La Serena tours

Things to do in La Serena

Stepping into La Serena is like embracing a blend of ocean whispers and the animated buzz of colonial allure. This coastal jewel in Chile is steeped in history, its streets a canvas of architectural and botanical beauty. Time here seems to take a slower pace, inviting you to savour each encounter. A private tour in La Serena with your local guide unveils hidden gems—from the celestial wonders at the Mamalluca Observatory to the aromatic tapestries of bustling markets. Feel the warmth of the sun during a walking tour, as your guide navigates through quaint lanes, introducing you to artisanal crafts and local tastes. With skip-the-line access, delve deeper into the cultural core of the city, experiencing La Serena with the insight of a true insider. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in La Serena. Explore La Serena your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every La Serena tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in La Serena for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Board a small boat at Punta de Choros to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, spotting penguins, sea lions, and in season, dolphins near Isla Damas. Or join a guided walk in Fray Jorge National Park to explore the fog-fed forest and watch for native birdlife from coastal lookouts. Adventure tours: Take a surf lesson at Totoralillo beach with a local instructor, then refuel on congrio stew at a cove-side eatery in Coquimbo. Prefer land? Ride mountain bikes through the Elqui Valley, winding past cactus and small vineyards to viewpoints above Vicuña. Architecture tours: Trace “Plan Serena” landmarks from Plaza de Armas to Faro Monumental, stepping into Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, and Santo Domingo to see carved stone and bell towers up close. Your guide can also include the arcades of La Recova market and the Japanese Garden (Jardín del Corazón) to compare colonial and modern design in one tour. The historic centre is easy to cover on foot, and buses and colectivos link beaches and nearby Coquimbo. For farther sites like Punta de Choros, Fray Jorge, or the Elqui Valley, you can book chauffeured tours or request private transportation with your local guide. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows La Serena inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Consider taking a private walking tour to explore La Serena's charm, while checking out some popular neighborhoods with your local guide. There's no better way to know a neighborhood than with a resident by your side. - El Faro: Visit this vibrant area, known for its iconic lighthouse and beautiful beaches. Perfect for families and multi-generational groups looking to enjoy coastal views and relax by the sea. - Barrio Inglés: Dive into La Serena’s rich history with its colonial architecture and charming streets. Ideal for cultural tourists interested in the city’s heritage and architecture. - Avenida del Mar: A lively beachfront district offering a variety of dining options and entertainment. Great for those seeking meaningful connections through local cuisine and nightlife. Day trip ideas from La Serena Use La Serena as your base and branch out to nearby valleys, reserves, and small coastal cities that fit neatly into a full day. These day trips from La Serena work well as private tours, so you can shape your tour around wildlife, local flavours, or local history. - Elqui Valley: Vicuña and Pisco Elqui bring sunny vineyards, small-town plazas, and pisco heritage together. Visit a distillery to learn how pisco is made, stop at Puclaro Dam for wind and wide views, and taste solar-cooked lunch in Villaseca. If you like poetry and museums, Vicuña’s Gabriela Mistral ties add context to the valley’s culture. - Punta de Choros and Isla Damas, Humboldt Penguin National Reserve: Boats head to clear waters where you may spot Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and sea lions, then step onto Isla Damas for short paths and bright coves. This suits you if wildlife and coastal scenery top your list, with time for a simple seafood meal back in the fishing village. - Fray Jorge National Park: A cool, fog-fed forest sits above semi-desert, and the contrast is the reason to go. Walk easy trails to viewpoints, watch for hawks and small songbirds, and learn how the unique climate shapes the landscape. Ideal if you enjoy nature, light hiking, and quiet lookouts. - Valle del Encanto and Ovalle: See pre-Hispanic petroglyphs and rock carvings among boulders and cacti, then continue to Ovalle for a relaxed plaza and local markets. This day trip blends archaeology and everyday life, good for curious minds and casual explorers who prefer short walks. - Coquimbo: Explore the port, the English Quarter’s low-slung streets, and small bays like La Herradura for views and photos. Check out the fish market for the day’s catch and street food, then wander seaside paths for murals and old harbour stories. Suits you if urban scenes, seafood, and coastal stops sound appealing. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of La Serena most travellers miss.