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people on beach during daytime
people on beach during daytime - Photo by David Vives

Experience the Magical Beachside Beauty of La Serena, Chile

About La Serena, Chile

La Serena, Chile is a relaxed coastal city famous for its sandy beaches, clear skies, and warm weather. Visitors can explore a plethora of colonial architecture, museums, and art galleries, as well as indulge in delicious Chilean cuisine. The city is also a gateway to the stunning Elqui Valley, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

La Serena is a coastal city in the north of Chile known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and stunning architecture. Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, La Serena is a popular destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxation.

The city's main attraction is the beach, which stretches for miles along the Pacific coast. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beach volleyball, as well as whale watching tours and other water activities. The beach is also home to a number of beachfront restaurants, cafes, and bars, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and other local specialties while taking in the ocean views.

In addition to its natural beauty, La Serena is also rich in history and culture. The city's historic center is home to a number of colonial-era buildings and churches, including the impressive Cathedral of La Serena. The city also has a number of museums and cultural centers, including the Archaeological Museum, which showcases the region's rich history and culture.

Finally, La Serena is home to a number of beautiful parks and gardens, including the Japanese Garden, which features stunning waterfalls, ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can also explore the nearby Elqui Valley, which is known for its picturesque vineyards, historic towns, and stunning natural scenery.

Overall, La Serena is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chile. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and beautiful architecture, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal city.

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Popular Stays in La Serena, Chile

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in La Serena, Chile

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Business hotelsFamily hotels

Enjoy Coquimbo

This hotel is set in a stunning 12-floor building overlooking Avenida del Mar, offering rooms with privileged views. The property is located 470 km from Santiago, which can be reached in 45 minutes by plane. The hotel transfer service from the airport takes 15 minutes. The hotel offers comfort and high level of services, so that guests can enjoy an unforgettable experience. It features various outdoor activities, including the Ruta del Pisco, the Elqui Valley Tour, the Underwater Tour, the Limari Valley Tour and the Isla de Damas Tour, as well as visits to observatories and the possibility to practice golf, tennis by the sea, diving and taking part in bike tours.
General view
Business hotels

Club La Serena

We invite you to enjoy some rest days our Hotel, which provides the perfect atmosphere for rest and relaxation overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Club La Serena Hotel has single/double and connecting rooms, with air conditioned, private bathroom and also with sea or pool view.   Brisas Restaurant invites you to enjoy its varied menu which include: fresh pasta, meat, fish and seafood presented harmoniously, give flavor and color to their inspired flavors of our land and sea. Moreover, accompanied by fine wines from our menu. we offer a pleasant atmosphere and a privileged view of the sea, where you will be served by our staff. Our catering services are designed not only for your meeting, but also as friends or family celebrations.    We offer eigth meeting rooms, which are ideal for all types of events, both corporate and social. Our meeting rooms can accommodate groups up to 2000 guests simultaneously. For that porpuse, we offer equipped with latest technology in audiovisual equipment, varied banquet, high gastronomic level. In whole area we offer WIFI connection and large parking.  

Things to do in La Serena, Chile

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in La Serena, Chile

Viaje mágico por el alto Valle de Elqui
Digital Voucher240 minutes

Viaje mágico por el alto Valle de Elqui

Si te interesa la cultura, ¡ven y sumérgete en nuestras tradiciones! Únase al ritmo armónico en el que se desarrolla la vida en el valle. Visita de la mano de un guía especializado Destilería de Pisco, sumérjase en su historia y tradición, luego disfrute de una visita a los artesanos del valle. Al regresar al punto de partida, tendrás una perspectiva más amplia de nuestro patrimonio cultural local. Te proponemos un viaje vivencial en vehículo, que te abrirá las puertas a las formas de vida tradicionales y alternativas del Valle del Elqui. Tour para conectar con la vida auténtica de sus pueblos rurales, y vivir la fascinante experiencia de integrarnos a su ritmo armónico, que es la verdadera distinción de la calidad de vida que disfrutamos quienes vivimos aquí. En la destilería de pisco te mostraremos los motivos de nuestro orgullo de contar con una denominación de origen para este destilado de uvas criollas cultivadas en un contexto climático, geográfico y cultural particular.
La Serena Cathedral
Digital Voucher420 minutes

