La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour for Cruise Passengers

Six hours covering La Serena's landmarks and Coquimbo's waterfront in one port day

A guided city tour of La Serena and Coquimbo designed for cruise passengers, departing from the port at 8am and returning by 2:30pm. The route covers the Third Millennium Cross (South America's tallest monument), La Herradura Beach, the Open Air Museum's marble sculptures, La Recova market, and the Monumental Lighthouse, with stops for photos along both coastlines. Air-conditioned Mercedes transport and a live guide in English or Spanish are included. The Archaeological Museum is optional depending on ship return time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore La Serena and Coquimbo highlights

• Pick up all passengers
• Visit Third Millennium Cross
• Relax at La Herradura Beach
• Walk Francisco de Aguirre Avenue sculptures
• Visit Archaeological Museum of La Serena
• Explore La Recova market
• See Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena
• Photo stops at La Serena and Coquimbo letters
• Return to port of Coquimbo

The experience

The tour starts with pickup at the cruise port and heads straight to the Third Millennium Cross, a religious monument that rises above the city with panoramic views across La Serena and the Pacific. From there, the route moves to La Herradura Beach, where you have time to walk the sand, photograph the cove and soak in the coastal air without rushing.

The itinerary then follows Francisco de Aguirre Avenue, where you walk past an open-air collection of Carrara marble sculptures, replicas imported from Italy, known locally as the Walk of Statues. La Recova market comes next, a place to browse local crafts and regional products at your own pace. The Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena offers views of the surrounding landscape and ocean, and the tour finishes by driving the entire coastal edge, stopping for photos at the large letters spelling La Serena and Coquimbo before returning to the port.

The Archaeological Museum is listed as optional and depends on how much time remains before your ship departs. The operator will confirm this detail when they contact you the day before. Note that museums close on Mondays in Chile, so plan accordingly if your port day falls then.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned Mercedes Benz vehicle.
• insurance by seat.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup and return transport from the cruise port.
• stops at the Third Millennium Cross, La Herradura Beach, the Open Air Museum sculptures, La Recova market, and the Monumental Lighthouse.
• photo stops at the La Serena and Coquimbo waterfront letters.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (14 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 2.52

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ecoturismo La Serena Spa.

Is this one for you?Book this if your ship docks in Coquimbo or La Serena and need fixed departure and return times coordinated with cruise schedules: the operator confirms timing the day before.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 16 years); Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Third Millennium Cross and why is it on this tour?

The Third Millennium Cross is South America's tallest religious monument, located in La Serena with panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. It's the first stop after port pickup and gives you a sense of the region's geography and cultural landmarks.

How much time do I have to explore La Herradura Beach and the market?

The itinerary includes dedicated time at La Herradura Beach for photos and relaxation, and separate time at La Recova market to browse local crafts and regional products. The exact duration depends on the overall pace of the tour and your ship's return schedule.

Is entrance to the Third Millennium Cross included in the tour price?

The tour visits the Third Millennium Cross for views and photos, but entrance to the monument itself is not included in the price.

What happens if my ship needs me back earlier than 2:30pm?

Pickup times from the port can be adjusted depending on your cruise stopover schedule. Contact the operator the day before your tour to confirm the exact departure and return times that work for your ship.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Meals are not included. You're welcome to bring a mid-morning snack, and the tour includes time at La Recova market where you can purchase local food if you wish.