Camping Municipal de Vicuña — Valle del Elqui Desert Basecamp

Vicuña’s municipal campground sits on the edge of town along the Río Elqui, shaded by eucalyptus and poplar trees that feel almost absurdly lush against the bare Andean desert rising on every side. It’s the last real campground with facilities before the 4,779-meter Paso Agua Negra climb toward Argentina. Sites are flat gravel and dirt, with fire rings and picnic tables. The town itself covers fuel, water, groceries, and a mechanic — everything you need to button up the rig before heading east into serious high-altitude terrain. It gets busy in January and February with Chilean summer travelers; the rest of the year it’s quiet and manageable.

Access is paved all the way into Vicuña via Ruta D-485 from La Serena. The campground is central and easy to find near the town plaza. Water and toilets on-site. Cross into Argentina via Paso Agua Negra only when the pass is confirmed open — it typically closes in winter (June–September) without notice. Confirm road status with Chilean Carabineros in Vicuña before departure.

Last real camp before the high Andes crossing.