La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships

CITY TOUR AVAILABLE ONLY FOR CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS We visit the most beautiful and representative places of Coquimbo and La Serena. Coquimbo enchants with stories of corsairs and pirates, the beauty of its coasts, its patrimonial character represented in the English Quarter, the port of Guayacán, the Cruz del Tercer Milenio, a Catholic religious monument and the best viewpoint of Coquimbo, with a 360° view. , where you can see this beautiful port from above. Its extensive coastline communicates to the north with La Serena and to the south with a wide variety of beaches, coves and spas. La Serena attracts for its neocolonial architectural style, its limestone churches, marble statues on a long avenue, viewpoints, parks and the Monumental lighthouse, a characteristic symbol of the city. Just be part of this great adventure. VISIT THE SANTA LUCIA HILL LOOKOUT SUBJECT TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE REGIMENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY KOKORO NO NIWA JAPANESE GARDEN CLOSED ON MONDAYS
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher360 minutes

Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch

This 6 HOURS tour will take you through the great Elqui Valley (Valle del Elqui) where you can find places with paths between vineyards and fruit trees, barren hills covered with vines and pisco factories (liquor extracted from grapes). We will visit the city of Vicuña where you can find its main square and the museum of the poet Gabriela Mistral. Also you can visit the salesroom of Papaya, the typical fruit of the area. Then we will enjoy lunch in a restaurant where food is cooked with sunlight!
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher360 minutes

La Serena: Visit to Mamalluca Observatory. Entraces & transport included.

At sunset we start our trip to the inner valley of Elqui, by crossing the San Isidro town, we will get The Mamalluca Amateur Observatory, this special place permits to make direct observations of the universe.
La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion
Digital Voucher390 minutes

La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion

7 hours tour. Explore the city of La Serena, Chile's second oldest city, full of history and colonial architectural elements that adorn their facades and streets, like churches, important buildings and The lighthouse of La Serena. Visit the city of Coquimbo, famous port surrounded with stories and traditions of the sea. Be part of the history of the fourth Region through this tour, which runs from Incas and Diaguitas civilization to pirates and corsairs.
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher600 minutes

Classic Elqui Valley (Between vineyards and fruit trees)

We will visit the most picturesque places of this great Valley, which surrounds us with mysticism and relaxation. We will visit the Puclaro Reservoir, Vicuña and its attractions. We will know in a pisquera factory the process of the distillation of the grape. Lunch will take place in a typical restaurant of the place. We will continue the route to Paihuano, we will make a stop at the viewpoint, to go later to Monte Grande. Pisco Elqui is the last town on this circuit, a small town with narrow streets and adobe houses, where the place's square and a beautiful water fountain stand out, with figures of children; the village church and crafts centers typical of the place, welcome us and say goodbye to this tour.
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher600 minutes

Elqui Valley Full Day Tour: magical towns, pisco and mountains

The Elqui Valley is the most valuable cultural and mountain destination in Chile, creator of the most emblematic cultural treasures of our country. Its illuminated atmosphere allowed the creation and development of various cultural practices that make it a dream destination for those seeking relaxation, inspiration, cosmic connection and advanced knowledge about Chile's cultural heritage. Its beautiful geography welcomed ancient indigenous peoples, churches and hacienda houses of the first conquerors surrounded by pyramidal mountains full of minerals, energy and a transparent atmosphere, propagated tropical, desert and Mediterranean crops and the oldest wine and pisco cellars in the country. You will discover the art of the Diaguitas, the legacy of the Incas, the origins of Chilean and Argentine wine, the advanced astronomical observatories and the places that inspired mystics and the first female Nobel Prize winner for literature in Latin America, Gabriela Mistral.
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher600 minutes

La Serena: Full day Tour to Elqui Valley

Discover the mystical Elqui Valley on this full-day guided tour from La Serena. Small group. Get a glimpse of new-age lifestyles at Cochiguaz. Enjoy a pisco tasting at a production plant. Visit Vicuña, the Nobel laureate Gabriel Mistral's hometown.

