What to do and see in La Serena, Coquimbo Region: The Best Things to do

November 8, 2021 Layne Dawes

Discover the best top things to do in La Serena, Chile including Enchanted Valley (Valle del Encanto), Valle del Elqui, Fray Jorge National Park, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, Punta Choros, Jardin del Corazon, Isla Damas, Catedral De San Bartolome De La Serena, Valle del Elqui, Avenida del Mar.
Restaurants in La Serena

1. Enchanted Valley (Valle del Encanto)

Ovalle, La Serena Chile (53) 620 068 http://www.ovallito.cl/encanto
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Enchanted Valley (Valle del Encanto)

Discovered in 1946, this National Historic Monument is filled with petroglyphs and fossils.

Reviewed By ch812 - Washington DC, United States

What a stunning little site. We were met warmly at the main entrance at the top of the hill and after paying CP2800 for our entry and the car, we drove down in to the little valley to start looking around. We were given a map in English and Spanish. After about 20 minutes of walking we bumped into a guide and a guide in training who then spent the next two and a half hours guiding us around in English (and picking up other visitors as we went). Having the guides really added to our experience and understanding of this amazing site, although the petroglyphs etc are all marked with arrows and numbers. amazing to think for 4000 years people have been coming here Once the sun came out it got very hot and you needed water. There were clean porta potties in the park.

2. Valle del Elqui

La Serena Chile +56 51 245 1917 http://www.valledeelqui.cl
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,418 reviews

Valle del Elqui

This beautifully landscaped valley is rumored to be linked with extraterrestrial activity throughout the years.

Reviewed By ronnyjd0509 - Antwerp, Belgium

What a place! Extremely nice and such clear skies to watch the stars and the galaxies! Awesome! We enjoyed mountain-biking and some walk in the valley. The small village of Alcohuaz is highly recommended and as wine you must taste Rhu! Unique.

3. Fray Jorge National Park

Route 5, La Serena Chile http://www.conaf.cl/parques/parque-nacional-bosques-de-fray-jorge
Excellent
47%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 171 reviews

Fray Jorge National Park

The multiple ecosystems in this immense park include Valdivian forests overflowing with ferns and cinnamon trees, and is home to a variety of species including eagles, pumas and guanacos.

4. Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory

Colina El Pino s/n Casilla 603, La Serena Chile (011)-56-51-2205200 http://www.ctio.noao.edu/
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95 reviews

Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory

Reviewed By judythr

This was a remarkably informative experience. I was lucky to be on a Spanish/English tour because I got to hear everything twice. So much to take in! Kadur has worked at Tololo since he was 23 (maybe in his 50's now). He beams with enthusiasm when sharing in depth about the telescope, the recent developments in astronomy....all of it. Though it was a day-time experience, I learned far more than at the Pangue Observatory. Tololo may become outdated because of the soon-to-be-completed observatory near Antofagasta. But I found the tour to be fascinating!

5. Punta Choros

La Serena Chile +56 51 221 8970 http://www.turismopuntadechoros.cl
Excellent
60%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 598 reviews

Punta Choros

6. Jardin del Corazon

Avenida Francisco De Aguirre 350 Horarios de atención., La Serena 1710132 Chile 5651217013 http://turismoregiondecoquimbo.cl/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Desplegable-Jard%C3%ADn-Japon%C3%A9s.pdf
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 690 reviews

Jardin del Corazon

Reviewed By nicolineb466 - Roosendaal, The Netherlands

Well what a surprise,to find this beautiful Japanse garden in La Serena. Very quiet too! If you have time,it’s a must see! Entrance fee very cheap too! We had a lovely day and had a lovely walk through this botanical garden????

7. Isla Damas

La Serena Chile +56 51 221 8970 http://www.ecoturismolaserena.cl
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 852 reviews

Isla Damas

8. Catedral De San Bartolome De La Serena

Gregorio Cordovez 327, La Serena 1710116 Chile +56 51 221 6956 [email protected] http://www.arzobispadodelaserena.cl/
Excellent
45%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 224 reviews

Catedral De San Bartolome De La Serena

Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States

The exterior of this moderate Cathedral is currently in the midst of having its exterior restored, Even with that happening, we loved stopping here on a Sunday to take a quick look of the interior. It is not over-the-top like many European Cathedrals but is more simple, yet beautiful. It features many gorgeous stained glass windows. BOTTOM LINE: This church is easy to find because it is located directly across the street from the main city plaza, Plaza de Armas. The construction began on this church in 1844 and dedicated twelve years later. The massive front doors are amazing. The Cathedral is named after San Bartolome who is the patron saint of La Serena. MY RATING: 8/10

9. Valle del Elqui

el Valle se extiende durante toda la carretera, La Serena Chile +56 9 9127 9095
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 180 reviews

Valle del Elqui

10. Avenida del Mar

Avenida del Mar, La Serena Chile
Excellent
45%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,048 reviews

Avenida del Mar

Sparkling beaches, hot hotels and local restaurants line this city street.

Reviewed By SIBARITA0305 - Santiago, Chile

Beautiful avenue that borders the ocean with a nice beach and great condominiums. It has great ambiance with its many bars and restaurants. Reminds you of Barra de Tijuca in Rio.

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