La Serena’s best tours pack in plenty of value without tourist traps. The Elqui Valley excursion stands out as my favorite, combining Chile’s famous pisco production with cultural stops and authentic local food. It’s a perfect day trip that feels genuinely Chilean. The combined La Serena-Coquimbo city tour efficiently covers colonial architecture and coastal views in just a few hours – ideal for first-timers. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Dama Island boat tour, where you’ll spot Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat (the morning tours offer best visibility). Cruise ship travelers get good bang-for-buck with compact city excursions that hit the highlights. Let’s look at my recommended tours in detail.
Key Points
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Elqui Valley Tours offer private and full-day options featuring pisco production, scenic highlights, and local cultural experiences, with high customer ratings.
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La Serena and Coquimbo City Tours provide comprehensive guided experiences covering history, architecture, and notable attractions like beaches and the Coquimbo port.
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Dama Island and Chañaral Navigation Tour allows wildlife encounters with Humboldt Penguins and other marine life, starting early in the morning at $155 per person.
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Short Cruise Excursion offers a tailored city tour for cruise travelers, including round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and lunch at a local restaurant.
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Tours in La Serena emphasize local history, culture, and scenic photography opportunities, with generally positive feedback on guide knowledge and storytelling.
Elqui Valley and Vicuna Private Tour Including Lunch
Why not explore the Elqui Valley and Vicuña on a private tour from La Serena? This tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the region’s pisco production, local culture, and stunning landscapes.
During the excursion, you’ll visit the picturesque Puclaro Reservoir, tour a pisco factory to learn the distillation process, and enjoy tastings. In Vicuña, you’ll explore the birthplace of poet Gabriela Mistral, including a visit to her museum.
The tour, operated by Top Private Tours, has received 4.4 out of 5 stars from 18 reviews. Priced from €308.55 per person, the tour includes lunch, transportation, a private guide, and gratuities.
While some reviewers noted issues with timely pickup and communication, others praised the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and enjoyable solar-cooked meal. This tour provides a chance to learn about the local culture and natural wonders of the Elqui Valley and Vicuña.
Read our full review: Elqui Valley and Vicuna Private Tour Including Lunch Review
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La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour
Travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to the history, culture, and natural beauty of La Serena and Coquimbo can embark on a guided city tour that promises to deliver an enriching experience.
Priced from $76.00 per person and lasting 6 hours, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a reserve now, pay later option. Participants will explore the region’s significance as the Latin American capital for architecture and urbanism, as well as its role as the cradle of viticulture in the Southern Cone.
The tour highlights pre-Columbian cultures, European settlers, and the area’s foundational milestones. Itinerary details include visits to historical sites, monuments, beaches, and the port city of Coquimbo.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, a live Spanish-speaking guide, and no pets allowed, this comprehensive tour provides travelers with an immersive glimpse into the rich heritage of La Serena and Coquimbo.
Read our full review: La Serena and Coquimbo Guided City Tour Review
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La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour – Short Cruise Excursion
What better way to explore the vibrant cities of La Serena and Coquimbo than on a comprehensive city tour designed for cruise passengers? The “La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour – Short Cruise Excursion” offers an immersive experience, taking visitors to key landmarks and local markets.
With a maximum of 42 travelers, this tour provides an intimate setting to discover the region’s highlights.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees to notable sites like the Japanese Park and the Third Millennium Cross. Lunch at a local restaurant is also provided, though reviews suggest room for improvement in timing and food quality.
While the guides receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, some travelers have reported communication and organizational issues.
Despite the mixed feedback, this tour promises to deliver a well-rounded introduction to the coastal cities, showcasing their natural beauty, cultural attractions, and local flavors.
For cruise passengers seeking a convenient and curated exploration of La Serena and Coquimbo, this excursion is worth considering.
Read our full review: La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour – Short Cruise Excursion Review
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Elqui Valley Tour From La Serena
For those seeking to delve deeper into the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the Elqui Valley, the comprehensive Elqui Valley Tour from La Serena provides an immersive experience.
