Balcones de Pisco Elqui — Hotel in Paihuano

My boyfriend and I made reservations with Balcones (Guillermo) through Facebook. Guillermo responded quickly and the reservation was made instantly. On our way to Pisco Elqui there was a huge earthquake, and we were not able to occupy the room as scheduled. Guillermo was very understanding about it and gave us another night free of charge! The apartment is located in a great and central location. It has an open space that serves as a living room and a kitchen. The bedroom has an amazing view and the bathroom is quite spacious. Overall, the apartment is quite new, furnished and clean. Guillermo offers free shaded parking in his garden (which includes a lock for the garden gate). The garden has hammocks as well as a grill. Guillermo has a tour-agency (Facebook: "Tourismo El Quijote - Pisco Elqui") and is familiar with the activities that one should look for in the area (some of which are offered by him). For example: Astronomical Observatories, bike rides, horse back riding, hikes, distillery tours, artisan market and transfers to nearby villages. Guillermo is available at all times. Forgot to mention that he is Eco-Friendly, the place is free wifi and TV, and hot and potable water in the shower :-). Highly...

Another traveller had mentioned that Balcones de Elqui was the best hostel he'd stayed at in Chile, and we kept it in our notes as we travelled up towards the Elqui Valley. Turned out he was completely right. Pisco Elqui is a small town of some 1200 inhabitants, and a great place to be based in the Elqui Valley. There's great hiking just outside, superb stargazing, and it's just a very calm and relaxing place with great weather. My wife and I unfortunately only booked for 3 nights, as we had other commitments, but in retrospect, would have stayed much longer. The hostel is divided into dorms downstairs and private rooms upstairs, with the private rooms sharing a kitchen and bathroom. Guillermo, the amiable owner, supplies anything you need, even cold craft beer if you can't find one in the shops, and the kitchen is stocked with basic amenities and the areas cleaned daily. Sharing the kitchen with just two rooms means it's never too crowded, and then there is the balcony outside, perfect for sitting on to watch the sunset or just people passing by. It's truly a chilled out place, and Guillermo has a good idea of what travellers need, and is a great source of information as well. Well...

This is one of the best hostel we've stayed in Chile! We booked a private room but we're like in our own apartment. The private room comes with private bathroom and a kitchen - a well-equipped kitchen. ||||The owner Guillermo is very friendly and helpful. Too bad we only had 3 days here.||||Balcones Hostal is highly recommended if you are heading to Pisco Elqui - also perfect for a...