La Serena & Coquimbo: Guided City Tour with Lunch

Explore Coquimbo’s English Quarter and La Serena’s iconic lighthouse with a local guide plus lunch included

You’ll stroll through Coquimbo’s historic English Quarter, ride up to sweeping views at the Third Millennium Cross, share a relaxed lunch in La Serena, and wander lively markets with your local guide — all at an easy pace that lets you actually notice things you’ll remember long after the trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Coquimbo and La Serena Highlights

• Visit English Quarter in Coquimbo
• Explore Third Millennium Cross viewpoint
• Photo stop at La Serena lighthouse
• Walk around La Serena central square
• Tour Archaeological Museum of La Serena
• Shop at local market

The Experience

The day didn’t start exactly as planned — we got off the cruise ship in Coquimbo, and I realized I’d left my hat behind. The sun here isn’t shy, but our guide, Camila, just smiled and handed me her spare. That small kindness set the tone. We wandered through the English Quarter first, where the old houses lean into each other like they’re sharing secrets. There’s this faint smell of sea salt mixed with something sweet from a bakery nearby. I tried to pronounce “Coquimbo” right; Camila laughed and said most visitors get it wrong on their first try.

The Third Millennium Cross is impossible to miss — it kind of looms over everything. We took the elevator up (my knees were grateful), and suddenly you see all of Coquimbo and La Serena spread out below, stitched together by coastline. The wind up there is sharp, almost cold even though the day was warm. Someone pointed out pelicans gliding near the port; I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Lunch was at a local spot in La Serena — nothing fancy, but honestly that’s what made it good. Fresh fish, soft bread, some kind of citrusy drink I couldn’t name (Camila called it “mote con huesillo” but I probably butchered that). Afterward we wandered through Plaza de Armas where old churches peek out from behind palm trees and people sit reading or just watching life go by. The Archaeological Museum was closed (it was Monday), so instead we ducked into a market filled with bright fruit and woven baskets. No one rushed us.

What’s included

Your day includes an English/Spanish bilingual local guide throughout Coquimbo and La Serena, air-conditioned vehicle transport between stops, entrance tickets to both the Japanese Park (when open) and Third Millennium Cross viewpoint, plus a full lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your ship later in the afternoon.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by La Serena Turismo Chile

Traveler reviews

3.88★★★★★★★★★★

40 verified traveler reviews

5 ★21

4 ★6

3 ★5

2 ★3

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Is this city tour available for non-cruise passengers?

No, this city tour is only available for cruise passengers.

What attractions are included on the La Serena & Coquimbo city tour?

The tour includes the English Quarter in Coquimbo, Third Millennium Cross viewpoint, Monumental Lighthouse in La Serena, Plaza de Armas, and a local market.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included with starter, main course, dessert, and drink.

Are entrance tickets covered for all attractions?

Yes, entrance tickets to Japanese Park (when open) and Third Millennium Cross are included.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

No hotel pickup; this tour is designed for cruise ship passengers only.

Are there any days when certain attractions are closed?

The Archaeological Museum is closed Sundays and Mondays; Kokoro no Niwa Japanese Garden is closed on Mondays.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers and must sit on an adult's lap if needed.

How long does the day trip from Coquimbo to La Serena take?

The cities are close; travel between sites is short as part of the guided day trip itinerary.