Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Chilean Peso
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Population:
Approximately 165,500 people call Coquimbo home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Coquimbo Chile: The regional climate is arid subtropical steppe (mediterranean regime) with a short rainy winter 3 months. Annual temperature ranges between 41°F-82°F/[-5]°C 28°C with a mean of 57°F/14°C Average annual rainfall is 10 cm. The subtropical anticyclone influences climate, creating clear sky conditions for most of the year.
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The name Coquimbo is derived from a native Diaguita word meaning "place of calm waters." In fact, Charles Darwin had noted that the town was "remarkable for nothing but its extreme quietness." Since then, Coquimbo has developed into a bustling port and the region's major commercial and industrial center from which minerals, fish products and fruits are exported. Used during the colonial period as a port for La Serena, Coquimbo attracted attention from English pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who visited in 1578. Visitors enjoy strolling around the town, admiring some of the elaborate woodwork handcrafted on buildings by early British and American settlers. These wooden buildings are among Chile's most interesting historical structures. Out of town, the area offers some fine beaches in a desert-like setting.
Coquimbo serves as a gateway to the popular resort town of La Serena and trips farther into the Elqui Valley. Visitors will find this region is rich in agriculture and is an important fruit distribution center , known as the production center for Chile's national drink, pisco sour. The valley is also home to several international observatories that take advantage of the region's exceptional atmospheric conditions.
The port of Coquimbo. It is less than one mile to the center of town and approximately 10 miles to La Serena. Taxis are generally available at the pier. It is recommend establishing the fare with the driver before departing the port.
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Attractions |
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Cruise visitors to Coquimbo and in fact all visitors enjoy exploring this beautiful region. Here are the most popular and interesting sites and tours.
Plaza Prat:
This beautiful esplanade overlooks the harbor and the waterfront section of the city. It is framed by interesting old buildings, including the Pablo Garriga House, which belonged to the original owner of the port.
Plaza de Armas:
On one side of this popular gathering point is the San Pedro church, begun in 1857. In a small adjoining square is the Museo de Sitio, with a collection of archaeological remains dating from around 900-1000 AD. The museum is part of a cultural complex known as Las Animas.
Guayacan Church:
Located about two miles from the port, this church stands on the site of the old refinery. The structure is metallic, lined with stamped, bolted zinc plates; it is a national monument. Taxi transportation is recommended.
Coquimbo Petroglyphs & Vineyards in the Limari Valley:
A tour with non air-conditioned transportation. Leave from Coquimbo's pier and head south on the Pan American Highway. Travel along the coast where you get to see the beautiful beaches like La Herradura, Las Tacas, and Guanaqueros on the way. As you go by the beaches and venture on you will get a look at the permanent thick fog (camanchaca or coastal clouds) above coastal hills. Each valley is unique in its climate which gives it the ability to grow different produce varying from roses to fruit. As you move inland you get a glimpse of the more rural industries including the raising of cattle. The scenery is beautiful; the ridge of mountains and clouds define each valley. You will go on to the "Enchantment Valley" which has great archaeological significance. It is considered an open-air museum of scientific and cultural interest. Be sure to get a glimpse of stones which look like paint cups or Piedras Tacitas. After lunch you will go to the Road of Grapes and Vineyards. You will visit the Francisco de Aguirre Vineyard. Here you not only see the different grapes used and learn the wine making process but you will get the opportunity to taste the marvelous wines.
La Serena & Coquimbo:
From the pier this tour takes you to La Herradura town and beach-a seaside resort on the Pacific Ocean. La Herradura owes a notable part of its history to Sir Francis Drake, Sharp and then head on to La Serena city In addition to fine restaurants and beaches, the resort features a Japanese Garden and several museums that are worth a visit, including the Archaeological Museum, Regional History Museum, and Mineral Museum (please check opening hours). The resort is also noted for its splendid churches such as the cathedral, the colonial Church of Santo Domingo, Church of San Francisco and San Augustin Church. Several of these are located near the Plaza de Armas. and the old fishing town of Pe'uelas. You may also stop at the Archeological Museum where you can see artifacts from the Diaguita and Molle cultures, and an original Moai from Easter Island! Then, take a very short walk (only one block) up to La Recova handicraft market to find papaya products, lapis lazuli (semi-precious stones), handicrafts of Combarbalita, pottery and ceramic with Diaguita motifs and Alpaca wool articles.
Tololo Observatory & Elqui Valley:
On this tour you will see Francisco de Aguirre Avenue with its marble replicas of classical statues. Then head on to Elqui Valley, with its unique location. After driving for about one-hour you will get to the Tololo Observatory gates. Located 6,500 feet above sea level, this observatory is the largest astrological observatory in the Southern Hemisphere. Your tour will then take you to Vicuna, the main town in the Elqui Valley where Gabriela Mistral--a poetry Nobel Prize winner--was born. After lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to the main square, Bauer Tower, the church and the Gabriella Mistral Museum, you will return to the ship.
Shopping:
Local handicrafts are your best buys. In Coquimbo, Calle Aldunate is the main shopping street. La Serena offers additional shopping opportunities, including La Recova Market and Plaza Mall. Store hours are generally 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Chile:
Chile Travel Information
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