La Serena
Chile · Coquimbo · 30 m
Description
La Serena is Chile's second-oldest city and one of the country's most attractive colonial destinations. It is known for its harmonious historic center with white façades and red-tiled roofs, numerous historic churches, long sandy beaches, and the palm-lined Avenida del Mar stretching along the Pacific coast. Blending colonial heritage with a relaxed seaside atmosphere, La Serena and neighboring Coquimbo form one of northern Chile's most popular holiday regions. As the gateway to the Elqui Valley, the city also serves as the main base for visiting traditional pisco distilleries and some of the world's leading astronomical observatories.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Colonial Historic Center & Plaza de Armas
- Elqui Valley(Day trip)
- La Serena Beaches & Avenida del Mar
- Mamalluca Observatory(Day trip)
- Cruz del Tercer Milenio(Day trip)
- Japanese Garden
- La Serena Cathedral
- Historic Churches Route
- La Recova Market
- Archaeological Museum of La Serena
- Monumental Lighthouse (Faro Monumental)
- Francisco de Aguirre Avenue
- Coquimbo Waterfront(Day trip)
- Fort Lambert(Day trip)
- Humboldt Penguin National Reserve(Day trip)
- Isla Damas(Day trip)
- Whale Watching(Day trip)
- Dolphin Watching(Day trip)
- Fray Jorge National Park(Day trip)
- Cochiguaz Valley(Day trip)
- Pisco Distilleries(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- LSC
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry