Excursion La serena & third millennium cross tour at Coquimbo

Explore the beauty, history and culture of Coquimbo and La Serena during this picturesque sightseeing excursion. On the way into the city from the South you'll see the Cruz del Tercer Milenio (The Cross of the Third Millennium), one of Coquimbo's most impressive religious monuments. Though it is often linked to the nearby city of Coquimbo, La Serena's architecture sets it apart. The city's picturesque; colonial-style old quarter makes for an interesting visit, with buildings that offer plenty of terrific photo opportunities.

Coquimbo City

Leave the port of Coquimbo passing through the downtown area of Coquimbo to the "Third Millennium Cross", built for the birth of the new millennium. Enjoy the panoramic, 360 degree of Coquimbo city.

La Serena

Continuing north towards the city of La Serena along the coastal route, the attractiveness of the ocean front has been developed with modern hotels, apartments, pubs, clubs and restaurants bordering the extensive beaches. The symbol of La Serena is the lighthouse, where a photo stop is made before proceeding along the Avenue Francisco de Aguirre, which is partly lined with replicas of classical statues. La Serena is the second oldest city in Chile after Santiago and maintains a neo-colonial Spanish style of architecture.

A stop at the picturesque craft market of "La Recova" allows time for shopping, in a colorful place where there are a variety of gifts and souvenirs made from local products especially jewelry made from the local semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli.

Finally, a panoramic view from the top of the hill of La Serena University affords a splendid opportunity for a photo stop.

Your return drive to the pier is approximately 30-minutes along the Pan American Highway.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Coquimbo, Third Millennium Cross, La Serena, La Recova Market

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately .25 miles (400 metres) with many steps involved and periods of standing over mostly paved surfaces. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the pier. Guests need to exercise caution while at the market as pick-pockets have been known to frequent the area. The minimum age requirement for this tour is 4 years old. The tour sequence may vary. Due to average local temperatures, coaches are not equipped with air-conditioning.