Things To Do
in La Serena
La Serena is a charming coastal city located in northern Chile, known for its beautiful beaches and clear skies, making it a popular destination for stargazing. The city is also famous for its Spanish colonial architecture, including the historic La Recova market and the impressive La Serena Cathedral. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in La Serena, such as surfing, swimming, and exploring the nearby Elqui Valley, home to picturesque vineyards and pisco distilleries.
With its pleasant climate and laid-back atmosphere, La Serena offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for tourists.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Adiós" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the beautiful beaches of La Serena. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a beachside café with stunning ocean views.
Take a stroll through the La Serena Lighthouse and its surrounding park. This area is perfect for a leisurely walk and capturing some beautiful photos.
Dine at a local seafood restaurant to savor the fresh flavors of the coast. Enjoy a sunset view as you unwind from your day.
Spend your morning at the Archaeological Museum of La Serena, which showcases the region's rich history. Take your time exploring the various exhibits and artifacts.
Visit the nearby Santo Domingo Church, a beautiful historical site. Learn about its significance and admire the architecture.
Enjoy dinner at a charming restaurant in the Plaza de Armas. Immerse yourself in the local culture while tasting traditional Chilean dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and seaside views
- Mild climate year-round
- Rich cultural heritage and historical sites
- Proximity to the Elqui Valley, famous for stargazing
- Growing tourism and hospitality services
- Access to fresh seafood and local cuisine
- Limited job opportunities in certain fields
- Higher cost of living compared to other regions in Chile
- Public transportation can be unreliable
- May experience seasonal tourism fluctuation
- Infrastructure may be lacking in some areas
- Water scarcity issues in the region
Best Activities in La Serena
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the night sky and learn about astronomy at this observatory located near La Serena.
Take a tour of the picturesque Elqui Valley, known for its vineyards, pisco distilleries, and beautiful landscapes.
Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at the popular La Serena Beach, which offers a relaxing seaside escape.
Discover diverse flora and fauna while hiking through the tranquil forests of Fray Jorge National Park.
Tours
Uncover the best of La Serena with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in La Serena
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the city and coastline
Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
Ideal for capturing the local culture and vibrant atmosphere
Food in La Serena
La Serena Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty chicken stew with potatoes, corn, rice, and various vegetables, seasoned with Chilean herbs and spices. It's a comforting dish that can be found in many local restaurants and homes.
Must-Try!
These savory turnovers are filled with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, raisins, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs. They are widely available in bakeries and food stalls across La Serena.
A flavorful seafood soup brimming with an assortment of fresh fish, shellfish, and local ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, and herbs. It's a popular choice at seaside eateries and traditional seafood restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know La Serena better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market is a culinary hub showcasing an array of fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties. Visitors can sample traditional street food like choripanes (Chilean sausage sandwiches) and fresh empanadas.
The bustling beachfront promenade is lined with food stalls offering a variety of tempting treats such as ceviche, grilled seafood skewers, and crispy churros. It's a paradise for seafood lovers and those craving authentic street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In La Serena, it's important to be punctual out of respect for others' time. Arriving on time for social gatherings, meetings, and appointments is considered a sign of courtesy.
When addressing older individuals or those in positions of authority in La Serena, it's customary to use formal language and titles as a sign of respect. Using 'usted' instead of 'tú' is considered polite.
Greetings in La Serena often involve close physical contact such as a handshake, hug, or kiss on the cheek. It's important to observe and follow the lead of the locals in social settings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of La Serena with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in La Serena
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in La Serena, Chile, but it is appreciated in restaurants, bars, and cafes if the service has been good. A customary tip is around 10% of the total bill.
In La Serena, Chile, cash is widely used for smaller transactions, while credit and debit cards are accepted in most larger establishments. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and when visiting local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into La Serena.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit La Serena, as the weather starts to warm up and the city is in bloom with beautiful flowers. It's also a good time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's natural attractions.
Summer is the peak tourist season in La Serena, with warm temperatures perfect for enjoying the city's beaches and outdoor festivals. Expect crowded beaches and lively atmosphere during this time.
Autumn brings milder temperatures and beautiful fall foliage to La Serena. It's a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists, making it ideal for those looking for a more relaxed experience.
Winter in La Serena sees cooler temperatures, but it's still a great time to visit if you're interested in stargazing. The city is known for its clear skies, making it an ideal destination for astronomy enthusiasts.
La Serena at Night
Hiking in La Serena
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park located about 70 km from La Serena, known for its unique vegetation and stunning landscapes, featuring coastal cliffs and a variety of hiking trails.
Famous for its beautiful scenery and starry skies, Elqui Valley offers numerous hiking opportunities through vineyards and along river valleys, with routes suitable for all skill levels.
A popular hiking destination within La Serena, Cerro Grande offers panoramic views of the city and the coast. The trail is moderate in difficulty and takes about 2 hours to complete.
Located further afield but worth the trip, this park offers various hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to dry landscapes. It's perfect for those looking for adventure and scenic vistas.
A bit further from La Serena, this reserve allows for exploration of unique desert landscapes and unusual flora. It offers several trails for hiking enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into La Serena through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach La Serena by plane.
The main airport serving La Serena, primarily for domestic flights.
Although far, it is one of the biggest international airports in a larger context within Spain, approximately 8,000 km away.
The largest international airport in Chile, located in Santiago, approximately 470 km from La Serena.
An international airport serving Antofagasta, located around 580 km north of La Serena.
An international airport in Punta Arenas, located approximately 2,250 km south of La Serena, also serving flights to nearby countries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in La Serena, consisting of individuals with Latin American ancestry.
A noticeable demographic group, primarily of European ancestry, reflecting historical migration patterns.
Including groups such as the Diaguita, who have historical ties to the region.
This includes smaller communities of various ethnic backgrounds, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
The Soul of La Serena
Discover the essence of La Serena through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in La Serena and Chile as a whole, with many local clubs and a passionate fan base.
Volleyball enjoys significant popularity, with various local teams and beach volleyball being a common recreational activity.
Due to its coastal location, surfing is a favored sport in La Serena, attracting both locals and tourists to its beaches.
Basketball is played widely in schools and local clubs, contributing to the sports culture in La Serena.
Athletics, including track and field events, is popular among youth and is often featured in local competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting La Serena.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in La Serena provide delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as quinoa salads, vegetable empanadas, and flavorful stews. Visitors can explore eateries like Delicias Naturales and El Huerto for exemplary plant-based offerings.
Travelers with gluten intolerance can savor gluten-free pastries, bread, and various dishes at accommodating venues like Café Totem and Di Vino. These establishments prioritize offering safe and appetizing options for patrons with dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of La Serena with these cultural adventures.
