La Serena, Coquimbo and Mamalluca

Day 01: La Serena Airport – La Serena

Reception in the Airport and transfer to hotel in La Serena.

City tour La Serena / Coquimbo. Pick up from your hotel. The tour departs from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). This is a three-hour guided tour throughout the history, the neocolonial architecture and natural beauty of La Serena. The first stop will be the Archaeological Museum with a tour through the history and evolution of the city. The tour visits the picturesque handicraft market of La Recova, full of typical crafts, papaya products cultivated from the Elqui Valley, jumpers knitted from alpaca wool, ceramics with Diaguita (native people) designs. There is time for us to enjoy the panoramic view from the hill of the University of La Serena over the city and the bay of Coquimbo affording a splendid opportunity for a photo stop. The tour continues to the El Faro Lighthouse, symbol of La Serena, and then the Del Mar Avenue, where sophisticated buildings and tourist complexes will feature the region’s tourist growth. The traditional fish market by the Port of Coquimbo is typical of this region, showing the great variety of fish and shellfish, which are available. This colorful scene shows the main industry of the city and its close connection with the ocean. As the tour continues to the beautiful resort of La Herradura in the bay of Guayacan, the history and legends of the pirates who invaded this coast is unveiled. Lodging at the selected hotel.

Day 02: La Serena – Mamalluca Observatory

From our hotel in La Serena we will go to the Mamalluca Observatory. The Mamalluca amateur observatory is 1,200 meters above the sea level and far away from the light pollution of the city. Upon our arrival, the staff will give us an explanation and introduction to the stars, planets and galaxies. In small groups we will access to the 12 inch diameter telescope which is installed in the small dome or to use the portable telescopes outside in order to observe the stars in one of the clearest atmospheres in the world. Return to La Serena. Lodging at the selected hotel.
Day 03: La Serena - La Serena Airport

After our breakfast, at the agreed time, transfer hotel La Serena - Airport.