Why People Love La Serena, Chile

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in La Serena, Chile

J
Jaime_Veliz_1981
5
Mar 2023
Viaje mágico por el alto Valle de Elqui
Viaje mágico por el alto Valle de Elqui
Viaje mágico por el alto Valle de Elqui
Viaje mágico por el alto Valle de Elqui
Un viaje espectacular! El guía fue muy amable y entretenido durante el viaje, nos explicó muchas cosas sobre la historia de ese sector del valle, y también nos esperó pacientemente en los lugares que más nos gustaron. Agradecemos con mi pareja el haber hecho este tour, ya que de ir por nuestra pr...
P
Paul_S
5
Apr 2023
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships
A great way to see this seaside town! Get to learn the history of the area while enjoying great scenery.
L
Linda_C
4
Apr 2023
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short excursion for cruise ships
The tour itinerary was good but execution lacked in organization. Our tour driver and guide were both new and didn't really know how to manage 14 independent people by setting clear expecations (e.g., "meet back here at 1:00", so they spent most of their time trying to gather up the troups, so t...

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Frequently Asked Questions about La Serena

What are some must-see attractions in La Serena?

La Serena is home to many beautiful attractions, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, and the Faro Monumental. The Plaza de Armas is the main square in La Serena and is surrounded by historic colonial buildings. The Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory is a famous astronomical observatory that offers tours to visitors. The Faro Monumental is a lighthouse that overlooks the ocean and offers stunning views of the coast.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in La Serena?

La Serena is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some popular activities include hiking in the nearby hills, visiting the Elqui Valley to see the vineyards and stargaze, and going to the beach. You can also take a boat tour to the nearby Isla Damas to see penguins and sea lions.

What are some good restaurants in La Serena?

There are many great restaurants in La Serena that serve a variety of cuisines. Some popular options include La Recova, which serves traditional Chilean food, and La Serena Golf, which offers fine dining with a beautiful view of the golf course. Another option is La Barra del Che, which serves seafood dishes and has a fun atmosphere.

What is the best time of year to visit La Serena?

The best time to visit La Serena is between December and March, which is the summer season in Chile. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

What are some good accommodations in La Serena?

There are many great accommodations in La Serena, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include the Hotel Club La Serena, which is a beachfront hotel with a pool and spa, and the Hostal El Arbol, which is a cozy bed and breakfast in the heart of the city. Another option is the Cabaas Las Tacas, which offers beautiful cabins in a quiet, peaceful setting.

What are some cultural activities to do in La Serena?

La Serena has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many activities that showcase this. Some popular options include visiting the Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the pre-Columbian era, and going to a performance at the Municipal Theater, which is located in the heart of the city. Another option is visiting the nearby town of Vicua, which is known for its wine and pisco production.

What are some family-friendly activities in La Serena?

La Serena is a great destination for families with children. Some popular activities include visiting the Jardn del Corazn, which is a beautiful park with a playground and picnic area, and going to the Japanese Garden, which is a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Another option is taking a bike tour of the city, which is a fun way to see the sights and get some exercise.

What are some good shopping options in La Serena?

La Serena has a variety of shopping options, including malls, markets, and boutiques. Some popular options include the Mall Plaza La Serena, which is a large shopping center with many stores and restaurants, and the Feria Modelo, which is a traditional market that sells a variety of goods. Another option is the Tiendas Paris department store, which offers a wide range of products.

What are some good day trips from La Serena?

There are many great day trips that you can take from La Serena. One popular option is to visit the nearby town of Coquimbo, which is known for its beautiful beaches and historic architecture. Another option is to go to the Elqui Valley, which is a scenic region that is home to many vineyards and offers great opportunities for stargazing. You can also take a boat tour to the nearby Isla Damas to see penguins and sea lions.

What is the nightlife like in La Serena?

La Serena has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late. Some popular options include the Barrio Ingls, which is a historic neighborhood with many bars and clubs, and the Casino de La Serena, which offers gambling and entertainment. Another option is the Paseo Peatonal, which is a pedestrian street with many restaurants and cafes.