Coquimbo, Chile

Coquimbo is a port city and capital of the Elqui Province, located on the Pan-American Highway, in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. Located 12 km south of La Serena and 462 km north of Santiago, Coquimbo is the most important port of the region. It lies beside the coastal hills and has busy commercial districts.

The charming city is a wonderful mix of narrow streets dotted with no fewer than 29 pristine churches. Colonial bell towers and pastel façades conceal craft markets and sleepy squares. Attractions include 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 games casino, places to eat, places to stay, and other attractions.

Things to see and do

* Plaza de Armas
* Avenida Costanera - fishing terminal
* Punta de Tortuga - scenic footpath
* San Pedro Church
* Guayacán Bay - situated next to the Port of Coquimbo

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Peso (CLP)
Language - Spanish
Population - 145,000 approx
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 56

Port Location - The port at Coquimbo is located in the downtown area of the city.

Transport Links - LAN flies three times daily from Santiago de Chile to La Serena at 10:50, 14:00 and 19:00. Flight duration is 1 hour.

Buses leave several times every hour from Santiago de Chile to La Serena. The trip takes 7 - 8 hours. Companies include Pullman Bus, TurBus and Flota Barrios.