La Serena, Chile (Coquimbo port)

Visited in December 2015 and the dock was damaged from September's tsunami. The ship had to tender in. Coquimbo itself is walkable, has a town square and there may likely be some local vendors selling trinkets near the fish market area.

To get to La Serena:

You can catch local bus #1 at the Coquimbo town square (it is found on the street running 1 block up and parallel with the port) which will take you to the square in La Serena. The bus does a loop from one town square to the other town square and back. There will be a sign in the bus window showing its number and its destination. The bus driver will also indicate when you've arrived if you ask him (in Spanish). Cost is CLP600 or USD$1 per person. When you exit at the stop nearest to the La Serena square you will be on Francisco de Aguirre street. Walk west about 3 city blocks to reach the square. From here you can walk to La Recova. You'll also find a tourist info booth at the square. I strongly recommend you print off a map of the area via Google or MapQuest to make things easier for yourself.

Walking from La Serena to the Faro Lighthouse will be 40 minutes. You'll walk the entire way along Francisco de Aguirre street. From the lighthouse you can walk along the beachfront. and back in the direction of the ship. There are many restaurants, bars and hotels and the sidewalk is good. This area is lovely! Once you want to return to the ship you can easily flag a cab and negotiate the price (about 10,00 CLP) or conversely ask the restaurant you visit to call a cab for you. If you are a very hearty walker you could actually walk from the cruise dock towards the Faro Lighthouse. It would probably take about 3 hours one way.

Thank you. This is great info for us!

Is it possible to grab a cab at the port?