City in Coquimbo, Chile
La Serena
Coastal Chilean city of beaches, colonial churches and a gateway to the Elqui Valley's pisco and star-gazing. Sunny, relaxed and good value; coastal fog and a quiet nightlife are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,120–1,730Comfortable, one person · $1.1M–1.7MDetails
- Value for money80/100Better value than 79% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Jan, 28°CDetails
- Air quality14 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2019) · ModerateDetails
- Internet364 MbpsFixed broadband, Chile medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and generally safe in the city; bottled is common for valley trips.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–61Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless are widely accepted; keep some pesos for colectivos, markets and Elqui Valley villages.Details
Where to stay in La Serena
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro | Colonial streets, cafés, churches and markets; most walkable |
| Avenida del Mar | Seafront hotels and beaches, 3 km from the centre |
| Peñuelas | Quiet residential area and beaches south of La Serena |
| Coquimbo | Port city next door with nightlife and cheaper stays |
Apps that work in La Serena
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Operates 24 h in La Serena and Coquimbo |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Delivery and pickup in La Serena |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Recorrido.cl: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Taxis are metered but check the fare; colectivos are cheap. Book Elqui Valley tours and drivers in advance in summer.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Chile.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless are widely accepted; keep some pesos for colectivos, markets and Elqui Valley villages.
- Currency: Peso (CLP). US$1 ≈ $982.01 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards a fixed fee per withdrawal and cap amounts fairly low.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% tip; the server or card machine asks if you want it included. Taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at almost all contactless terminals.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Declare all food, plant and animal products on the SAG form; undeclared fruit or meat brings heavy fines.
- Entry generates a digital tourist card; keep it, as hotels ask for it with your passport to waive 19% VAT.
Emergency numbers
Police 133 · Ambulance 131 · Fire 132
Plugs
Type C, L · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Entel, Movistar, WOM or Claro are sold in carrier shops and kiosks for a few thousand pesos; register with your passport. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Chile
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.