Making the most of Coquimbo
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The port of Coquimbo. It is less than one mile to the center of town and approximately 10 miles to La Serena. Taxis are generally available at the pier. It is recommend establishing the fare with the driver before departing the port.
Coquimbo lies in a valley 10 km (6 mi) south of La Serena, with which it forms Greater La Serena with more than 400,000 inhabitants. The city is a source of legends and mysterious treasures, due to the fact that in past centuries it was attacked by pirates and privateers. It was founded on 5 May 1867.
Visit the monument of the Third Millennium Cross, a true icon of the Christian faith in Chile. From the height of his arms, we contemplate a beautiful view of the city. You should visit the Plaza de Armas, Plaza Prat and Avenida Costanera, the Museum and the House of Culture and Tourism. To the south, you will come to La Herradura beach, and to the north Los Hornos cove, Totoralillo Norte and El Temblador beach. Coquimbo joins La Serena via Peñuelas, where you will find a casino, places to eat, places to stay, and other attractions.
Getting around
There are plenty of beaches in the area to visit.
Nearby places
It is an access point for popular beach towns to the south, such as Guanaqueros and Tongoy
Food and shopping
In Coquimbo, Calle Aldunate is the main shopping street. La Serena offers additional shopping opportunities, including La Recova Market and Plaza Mall. Store hours are generally 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Money
Credit Card acceptance is considerably reduced in small towns and communities, for which reason when visiting these it is recommended you take with you cash in local currency: the Chilean peso. 1 USD = 712 CLP. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Staying connected
Spanish is Chile's official language
Chile has so-called cyber-cafes, stores offering Internet access. The cost of accessing the world info network varies from town to town. In Santiago, an hour online costs 4 dollars, while in Calama it costs 6 dollars, approximately. On the other hand, the main hotels and lodging places frequently offer Internet access to their guests, in many instances at no extra charge.
Ambulance service: 131 Fire Brigade: 132 Carabineros (Chilean police): 133 Drug Enforcement: 135 Andean Mountain Rescue Squad: 136 Sea Rescue: 137
Opening Hours and
Business and trade establishments in Chile are generally open to the public from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a 60-minute lunch break at 1 p.m. Saturday timetable is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In malls, the timetable is Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Annually, Coquimbo hosts Chile’s biggest popular festival, La Pampilla, during Independence Day festivities from September 18 to 20.