Explore on your own rating
Walk off into a small harbour town; La Serena is a short ride away.
Where ships dock
- Terminal Puerto Coquimbo (TPC), berths 1 and 2, with a passenger terminal opened in 2013
Getting to town
The port is in Coquimbo town: the fish market (Terminal Pesquero, with sea lions and pelicans) and the Barrio Inglés are walkable, about 0.7 km to the centre. La Serena is about 12 to 13 km north, 25 to 30 minutes by taxi, Uber or bus.
Colectivos (shared taxis, cash) run to La Serena; look for the roof sign. The Cruz del Tercer Milenio is up the hill above town: taxi. The Elqui Valley (pisco distilleries, observatories) is about 75 minutes each way: take a tour.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: Chilean peso (CLP).
Entry: Chile: no visa for U.S. tourists for up to 90 days, and no reciprocity fee (Chile Travel / U.S. State Department, checked Oct 2026).
Top sights nearby
- Cruz del Tercer Milenio
- Barrio Inglés (Coquimbo old quarter)
- Terminal Pesquero fish market
- La Serena old town and Avenida del Mar
- Elqui Valley pisco and stargazing (tour)
Beaches
- La Herradura (Coquimbo, taxi)
- Avenida del Mar beaches, La Serena
Safety & tips
- Many La Serena museums close on Mondays.
- Carry pesos in small notes for colectivos.
- Mornings are often cloudy (camanchaca); bring a layer.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
From La Serena allow 30 to 40 minutes back; from the Elqui Valley leave at least 2 hours before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in Coquimbo (La Serena)? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find Coquimbo (La Serena) shore excursions on Viator ↗
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Quick answers
Can you explore Coquimbo (La Serena) on your own?
Yes, it is rated Easy. Walk off into a small harbour town; La Serena is a short ride away.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Coquimbo (La Serena)?
The port is in Coquimbo town: the fish market (Terminal Pesquero, with sea lions and pelicans) and the Barrio Inglés are walkable, about 0.7 km to the centre. La Serena is about 12 to 13 km north, 25 to 30 minutes by taxi, Uber or bus.
Do I need a passport for Coquimbo (La Serena)?
Chile: no visa for U.S. tourists for up to 90 days, and no reciprocity fee (Chile Travel / U.S. State Department, checked Oct 2026).
When should I head back to the ship in Coquimbo (La Serena)?
From La Serena allow 30 to 40 minutes back; from the Elqui Valley leave at least 2 hours before all-aboard.
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