Visit La Recova Market
Historic Center 2 hrs
Browse local crafts, pisco, and fresh produce at this vibrant market.
Where to stay
Hotels in La Serena
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At a glance
Climate
Arid
Languages
Spanish
Local currency
CLP
(CLP)
Local time
(GMT-3)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Avenida del Mar
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10% for good service
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
75 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Machas a la Parmesana
Empanadas de marisco
Ceviche
Pastel de Jaiba
When to visit La Serena
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January
Busiest: Dec-Feb
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Jan90
Warm, sunny, peak season
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Feb88
Warm, sunny, peak season
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Mar80
Pleasant, late summer
-
Apr70
Mild, clear skies
-
May60
Cooler, calm
-
Jun55
Mild winter, some rain
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Jul55
Mild winter, some rain
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Aug60
Warming, clear skies
-
Sept70
Spring, pleasant
-
Oct78
Warm, sunny
-
Nov85
Warm, pre-summer
-
Dec88
Warm, sunny, early summer
Things to do in La Serena
8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 8 of 8 places ·
Best in the morning
2 places
Wander through Jardín Japonés
City Center 1 hr
Find tranquility in this beautifully maintained Japanese garden.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Explore Faro Monumental
Avenida del Mar 1.5 hrs
Climb La Serena's iconic lighthouse for panoramic coastal views.
Explore the historic center
Historic Center 3 hrs
Admire colonial architecture and visit various churches and plazas.
Best in the evening
1 place
Observe stars at Mamalluca Observatory
Elqui Valley 3 hrs
Experience world-class stargazing at a public observatory near Vicuña.
Any time of day
3 places
Stroll along Avenida del Mar
Avenida del Mar 2 hrs
Enjoy the expansive beach promenade connecting La Serena and Coquimbo.
Discover Elqui Valley
Elqui Valley 8 hrs
Tour pisco distilleries and enjoy the clear skies of this mystical valley.
Savor fresh seafood
Avenida del Mar 1.5 hrs
Indulge in local delicacies like Machas a la Parmesana at a beachfront restaurant.
Things to book
Tours and activities in La Serena
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour - Short Cruise Excursion
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Elqui Valley Tour: Full Day History and Flavors
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Elqui Valley: Pisco Tour, Wine, Beer
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Valdivian Forest, Fray Jorge National Park and Valle del Encanto -Full day
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Coast and Atacama Desert English Bay and Sugar Loaf from La Serena
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Origins of Chilean Wine and Pisco Route: La Serena Valle del Elqui
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Elqui Valley and Vicuna Private Tour Including Lunch
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Activity in the Fray Jorge National Park - Tongoy
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near La Serena
Straight-line distance from the centre of La Serena.
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