"LA SERENA, the city of pisco and papayas!" Top 5 Page for this destination La Serena by Aquamantos

La Serena Travel Guide: 87 reviews and 201 photos

La Serena

This pic: Papayas, the typical fruit of La serena :0)

I have been living here since 1995, when I started my studies of Industrial Design at the University of La Serena.

La Serena is located in the IV region of Chile, or Region of Coquimbo(North). Is 473 km away from Santiago.
La Serena is the main city of this region, with 160.148 inhabs.
Is the second oldest city in Chile. It was founded in 1544, but it was refounded in 1549.
The city has 30 churches (if not more), many of them with their own convents.

What I really like of this city is that you have different and nice beaches nearby and also a fantastic and magical Valley 45 minutes away.
Some of the most important astronomical observatories are also placed in this area...

*Note: all the pics you'll see here are taken by me, unless I write beside who's from* :o)

CHANGING MONEY?

FIDES, Money Exchange, La Serena, Chile.

FIDES
This is a good place to change money.
You'll be attended by Maria Pia Vivaldi, she's a very nice and reliable person.
Phone-Fax : (56-51)214 554.
Addresse: Balmaceda #460- Edif Caracol- Loc 7.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Pretty beaches, the Elqui Valley with it's great weather the whole year, delicious sea food, fruits etc...
Cons: Lack of emphasis in the tourism field.

Intro Updated Oct 2, 2003
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Reviews (50)

A spider watching the Dam :o) - La Serena

Spiders.... Warnings and Dangers (2)

When you visit the Puclaro's Dam try to be careful if you lean on the handrail to watch the mountains....there are some... more travel advice

Puclaro's Dam Things to Do (21)

The construction of this dam started in 1997 and now it's a "must see" for the people who goes to the Elqui Valley. A... more travel advice

Pelicans... Off The Beaten Path (6)

At the Avenida del Mar you can see pelicans sometimes, they're so interesting animals..... The one you see in this pic... more travel advice

Las Tacas Resort, IV Region, Chile. - La Serena

LAS TACAS RESORT Things to Do (21)

This is a pretty place to go and take a look. Just a few areas are allowed to the general public and it's really nice.... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All A nice place near downtown La Serena.
Nightlife (3)
See All Wine and Pisco tours, interesting...
Shopping (6)
See All "Totora" hand-crafts
Restaurants (3)
See All Want a Cappuccino?

Favorites (3)
See All Sunsets in La Serena.....
Tourist Traps (1)
PEOPLE BEGGING FOR MONEY
Transportation (3)
See All Yellow Colectivos
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Travelogues (5)

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Comments (55)

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unravelau Jun 9, 2011 at 5:14 PM

A very pretty and interesting place to visit......thank you for showing me the great things to do. Carole.
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Babs1234 May 28, 2009 at 4:30 PM

Hi. My husband and I are thinking of spending about 10 weeks in Chile...would La Serena be a good place? We like beaches, exploring,nightlife,dancing etc.Any info would be appreciated
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plazamimi Sep 18, 2008 at 12:20 AM

thank you for all the great hands on info about this corner of the world. Its beautiful and enchanting, hop eto visit in person soon. Thanks, Mimi
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VeronicaG Nov 30, 2007 at 1:24 PM

It's two years later and I'm back to view your La Serena pages--we may be driving there in a month or so from Santiago. We'll see....nice tips.
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rmdw Aug 22, 2005 at 10:15 AM

I've never known much about Chile. It was nice learning about your country from your pages. One day I must visit!
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kyoub Jan 29, 2005 at 7:41 AM

A very interesting little town and a great page. I will go to La Serena the next time I visit Chili.
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bugulma Jun 12, 2004 at 9:28 AM

despite of La Serena is little town there are many interesting places :-)
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chancay Mar 8, 2004 at 4:50 AM

muy buena tu pagina! Me gusta mucho! Very informative!...but..the best Pisco Sour...? you mean the best in Chile ;-)) jejeje
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aussiedoug Mar 7, 2004 at 5:27 AM

Gr8 wines & gr8 waves! This is my kind of place Karin! (see my Margaret River page for the same). You're lucky to be at Uni' here. Just finished your must see's but after midnight here so have to read & rate the rest 2morrow! Good night!
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joernme Mar 2, 2004 at 5:26 AM

Karin, que lindas las fotos de tu region! I visited some yrs ago and found the whole region among the most appealing in all Chile. Want to switch hometown for a year? Nienburg ist auch schoen..... Super pages, my taste!