Coquimbo

The main city of the region, a charming coastal port town with a rich maritime history and vibrant waterfront. It serves as the gateway to the Coquimbo region and offers excellent seafood restaurants, colonial architecture, and access to nearby beaches.

Things to do

• Paseo 21 de Mayo Waterfront — Stroll along this iconic seaside promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby La Serena coastline.
• Guanaquero Beach — Visit this popular sandy beach just north of Coquimbo's city center, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watching local fishermen.
• Coquimbo Port Tour — Explore the working fishing port to witness the maritime heritage and observe the daily catch being unloaded and processed.
• Cruz del Tercio Viewpoint — Climb to this hilltop cross monument for panoramic views of Coquimbo, La Serena, and the Pacific coastline.
• Peñuelas Market — Browse this traditional local market selling fresh seafood, produce, crafts, and regional products in an authentic Chilean setting.
• Boat Tours to Penguin Island — Take a short excursion to Isla de Pingüinos to observe Humboldt penguins and other seabirds in their natural habitat.

Food to try

• Ceviche — Fresh fish cured in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and chile peppers is a quintessential Coquimbo specialty found at waterfront restaurants.
• Empanadas de Mariscos — Baked pastries filled with local shellfish, cheese, and onions that represent classic Chilean street food in the port town.
• Congrio Frito — Fried congrio eel, a local white fish delicacy served with lemon and fresh salads at seaside eateries.
• Pastel de Erizos — A savory sea urchin pie dish showcasing the region's prized erizos (sea urchins) harvested from nearby waters.
• Paila Marina — A hearty seafood soup or stew combining fish, shellfish, and broth that exemplifies Coquimbo's fishing culture.

Local customs & good to know

• Fishing Schedule Awareness — Visit the port early in the morning to see the catch and experience the town's maritime rhythm, as activity peaks before noon.
• Spanish Language Helpful — While tourism areas have English speakers, knowing basic Spanish phrases enhances interactions with locals and restaurant staff.
• Respect for Religious Architecture — Coquimbo maintains colonial churches and religious sites; dress modestly and ask permission before photographing inside sacred spaces.
• Summer Season Peak — December to February is high season with warm weather and crowded beaches; consider visiting shoulder seasons for a more relaxed experience.