City in Coquimbo, Chile
La Serena for solo travelers
Is La Serena good for solo travel?
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.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women. Expect some catcalling and use ride apps or taxis at night, especially after bars. |
How to meet people in La Serena
Hostels in the centre run tours; stargazing at Elqui Valley observatories, surf and kitesurf lessons, and group pisco tastings in Vicuña.
Good things to do alone
- Stargaze at an Elqui Valley observatory
- Taste pisco at a Capel or Mistral distillery
- Walk Avenida del Mar and Faro Monumental
- Day trip to Valle del Elqui and Pisco Elqui
- Visit Parque Japonés Jardín del Corazón
Where to stay in La Serena
| 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 |
Solo travel across Chile
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Valparaíso | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Pedro de Atacama | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Puerto Natales | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Pucón | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Easter Island | 4/5 | Limited |
| Puerto Varas | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Viña del Mar | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Chiloé | 4/5 | Limited |
| Punta Arenas | 4/5 | Limited |
| La Serena | 4/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is La Serena good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Coastal Chilean city of beaches, colonial churches and a gateway to the Elqui Valley's pisco and star-gazing.
How do you meet people in La Serena?
Hostels in the centre run tours; stargazing at Elqui Valley observatories, surf and kitesurf lessons, and group pisco tastings in Vicuña. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in La Serena?
Limited.
Is La Serena safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. Expect some catcalling and use ride apps or taxis at night, especially after bars.
More about La Serena
Going to La Serena solo?
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Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.