Lasting 10 hours, this small-group tour takes visitors on a journey from La Serena or Coquimbo, exploring the picturesque Cochiguaz, a pisco production plant, and the charming town of Vicuña.
Highlights include the Baüer Tower, Gabriela Mistral’s tomb, and a traditional Chilean lunch.
With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour caters to English and Spanish speakers alike.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues, it’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking an in-depth look at the Elqui Valley’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible and hassle-free option to consider.
Read our full review: Elqui Valley Tour From La Serena Review
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La Serena: Full Day Tour to Elqui Valley
While exploring the charming city of La Serena, visitors can embark on a captivating full-day tour to the renowned Elqui Valley.
This small-group excursion, boasting a 100% traveler recommendation based on 11 reviews, offers an immersive experience. Highlights include a visit to a Pisco production plant, an expert-led Pisco tasting, and a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
The tour also allows time for exploration in Vicuña, the hometown of Nobel Prize winner Gabriela Mistral.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour ensures personalized service, making it an ideal choice for families. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour is accessible to most travelers, though comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Pricing starts at $110.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Guests can reserve now and pay later, providing added flexibility.
Read our full review: La Serena: Full Day Tour to Elqui Valley Review
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La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion
Visitors to the port city of Coquimbo can embark on a private sightseeing tour that showcases the neighboring city of La Serena and its historic charms. Known for its exquisite beaches and architectural gems, the tour provides an opportunity to explore La Serena’s stone-built churches and the Archaeological Museum, which features Easter Island artifacts.
The tour also takes visitors to the La Serena Lighthouse and Coquimbo’s English Quarter, offering a glimpse into the region’s diverse heritage.
The itinerary includes a lunch at a local yacht club, as well as stops at the Cross of the Third Millennium and the Guayacan neighborhood. Operated by Top Private Tours, the tour is priced at $322.73 per person, based on group size.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers. Cruise ship passengers can coordinate the tour with their ship’s docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times.
With positive reviews highlighting the professionalism of the guides and the unique experiences, this private tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the La Serena and Coquimbo region.
Read our full review: La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion Review
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Though located a short distance from La Serena, the Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour offers travelers an up-close encounter with the Humboldt Penguin Reserve. Priced from $155 per person, this tour starts at 8 AM and accommodates up to 40 travelers. It includes air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and boat tickets to the reserve.
Sightings may include bottle-nose dolphins, sea lions, and various bird species, though penguin numbers have significantly declined due to an outbreak of avian flu.
The tour experience can vary, with some visitors reporting memorable wildlife encounters while others were disappointed by the lack of penguins. Positive highlights include friendly guides, delicious meals, and photography opportunities.
However, language barriers, rough boat rides, and long wait times at docks have been common issues. Travelers should be aware of potential accessibility challenges and plan accordingly, as the tour may not be suitable for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve Review
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La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB)
This 4-hour city tour combines the picturesque coastal cities of La Serena and Coquimbo, providing travelers with an engaging overview of the region’s highlights.
Priced from $66 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, and optional gratuities. Participants will visit the Monumental Lighthouse, Archaeological Museum, Recova Market, seafront promenade, Guayacán bay, and La Herradura beaches.
While a minimum of 2 people is required, the tour caps at 7 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Intoxicated passengers may be refused service, with no refunds issued for canceled tours due to intoxication. With a current rating of 3.0 based on 2 reviews, this tour provides a convenient way to explore the charms of La Serena and Coquimbo.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB) Review
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Sum Up
La Serena and the surrounding regions offer a diverse range of tours, from exploring the picturesque Elqui Valley to cruising the coastal towns of Coquimbo. Visitors can enjoy the local culture, witness stunning natural landscapes, and even spot Humboldt penguins. Whether seeking a private or group experience, travelers can find a tour that suits their interests and preferences in this captivating part of Chile.