafe or snack bar on-site. However, reviews suggest that the cafe can be limited in its offerings, so it's best not to rely on it for a full meal.
For more substantial dining options, you'll need to head back towards Paihuano or explore the restaurants in nearby towns like Pisco Elqui or Vicuña. These areas offer a variety of local cuisine.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally polite to consume any personal snacks outside the tasting areas. The focus of the visit is the pisco experience.
Many restaurants in the Elqui Valley offer traditional Chilean dishes that complement pisco. Look for places serving seafood, empanadas, or grilled meats for an authentic pairing.
The Elqui Valley offers hearty Chilean cuisine, often featuring fresh local produce, seafood from the nearby coast, and grilled meats. Don't miss trying local specialties.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the historic distillery buildings, the ancient stone tunnels, and the picturesque Elqui Valley landscape surrounding the property. The pisco bottles themselves also make for great still-life shots.
Generally, photography is allowed during the tour, especially in outdoor areas and the tasting room. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the rustic textures of the distillery and the surrounding valley.
Yes, capturing the pisco tasting can make for engaging content. Photograph the different glasses, the colors of the pisco, and the overall convivial atmosphere.
The entrance to the distillery with its historic signage, the old stone walls, and any unique architectural features of the aging cellars are prime spots for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check if the distillery has any specific family-friendly policies or if certain parts of the tour are more suitable for younger visitors. Consider bringing snacks and drinks for children, as food options on-site may be limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider visiting during weekdays when tours might be less crowded and potentially more flexible. Bringing your own water and snacks can also help keep costs down, though be mindful of where you consume them. If traveling from La Serena or Vicuña, exploring public transport options, though less direct, can be more budget-friendly than private car hire.
🥂 Pisco Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the nuances of each tasting sample. Discuss the differences between single-varietal piscos and blends, and inquire about the aging process if applicable. This is your chance to deepen your appreciation for Chile's national spirit directly from a source steeped in tradition.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Pisco Production
The process at Los Nichos remains largely unchanged, emphasizing a hands-on approach. Visitors can witness firsthand how grapes are harvested, fermented, and distilled using traditional copper stills. This commitment to heritage allows visitors to experience the authentic spirit of pisco, far from mass-produced alternatives. The unique stone tunnels on the property add an element of mystery and historical depth to the production narrative.
Understanding the Denominación de Origen (DO) for pisco is crucial when appreciating distilleries like Los Nichos. This designation ensures that only spirits produced in specific regions of Chile, using designated grape varietals and production methods, can be called 'pisco.' Los Nichos proudly upholds these standards, contributing to Chile's national pride in its signature spirit.
Navigating the Elqui Valley's Pisco Route
When planning your visit, consider combining Los Nichos with other notable pisco producers like Pisquera Doña Josefa or Mistral. This allows for a comprehensive tasting experience and a deeper understanding of the diverse styles of pisco available. Many local tour operators offer curated itineraries that include these stops, often alongside other Elqui Valley attractions such as astrotourism or solar-cooked restaurants.
Pro-tip: Many visitors recommend dedicating at least a full day, if not a weekend, to exploring the Elqui Valley and its pisco offerings. This allows ample time for travel between locations, thorough tours, and leisurely tastings without feeling rushed. Remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
The Mystique of Los Nichos
Travelers often highlight the personal touch and knowledgeable guides, such as Byron, who make the experience engaging and memorable. His ability to explain the complexities of pisco making in a fascinating and humorous way elevates the visit beyond a simple distillery tour. This personal connection with the history and the people behind the spirit is a recurring theme in visitor feedback.
The 'mysterious charm' also extends to the overall experience of venturing off the beaten path. While some may find it a bit further to travel, the reward is a more authentic encounter with Chilean pisco heritage. It’s this blend of history, tradition, and a touch of the unknown that makes Destilería Los Nichos a unique and highly recommended destination.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit