City Guide for: Coquimbo, Chile

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Coquimbo, Chile Guide

Coquimbo is a coastal city in Chile known for its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. Visitors can explore the city's colonial-era buildings, visit historic sites like La Serena Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum, and relax on the beautiful beaches along the coast. Coquimbo offers a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and seafood cuisine for tourists to enjoy.

Transportation

Coquimbo has a limited public transportation system, with buses and taxis being the main modes of getting around the city. Visitors can also rent cars or join guided tours to explore the surrounding areas and attractions.

Airport

The nearest airport to Coquimbo is La Florida Airport, located approximately 9 miles away. Visitors can reach the city center from the airport by taxi or rental car, with transportation services readily available for travelers.

Attractions

La Serena city tour

La Serena city tour La Serena is a charming coastal city in Chile, known for its colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can take guided city tours to explore historic landmarks like the Plaza de Armas, the La Recova market, and the San Francisco Church. The city is also a great base for exploring the nearby Elqui Valley, famous for its vineyards and stargazing opportunities.

Elqui Valley wine tasting

Elqui Valley wine tasting The Elqui Valley is a picturesque wine region in Chile, known for producing high-quality wines like pisco and syrah. Visitors can take guided tours of the valley's vineyards, learning about the winemaking process and sampling a variety of wines. The valley's stunning landscapes, with rolling hills and clear skies, make it a perfect setting for wine tasting and relaxation. Don't miss the chance to try a traditional pisco sour cocktail, made with the region's signature grape brandy.

Stargazing in Elqui Valley

Stargazing in Elqui Valley Experience some of the best stargazing in the world in the clear skies of the Elqui Valley, home to several observatories and astronomical tours.

La Herradura Beach

La Herradura Beach La Herradura Beach is a popular destination in Coquimbo for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach offers calm waters and golden sands, perfect for families and beachgoers of all ages. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis, or simply relax under a beach umbrella and enjoy the ocean views. The beach is also lined with restaurants and cafes, serving up fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.

La Serena Archaeological Museum

La Serena Archaeological Museum Discover the rich history of the region through exhibits on pre-Columbian cultures, colonial artifacts, and archaeological finds at this fascinating museum.

Cruz del Tercer Milenio

Cruz del Tercer Milenio Cruz del Tercer Milenio is a large cross monument located on a hill overlooking Coquimbo. The monument offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean, making it a popular spot for visitors to take in the scenery and snap photos. The site also features a small chapel and a museum showcasing religious artifacts and artwork.

Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas Plaza de Armas is the main square in Coquimbo and a hub of activity in the city. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Church of San Pedro, and is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can relax on the benches, admire the fountain, and explore the nearby shops and cafes.

El Faro Monumental

El Faro Monumental El Faro Monumental is a lighthouse located on the coast of Coquimbo. It is a historic landmark that has been guiding ships to safety since the early 20th century. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the ocean and the city. The surrounding area is also a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with ocean views.

Day Trips

La Serena

La Serena is a charming coastal city just a short drive from Coquimbo. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant markets, La Serena offers a perfect day trip destination. Visit the La Recova market to shop for local handicrafts, relax on the Playa de Cuatro Esquinas beach, and explore the colonial-era Iglesia San Francisco.

Travel Time

30 minutes by car

Activities
  • Visit La Recova market
  • ,
  • Relax on Playa de Cuatro Esquinas beach
  • ,
  • Explore Iglesia San Francisco

Valle del Elqui

Valle del Elqui is a picturesque valley known for its stunning landscapes, clear skies for stargazing, and pisco production. Take a tour of a pisco distillery, visit the town of Pisco Elqui, and enjoy the natural beauty of the valley. Don't miss the opportunity to stargaze at one of the observatories in the area.

Travel Time

1.5 hours by car

Activities
  • Tour a pisco distillery
  • ,
  • Visit Pisco Elqui
  • ,
  • Stargaze at an observatory