La Serena

Chile's second-oldest city, known for its beautiful neoclassical architecture and pristine beaches along the Pacific. It's the cultural and commercial heart of the Coquimbo region with excellent museums, plazas, and a thriving nightlife scene.

Things to do

• Explore Plaza de Armas — Stroll through La Serena's main square surrounded by neoclassical buildings, the Cathedral, and local shops, ideal for people-watching and understanding the city's colonial heritage.
• Visit La Recova Market — Browse this iconic L-shaped market featuring local crafts, souvenirs, fresh produce, and regional goods in a traditional Chilean marketplace setting.
• Beach day at Playa El Peñon — Swim and relax at this sandy beach with calm waters, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed vibe popular with both tourists and locals.
• Museo Arqueológico de La Serena — Discover pre-Hispanic artifacts and Eleaster Island (Rapa Nui) moai replicas in this excellent regional archaeology museum showcasing northern Chilean indigenous cultures.
• Coquimbo waterfront walk — Walk along the nearby port town's scenic peninsula and beach promenade to enjoy fresh air, street food vendors, and views of the Pacific.
• Museo Regional de Atacama — Explore colonial art, religious reliquaries, and regional history spanning from pre-Columbian times through the 19th century.

Food to try

• Empanadas de mariscos — Baked pastry pockets filled with fresh local seafood, onions, and spices, a ubiquitous and affordable street food throughout La Serena.
• Pastel de choclo — Savory pie topped with fresh corn paste and filled with meat, hard-boiled egg, and olives, a traditional Chilean comfort dish especially common in coastal regions.
• Ceviche — Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and chilies, a signature Pacific coastal dish best enjoyed at beachfront restaurants.
• Picoroco — A large local crustacean similar to barnacles, typically steamed or boiled and served with lemon at seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
• Chupe de locos — Creamy shellfish stew featuring local sea urchins and other mollusks, a rich and hearty soup unique to the Coquimbo region's Pacific waters.

Local customs & good to know

• Afternoon siesta tradition — Many businesses close between 1 and 3 p.m. for lunch and rest, so plan activities accordingly and embrace the slower pace of Chilean coastal life.
• Spanish language and friendliness — While some tourism workers speak English, learning basic Spanish phrases will greatly enhance interactions and show respect for local culture in this Chilean city.
• Summer season peaks in December-February — La Serena fills with Chilean tourists during southern hemisphere summer, so book accommodations early and expect crowded beaches and higher prices during these months.
• Nightlife district along Avenida del Mar — La Serena's vibrant nightlife scene centers around beachfront bars and clubs that stay open late, reflecting the city's reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub.