La Serena

Overview

La Serena is essentially a beach resort - much frequented by Chileans on their holidays from the capital of Santiago, which is about 7 hours away by a cheap but excellent public bus. Strong currents prevent swimming in the sea at some times but the miles and miles of white beaches do not disappoint. The main town itself sits in the hills away from the coast and provides a distraction for those who might have overdosed on the strong Chilean sun, packed full of shops both practical and tourist-orientated. In the hills around La Serena is the highest concentration of stellar observatories in the world, due to the clear atmosphere and lack of light pollution encountered in the area. Some of the observatories are open to the public and excellent tours of the these facilities are available.

History