Coquimbo and La Serena Highlights and Beaches

Driving through downtown Coquimbo, you'll pass the Plaza de Armas or main square, where you will see a mix of colonial and modern architecture. Continue on to La Herradura. During a brief stop at this seaside resort, your guide will regale you with legends of pirates and corsairs.

Along the coast, you will see the old lighthouse, a symbol of La Serena. Then make your way down the lovely tree-lined Francisco de Aguirre Avenue, stopping at the Archaeological Museum, which houses the most complete collection of pre-colonial artifacts from this region.

There is a splendid display of Diaguita pottery as well as an original Moai from Easter Island. A short walk from the museum brings you to La Recova Market, where you will have some free time to browse among handicrafts, pottery, papaya products, semi-precious stones, and alpaca wool handicrafts. Your next stop is La Serena University.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and Coquimbo Bay before returning to the pier.