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La Serena, Chile - Things to Do in La Serena

La Serena

visit La Serena, Chile - Complete Travel Guide

visit La Serena, Chile's second-oldest city, is a captivating colonial destination nestled along the Pacific coast in the Coquimbo Region. Founded in 1544, this charming city seamlessly blends Spanish colonial architecture with modern amenities, creating an enchanting atmosphere with its distinctive church towers, stone buildings, and tree-lined plazas. The city serves as the gateway to the the city and is renowned for its crystal-clear skies, making it one of the world's premier astronomical observation destinations. Beyond its historical significance, visit La Serena offers visitors pristine beaches stretching for miles along the coast, vibrant markets filled with local crafts and fresh produce, and easy access to the nearby Elqui Valley - famous for pisco production and mystical energy. The city's unique location provides the perfect base for exploring diverse landscapes, from desert adventures to coastal relaxation, while its well-preserved downtown area invites leisurely strolls through centuries of Chilean history.

Top La Serena

the Historic City Center

Wander through visit La Serena's beautifully preserved colonial downtown, featuring over 30 churches and numerous historic buildings constructed from local stone. The things to do in Plaza de Armas serves as the heart of the city, surrounded by the impressive Cathedral and colonial architecture that tells the story of Chile's Spanish heritage. The evening hours are particularly magical when the historic buildings are illuminated against the desert sky.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but consider hiring a local guide for 15,000-20,000 CLP for deeper historical insights. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Look for certified guides at the tourist information center on the main plaza.

Stargazing in the Elqui Valley

Experience some of the world's clearest skies in the nearby Elqui Valley, home to several international observatories and astronomical centers. The region's dry climate and minimal light pollution create perfect conditions for viewing stars, planets, and deep-space objects through professional telescopes. Many tours combine stargazing with visits to local pisco distilleries and traditional villages.

Booking Tip: Observatory tours cost 8,000-15,000 CLP and must be booked in advance, especially during peak season. Choose moonless nights for optimal viewing conditions. Reputable operators include Mamalluca Observatory and Del Pangue Observatory.

Beach Activities at La Serena's Coastline

Enjoy the extensive coastline stretching from visit La Serena to nearby Coquimbo, featuring beautiful beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. Playa visit La Serena offers calm waters and excellent facilities, while the more adventurous can try water sports or simply relax on the golden sand. The beachfront promenade provides stunning sunset views and connects various beach areas.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking costs around 2,000 CLP per day. Surfboard rentals available for 10,000-15,000 CLP daily. Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds, and always check local surf conditions before water activities.

Local Markets and Artisan Crafts

Immerse yourself in local culture at La Recova Market, housed in a beautiful colonial building where artisans sell traditional Chilean crafts, jewelry made from local lapis lazuli, and regional specialties. The market offers an authentic glimpse into local life and provides excellent opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs. The nearby Feria Modelo provides fresh produce and local delicacies.

Booking Tip: Market entry is free, but bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards. Prices are negotiable, especially for multiple items. Visit mid-morning for the best selection, and look for authentic lapis lazuli pieces which are a regional specialty.

Pisco Tasting and Valley Tours

Discover Chile's national drink through tours of traditional pisco distilleries in the Elqui Valley, where the grape brandy has been produced for centuries. Learn about the distillation process, explore vineyard terraces carved into mountainsides, and sample different varieties of this iconic spirit. Many tours include visits to charming valley towns like Vicuña and Pisco Elqui.

Booking Tip: Full-day valley tours cost 25,000-40,000 CLP including transportation and tastings. Book with established operators who provide bilingual guides and visit multiple distilleries. Tours typically run 8-10 hours, so bring sun protection and comfortable shoes.

Getting There

visit La Serena is easily accessible by air through La Florida Airport (LSC), located just 5 kilometers from the city center, with regular flights from the city taking about 1.5 hours. By land, the city is connected via the Pan-American Highway (Route 5), making it a comfortable 6-hour drive from the city or accessible by frequent long-distance buses operated by companies like Pullman Bus and Turbus. The coastal location also makes it a popular stop for travelers exploring Chile's northern regions, with good road connections to Antofagasta and other desert destinations.

Getting Around

visit La Serena's compact downtown area is easily walkable, with most historical attractions within a few blocks of the main plaza. Local buses (micros) provide affordable transportation to beaches and surrounding areas for around 500 CLP per ride, while taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber offer convenient point-to-point travel. For exploring the Elqui Valley and more distant attractions, renting a car provides the most flexibility, with several international and local rental companies operating from the airport and city center, though organized tours are often more practical for first-time visitors.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
Avenida del Mar (Beachfront)
Las Compañías
Peñuelas
La Antena
Coquimbo Bay Area

Food & Dining

visit La Serena's culinary scene celebrates both coastal and inland flavors, with excellent seafood restaurants along the beachfront serving fresh catches like corvina and congrio, while downtown establishments offer traditional Chilean cuisine and international options. The city is famous for its papayas, which are smaller and sweeter than tropical varieties, often served as dessert or in fresh juices. Local specialties include empanadas de pino, cazuela de cordero, and of course, pisco-based cocktails like pisco sour and piscola, best enjoyed at sunset overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Chile

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Golfo di Napoli Trattoria e Pizzeria

4.6 /5
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Pizzería Tiramisú

4.6 /5
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Don Vito e Zanoni

4.7 /5
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Piegari Chile

4.7 /5
(2687 reviews) 3

Le Due Torri Isidora

4.6 /5
(2573 reviews) 3

Pastas Nenetta Chile

4.6 /5
(1588 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

visit La Serena enjoys a desert coastal climate with pleasant weather year-round, but the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November when temperatures are comfortable (18-25°C) and crowds are smaller. Summer months (December-February) bring warm weather perfect for beach activities but also peak tourist numbers and higher prices. Winter (June-August) offers the clearest skies for stargazing and comfortable daytime temperatures, though evenings can be cool, making it ideal for observatory visits and exploring the historic center without the heat.

Insider Tips

Visit the things to do in Japanese Garden (Jardín del Corazón) early in the morning for peaceful meditation and beautiful photo opportunities without crowds
Take advantage of the free WiFi zones throughout the historic center and bring a portable charger as desert conditions can drain batteries quickly
Book observatory tours well in advance during summer months and new moon phases, as they fill up quickly with both tourists and astronomy enthusiasts

Activities in La Serena