Destilería Mistral Pisco Elqui
Discover the art of Chile's national spirit at Destilería Mistral, nestled in the scenic Elqui Valley. Experience artisanal pisco production and exqui...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personalized
Destilería Mistral Pisco Elqui
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personalized
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the art of Chile's national spirit at Destilería Mistral, nestled in the scenic Elqui Valley. Experience artisanal pisco production and exquisite tastings.
"Amazing experience with our main tour guide! 100% recommended!!!"
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for the pisco distillation tour and tasting to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Elqui Valley offers breathtaking views; don't forget your camera for stunning photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pisco Distillation Tour
Destilería Mistral
Discover the fascinating journey of pisco from grape to glass, with expert guides explaining the artisanal process.
Tasting Experience
Destilería Mistral
Savor the distinct flavors of Mistral's finest piscos, expertly paired to enhance your palate.
Restaurant with Valley Views
Destilería Mistral Restaurant
Enjoy gourmet Chilean cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, perfectly complemented by Mistral piscos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Elqui Valley Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for the pisco distillation tour and tasting to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Elqui Valley offers breathtaking views; don't forget your camera for stunning photos.
🍽️ Reserve Restaurant Tables
The restaurant is popular; booking ahead is advised, especially for dinner.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The Elqui Valley can be warm; drink plenty of water, especially during tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for the pisco distillation tour and tasting to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Elqui Valley offers breathtaking views; don't forget your camera for stunning photos.
🍽️ Reserve Restaurant Tables
The restaurant is popular; booking ahead is advised, especially for dinner.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The Elqui Valley can be warm; drink plenty of water, especially during tours.
🛍️ Souvenir Pisco Caution
Be mindful of potential leaks when buying bottles as souvenirs; consider alternatives if concerned.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the informative and personalized pisco distillation tours at Destilería Mistral, often highlighting the engaging guides and delightful tasting experiences. The beautiful setting and the quality of the food at the on-site restaurant are also frequently mentioned positives. However, some guests find the restaurant to be a bit overpriced, and there have been occasional issues with souvenir bottle seals leaking.
"Amazing experience with our main tour guide !
We ran a bit late and they were kind enough to wait for us before starting the tour since it was just us four taking it at the time. Because of that same reason, everything seemed so personalized allowing us to ask as many questions as possible finishing up with a delightful tasting experience.
The second tour guide, Mistralita was also very kind and ensuring of an informative and safe experience. She was also very keen on taking pictures with tourists.
100% recommended!!!
Don’t forget to buy your favorite pisco bottle at the end of the tour 😊👌🏽"
Patricia Segura (Pato)
"Good pisco tour in a really beautiful setting."
Crystal Manafi
"Great, tasty food and really awesome tour of the Pisco distillation process by Diya. The yard is beautiful but make sure to reserve beforehand. The one problem I had was I bought the finest quality pisco bottle for about 20.000 CLP as a souvenir but when I reached back home I realised that it had leaked almost half, meaning that the seal used was low quality. Rather not buy the bottles there in that case, wait until you get back to Santiago as it reduces the risk even though it will be a bit more expensive."
Rajesh Gowda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Destilería Mistral is located in Pisco Elqui, in the heart of the Elqui Valley. You can reach it by car from La Serena, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Public buses also run from La Serena to Pisco Elqui. Many visitors rent a car to explore the valley at their own pace. 
Yes, there is parking available at Destilería Mistral for visitors arriving by car. It's convenient for those exploring the Elqui Valley.
Taxis are available in the region, and while rideshare services might be less common in Pisco Elqui itself, you can arrange transport from larger towns like La Serena. It's advisable to confirm availability beforehand.
Many visitors opt for a rental car to freely explore the Elqui Valley's charming towns and scenic routes. Alternatively, guided tours often include transportation and stops at key attractions like Destilería Mistral.
Pisco Elqui and surrounding towns offer a range of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to boutique hotels. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tour and tasting tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
The distillery typically operates daily, but it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour availability, as these can vary seasonally.
Tour prices can vary depending on the package and inclusions. It's advisable to check the official Destilería Mistral website for current pricing and booking information.
While tours offer an in-depth experience, you can often visit the grounds and the restaurant without a formal tour. However, to learn about the pisco-making process and enjoy a tasting, a tour is essential.
Absolutely! The distillery has a shop where you can purchase a wide selection of Pisco Mistral bottles, including special editions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour guides you through the entire pisco-making process, from grape harvesting to distillation and aging in oak barrels. It's an informative and engaging experience, often concluding with a tasting.
The tasting typically features a selection of Mistral's premium piscos, allowing you to appreciate their nuances and quality. Guides often provide insights into pairing and appreciating the different varieties.
Yes, the restaurant is highly praised for its gourmet Chilean cuisine and the opportunity to pair dishes with Mistral piscos. It offers a beautiful setting with valley views.
While the focus is on pisco production, the beautiful grounds and the overall experience can be enjoyable for families. The restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience.
The distillery and the surrounding Elqui Valley offer numerous picturesque spots. Capture the architecture, the vineyards, the distillation equipment, and the stunning landscapes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers gourmet Chilean cuisine, with an emphasis on local ingredients and flavors. Many dishes are designed to be paired with their pisco selections.
Some reviews suggest the restaurant can be a bit overpriced for what you receive, but others find the quality and experience justify the cost.
Yes, you can enjoy various pisco cocktails, including piscolas and piscosours, at the distillery's restaurant and bar. +1
It's advisable to check the current menu or inquire with the restaurant directly about vegetarian or vegan options, as menus can change.
A piscola is a popular Chilean cocktail made with pisco and cola, often served with lime. It's a simple yet refreshing way to enjoy pisco. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the distillery buildings, the expansive vineyards, the impressive copper stills, and the panoramic views of the Elqui Valley. The tasting room and restaurant also offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour, allowing you to document the pisco-making process. Be mindful of any specific restrictions the guide might mention.
Daytime offers ample natural light, especially in the outdoor areas. The interior of the distillery might have more controlled lighting. Golden hour in the late afternoon can provide beautiful, soft light for landscape shots of the valley.
Look for opportunities to photograph the aging barrels, the bottling process, and the unique architecture of the distillery. The staff, like 'Mistralita,' are also happy to pose for photos.
Travelers often recommend capturing the contrast of landscapes, the starry night sky (if staying late), and the vibrant colors of the region. Wide-angle lenses are great for landscapes, while telephoto lenses can capture details in the mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of it, ensure children are supervised, especially around the production areas. The restaurant is a good place for a relaxed meal. If you're traveling with family, consider visiting during less crowded times and perhaps focusing on the scenic drives and other family-friendly activities in the wider Elqui Valley.
💰 Budget Travelers
For dining, while the distillery's restaurant is excellent, it can be pricey. Exploring local eateries in Pisco Elqui town might offer more budget-friendly options. If you're driving, factor in fuel costs. Public transport is an option but may limit flexibility in exploring the wider valley.
🥂 Couples & Foodies
+1Beyond the distillery, the Elqui Valley provides a beautiful setting for romantic getaways, with opportunities for scenic drives, exploring charming towns, and enjoying the tranquility of the region. The combination of fine spirits, delicious food, and stunning landscapes makes for a memorable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Pisco Making at Mistral
The aging process is another fascinating aspect. Mistral's piscos are often aged in oak barrels, which impart complex aromas and flavors, transforming the clear spirit into richer, more nuanced expressions. This aging is key to their premium offerings, like the Mistral Nobel and Barricato. The tour provides insights into how different barrel types and aging durations affect the final taste profile, making the tasting experience even more appreciated.
Beyond the production, the distillery is a testament to the heritage of pisco in the Elqui Valley. It's not just about making alcohol; it's about preserving tradition and showcasing the unique terroir of the region. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craft, the history, and the dedication that goes into every bottle of Pisco Mistral.
+1Gastronomy and Pairings at the Mistral Restaurant
+1Expect dishes that showcase the region's bounty, from fresh produce to local meats and seafood. The concept of pairing is central, with staff often recommending specific piscos to enhance the flavors of each dish. This could range from a crisp Mistral Cristalino with lighter fare to a more complex, aged Mistral Nobel with richer, heartier meals. The restaurant's ambiance, often described as elegant with a countryside style, further enhances the dining experience, offering beautiful open views of the valley.
While the culinary experience is generally well-received, some visitors note that the restaurant can be on the pricier side. However, for those seeking a refined taste of the Elqui Valley accompanied by its most famous spirit, the restaurant at Destilería Mistral is a highly recommended stop. It provides a perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the local culture after a tour of the distillery.
Exploring the Elqui Valley Beyond the Distillery
+1For those interested in the stars, numerous observatories offer guided tours, allowing you to gaze at celestial wonders through powerful telescopes. The valley's commitment to preserving its dark skies is evident, creating an unparalleled stargazing experience. Beyond astronomy, the region is also known for its artisanal crafts, local produce, and a laid-back lifestyle that invites visitors to slow down and connect with nature.
When planning your trip, consider dedicating at least a full day, if not more, to explore the broader Elqui Valley. This allows ample time for the Mistral tour, enjoying the local cuisine, visiting other attractions, and truly appreciating the unique charm and tranquility of this special part of Chile.
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