COQUIMBO SHORE EXCURSIONS
Coquimbo & La Serena Shore Excursions
For more information or questions about Coquimbo or any other destination in South America, please contact us at: info@southexcursions.com
Elqui Valley (7 Hrs)
The Elqui Valley is part of La Serena, located about 500 km from the capital city of Chile, Santiago. This Valley is formed by the fertile lands on the banks of the Elqui river, which runs down from the Andes mountains. During your tour, you will visit the colonial town of Vicuña, where you will see the Museum of the Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature, Gabriela Mistral; and will also visit Monte Grande, where you will find a memorial for the poet.
The Elqui Valley is blessed with some of the clearest skies in the planet and with 300 days of sun annually. Due to this natural phenomenon, you can find multiple observatories that belong to different astronomical research institutions from around the world. Furthermore, this region is known for being the best place in Chile to grow grapes for the pisco industry. Since pisco is the Chilean national drink, during your visit to the Elqui valley, you will taste some of this great beverage. Lunch at the Solar Restaurant is optional.
La Serena city tour (4Hrs)
La Serena is located 472 km north of Santiago and 12 km of Coquimbo, with which it forms a conurbation, and it has a population of approximately 198,164. It is surrounded by remarkable beaches washed by the warm sea, Elqui valley, and green areas. Since La Serena was founded in 1544, it is considered the second oldest city in Chile, after Santiago. During that time, it served as a land and sea link with Peru.
As you will see, its architectural features that stand out the most include colonial, mining, and neo-colonial. The layout of square blocks around the plaza has been preserved; the mining boom triggered the construction of many churches and houses and later, the Spanish style was imposed on public and private buildings. La Serena is noted for the wide range of tourist services available, especially in the Avenida del Mar sector.
Isla Damas (5Hrs)
The Humboldt Penguin National Reserve is located in the area of Chañaral de Aceituno, with a surface area that covers 859 hectares and spreads over three islands: Chañaral de Aceituno, Damas, and Choros.
This is a nature reserve for bottlenose dolphins that swim around the formation of islands, making this an area of extreme natural beauty.
These islands are also known for containing other species of flora and fauna, including those native to the flowering desert that also covers this area and the Humboldt Penguin—hence the name of the reserve. While visiting the National Reserve, you will be able to take part in activities such as excursions, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and more.
*Recommended for people staying more than one day in Coquimbo or La Serena
Mamalluca
This observatory is a scientific, touristic, and educational complex which lies 9 km northeast of the town of Vicuña, 60 km east of La Serena, and 565 km of Santiago, at an altitude of 1,200 m above sea level. It is open to the public, allowing tourists—especially those who have a particular interest in astronomy—to visit the observatory every night of the year (subject to change due to unforeseen weather conditions).
The starting time of this tour depends on the observatory’s availability. This Mamalluca educational tour will be given by an expert on the area who will explain everything there is to know about this topic. You will have the chance to observe the stars, the planets, nebulas, and much more, all through a 30-cm-diameter telescope. A souvenir shop is available for visitors. The tour ends at around 11:45PM.
*Recommended for people staying more than one day in Coquimbo or La Serena
For bookings, please contact us at: sales3@southexcursions.com
