La Serena: The Best Beaches in a Colonial Setting
La Serena is one of the loveliest and liveliest cities in Chile’s northern region. Its attractions include excellent hotel and dining options, beaches, historic tours and proximity to the Elqui and Limarí Valleys.
Though it is often linked to the nearby city of Coquimbo, La Serena’s architecture sets it apart. The city’s picturesque, colonial-style old quarter makes for an interesting visit, with buildings that offer plenty of terrific photo opportunities. Visit its Museo Arqueológico and the churches and bell towers that makes this city so distinctive, including the Cathedral, the San Agustín Convent, the Church of San Francisco (a national monument dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries), and the Church of Santo Domingo (18th century). You can wind up your tour with a visit to the Parque Japonés, the largest Japanese park in South America.
There’s not better way to discover the authentic culture and cuisine of a city than at its markets. Ask anyone in La Serena, and they’ll point you to La Recova, where you’ll find a host of products made with the area’s typical fruit, the papaya, including juice, liquor, syrup and candy. You can also buy papaya dried with sugar or the fruit in its natural form.
The beaches of La Serena are truly stupendous, with Peñuelas, El Faro, Mansa and Cuatro Esquinas offering excellent water sports. At night, Avenida del Mar becomes an epicenter of social interaction, with a variety of pubs, restaurants, bars and night clubs.
Come to La Serena. Whether you visit in summer or winter, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Featured Destinations
Touristic Services
Getting There
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By Plane
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| From Santiago, there are daily flights to the La Florida Aerodrome in La Serena (1h). |
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By Bus
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From Santiago, buses depart from:
• Terminal Los Héroes: Located on Tucapel Jiménez and Alameda near the Los Héroes Metro Station. A number of bus lines offer trips to the northern part of the country. Telephone: (562) 420-0099
• Terminal San Borja (formerly Terminal Norte): Situated at the intersection of San Borja and Alameda near the Estación Central train station. Several companies provide service to northern Chile and within the Metropolitan Region. Telephone: (562) 776-0645
You’ll find buses traveling inland to Ovalle, Monte Patria, Pisco Elqui and Vicuña from La Serena and Coquimbo. |
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By Car
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| From Santiago, take Route 5 north (470 km). |
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Tips
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| Summer in La Serena |
Parque Japonés (Japanese Park) |
Lodging |
| The best time to come to La Serena is during the summer. The weather is exquisite and there are all sorts of crafts fairs, book fairs, folk fairs and summer celebrations. |
Also known as Parque Jardín del Corazón, this park offers a calm, meditative experience. Its 26,000 square meters include fountains with colorful fish, babbling brooks, and beautiful plants and trees. A truly transformative experience. Don’t miss it. |
La Serena is home to options for all tastes and price ranges. You can choose from five-star hotels, cabin areas (some very modern), camping areas, and house and apartment rentals. In all cases, the best option is to make reservations in advance, especially during the summer and on holidays. |
| Other Nearby Beaches |
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| If you like the area but your main priority is finding peace, head south to the resort towns of Totoralillo, Las Tacas and Guanaqueros. If you’re looking for quality surfing, don’t miss Punta Teatinos, 10 km north of La Serena. |
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Coquimbo
La Serena
Fray Jorge National Park
Pichidangui
Tongoy
Elqui Valley
Limarí Valley
