Top La Serena Outdoor Activities

Discover a unique phenomenon: a Valdivian forest that survives in a semi-arid climate thanks to the mysterious "camanchaca" fog. Fray Jorge National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is a true oasis of biodiversity. Walk along trails surrounded by nature, breathe fresh air, and marvel at the views.

Get up close to Chile’s coastal wildlife on this full-day tour from La Serena, including hotel pick-up. Drive past vibrant fields of desert wildflowers (depending on the season), then cruise around the windswept Gull, Choros and Damas islands. After spotting bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and penguins at the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve, tuck into a delicious seafood lunch (included), then spend time relaxing on the islands’ white sand beaches.

You will get to know one of the most beautiful islands on the southern Pacific coast and one of the areas with the greatest diversity of marine species. The borders of the Green North of Coquimbo and the beginnings of the driest desert in the world: the Atacama stand out for having attractive landscapes and settlements of former seamen considered the most experienced fishermen in Chile "Los Choros, Pieles Rojas, Changos and Camanchacas". You will navigate and get to know three magical islands: Gaviotas, Choros and Damas and enjoy its incomparable geography, beaches and diversity of plants and cacti together with its attractive fauna of penguins, dolphins, sea birds, otters and sea lions. You will be able to walk through Isla Damas, a place with a fascinating beauty of numerous beaches and desert flora. The current Humboldt Penguin National Reserve generated in ancient times the construction of the first and last rafts made with sea lion skin.

Itinerary: We will pick you up at your accommodation to head towards the Puclaro reservoir, about 16 km from Vicuña, we will arrive at one of the villages surrounding the reservoir, here we will start walking. We will help each other with headlamps and canes throughout the trek. We will arrive at a strategic point and we will settle to make observation of the sky taking advantage of the remoteness and the little light pollution that is in this place, you will be able to observe the stars by naked eye. You will receive a small astronomical talk about the stars that can be seen during the night, we will prepare the camera to start this session of astro photography with one of the cleanest skies in the world as protagonist. We will return from trekking to vehicles and drop you back at your accommodation. It is necessary to bring: Comfortable/warm clothing. Trekking or sports boots/shoes. Backpack. Water (min. 1/2 liter)

Pangue Observatory is probably the best Astrotourism Observatory in Chile, its privileged location at 1300 meters above sea level and the absence of light pollution teaches the universe, galaxies and stellar objects of the Southern Hemisphere like nowhere else in the world. The El Pangue Observatory has two types of tours, the classic tour (16" telescope) and the extreme tour (25" telescope). The number of stellar objects to observe is the largest that can be obtained in an astronomical tour in Chile, from 8 to 12 objects are seen. We recommend booking in advance as spaces are limited.

The Valley of Enchantment is a marvelous place with a unique nature and numerous striking resources that surprised and enchanted thousands of years ago primitive nomadic tribes native to the Atlantic and the Amazon, attracted by the good climate, precious stones, and the Pacific coast. and its ancient oceanic forests, becoming the first sedentary of the regional valleys. This mysterious culture settles in this beautiful natural space and hidden semi-arid ravine, turning it into the most important artistic, astronomical and ceremonial center of Chilean prehistory. Its attractive and strategic location, geomorphology, variety of slopes, flora and fauna, its large stones with surprising engravings, paintings and mortars, teach the amazing art, rituals and worldview of the oldest and shamanic culture of the Coquimbo Region: Molle culture.

This experience stands out by offering one of the best opportunities in Chile to observe fin whales, the second largest animal on Earth, in their natural habitat. Located in the remote and protected waters of Chañaral de Aceituno, this tour takes you far from crowded tourist areas and into a unique marine ecosystem where wildlife thrives. With a high probability of sightings during the season, you may encounter not only whales, but also dolphins, seabirds, and other marine species. Combined with a scenic journey through the coastal desert and a visit to a traditional fishing village, this experience offers a rare and unforgettable connection with Chile’s wild nature.

You will explore one of the most arid and beautiful deserts on the planet. We will travel from La Serena to the coast of the Atacama desert, crossing impressive landscapes of the pampas and the coast to find its incredible geological formations with striking colors. We will explore ancient ravines, beautiful mountains, plains and beautiful coastal marine refuges occupied by indigenous people from the sector as well as picturesque settlements of miners, farmers and fishermen. We will travel through the beautiful and colorful beaches, bays, coves, pampas and hills of Atacama, possessing a magical geography and vestiges from Gondwana, Jurassic and prehistoric times and an amazing annual and seasonal flora that revives after the great rains. . You will meet magical towns, human settlements, fauna, wetlands and springs that cross, subsist and keep alive the coast and the driest desert on the planet.

The Elqui Valley is the most valuable cultural and mountain destination in Chile, creator of the most emblematic cultural treasures of our country. Its illuminated atmosphere allowed the creation and development of various cultural practices that make it a dream destination for those seeking relaxation, inspiration, cosmic connection and advanced knowledge about Chile's cultural heritage. Its beautiful geography welcomed ancient indigenous peoples, churches and hacienda houses of the first conquerors surrounded by pyramidal mountains full of minerals, energy and a transparent atmosphere, propagated tropical, desert and Mediterranean crops and the oldest wine and pisco cellars in the country. You will discover the art of the Diaguitas, the legacy of the Incas, the origins of Chilean and Argentine wine, the advanced astronomical observatories and the places that inspired mystics and the first female Nobel Prize winner for literature in Latin America, Gabriela Mistral.

We will pick you up at your accommodation to take a journey to the majestic Andes mountain range. Our first stop will be in the remote town of Huanta, where we will enjoy breakfast at the last restaurant in the Valley. Afterwards, we will head to the Juntas del Toro Border Complex, where we will check in with the Carabinieri of Chile to access the thermal baths, located on the foothills of Las Tortolas Hill, the second highest mountain in the region and about 120 km from Vicuña. We will be at an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level. You can enjoy a small trek to a hidden waterfall. Then, you will experience moments of relaxation in the baths, tasting local wines accompanied by a mountain pairing. We will return to Vicuña, where you can finish the day with a tasting of craft beer accompanied by delicious pizzas, in this way we will culminate this unique experience.

Visit the home of Chile’s famous Pisco Sour on this full-day, small-group tour of the Elqui Valley from La Serena, including hotel pickup. Uncover the cosmic secrets of the Cochiguaz Valley; tour a Pisco production plant; and indulge in an expert-led Pisco tasting. After tucking into a traditional lunch (included) at a local restaurant, spend time exploring Vicuña, the hometown of Nobel Prize winning poet Gabriela Mistral.