La Serena Travel Guide

Your comprehensive guide to La Serena, covering the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to La Serena

La Serena is a charming town located in the northern part of Chile, known for its sandy beaches, colonial architecture, and excellent weather. With its rich history and unique culture, La Serena is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Chile.

List of Places to Visit in La Serena

If you’re looking for things to do in La Serena, you won’t be disappointed! Here are some of the must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cathedral of La Serena: This stunning cathedral, built in a neoclassical style, is a leading attraction in La Serena.
  • Gabriela Mistral Museum: A dedicated museum to Chile’s first woman Nobel laureate featuring her poems, books, and other belongings.
  • Archaeological Museum: It is the place for archeology lovers where they can find ceramics, petroglyphs, clothes, funeral urns, and others.
  • La Recova Market: This traditional market, built in the 19th century, offers a wide range of local produce, including fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Natural Attractions of La Serena: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Elqui Valley: Known for its clear skies and stunning landscapes, a perfect spot for wine tasting.
  • Isla Damas: A small island rich in flora and fauna, it’s a great spot for kayaking and snorkeling.
  • Frasquito Forest: A serene, lush forest with picnic spots and hiking trails.
  • Playa del Faro: A beautiful sandy beach with great waves for surfing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Serena

There are some top-notch hiking and biking routes in La Serena. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Coquimbo Biking Route: A stunning bike path stretching from La Serena to Coquimbo, provides beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the city.
  • Elqui Valley Hiking Trail: This picturesque hiking route is known for its stunning landscapes and is popular among trekking enthusiasts.
  • La Florida Hiking Trail: This trail offers a scenic route through an old-growth forest with stunning views of the mountains.

Best Things to Do in La Serena: Activities and Tours

From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, La Serena has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in La Serena:

  • Stargazing Tour: A stargazing tour in Elqui Valley will get you up close and personal with the stars of the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Surfing Lessons: The beaches in La Serena offer great waves for beginners or pros.
  • Horseback Riding: A great way to explore the Elqui Valley or Frasquito Forest.
  • City Tour: Visit the most significant sites of La Serena, on a relaxing walk tour to discover the city’s best spots.

Week-Long Itinerary for La Serena

If you have a week to spend in La Serena, you can cover all the top tourist spots in the region. Here’s a potential itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival, explore the markets

Day 2: City tour, visit the historical places of La Serena

Day 3: Excursion to Elqui Valley - Explore the picturesque valley and enjoy a stargazing tour

Day 4: Visit the Frasquito Forest

Day 5: Excursion to Isla Damas

Day 6: Coquimbo Biking Route, cycling along the coast

Day 7: Relax on the beach, play beach games, and enjoy the waves!

Food and Drink Scene of La Serena

La Serena offers several dining options, and you can enjoy a variety of local dishes and drinks.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Churrasco with Pebre: A traditional Chilean dish consisting of a steak sandwich filled with Pebre, a spicy sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
  • Locos: A seafood delicacy in Chile, consisting of abalone cooked and served in various ways.
  • Pastel de jaiba: A baked dish of crab meat mixed with bread crumbs and milk

Local Beverages

  • Pisco Sour: A well-known cocktail drink made with Pisco and lemon juice.
  • Chicha: A fermented drink made from grapes.

Where to Stay in La Serena: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

La Serena has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in La Serena:

  • Hotel Costa Real: A luxurious hotel with great beach views.

  • Hostal El Arbol: A cozy and characterful hostel.

  • Hotel Serena Suite: A charming hotel located in the heart of the city.

What to Buy in La Serena: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to take home from La Serena:

  • Artesanías: Handmade crafts such as pottery and jewelry.

  • Cactus Candy: This specialty of Chile, a small candy made from cactus fruit.

  • Pisco: Originally from the Elqui Valley, this grape brandy is a Chilean favorite and a fantastic souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of La Serena

La Serena has a unique culture, with influences from Spain and indigenous Chilean tribes. Here are some of the customs and traditions to be aware of:

  • Religion: La Serena is predominantly Catholic.

  • Festivals: La Serena celebrates several festivals throughout the year.

  • Language: Spanish is the primary language spoken in La Serena.

Best Time to Visit La Serena

The best time to visit La Serena is between December to February, as the weather is warm, and it’s the peak tourist season. However, it’s essential to remember that the weather is mild throughout the year and that La Serena can be visited any time of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Serena

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites or attending festivals.

  • Be respectful to local people and their customs and traditions.

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Don’t engage in illegal activities, such as drugs or theft.

  • Don’t litter.

  • Don’t photograph people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in La Serena

La Serena is generally a safe location for travelers. It’s important to exercise caution when traveling around the city and to keep an eye on your belongings while in crowded areas.

Health in La Serena

La Serena has decent health facilities and medical assistance available.

Getting to La Serena: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near La Serena

La Florida Airport( LSC) is La Serena’s primary international airport, which is located east of the city and provides regular flights to Santiago and other cities in Chile.

Bus Stations Near La Serena

The main bus terminal in La Serena provides both local and overland bus services.

Other Options

There are also shared taxis, shuttle services, and private transfers available to get around the area.

How to Get Around in La Serena

The city is easy to navigate and has several modes of transportation. Buses, taxis, and bicycles are the most commonly used transportation options by locals and tourists alike.

Where to Go Next from La Serena: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Northern Chile, here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth visiting:

  • Valle del Elqui: Valley of Elqui that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

  • Punta de Choros: Punta de Choros that is famous for its whale watching tours.

  • Vicuña: A delightfully charming town and Pisco capital of Chile.

  • Iquique: One of Chile’s major cities famous for surfing and its the Zona Franca shopping zone.

Conclusion

La Serena is a destination that offers a perfect blend of unique culture, stunning natural beauty, and exciting adventures. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply relaxing on the beach, La Serena is a must-visit destination when exploring Chile’s northern region.

University of La Serena University of La Serena Courts of Justice and Plaza de Armas Courts of Justice and Plaza de Armas Cathedral of La Serena Cathedral of La Serena Lighthouse of La Serena Lighthouse of La Serena