Elqui Valley

Chile La Serena and Elqui Valley

Fact file

Tailor-made holidays

Flexible, custom-made holidays to Latin America created to match your exact requirements: our tailor-made itineraries are as unique as the clients for whom they are designed.

Design my trip
Elqui Valley

When is the best time to visit La Serena and Elqui Valley?

Any rain falls in winter, May – Aug, when it’s cool and there are fewer sunshine hours. There are many Chilean and Argentine tourists visiting La Serena in Jan – Feb.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

What language is spoken in La Serena and Elqui Valley?

The main language spoken in La Serena and Elqui Valley is Spanish.

What currency do I need in La Serena and Elqui Valley?

The Chilean Peso is the main currency used in La Serena and Elqui Valley.  Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in La Serena using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also some money exchanges (casas de cambio) where you exchange US dollars cash.

What is the time difference between La Serena and the UK?

The time difference between La Serena and the UK is GMT -4 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, from Sep/Oct to early Mar.

What places combine well with La Serena and Elqui Valley?

San Pedro de Atacama, 1.5 hours by air from La Serena to Calama then 2 hours by road.

How do I get to La Serena and Elqui Valley?

Fly from Santiago to La Serena (1 hour).

What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in La Serena and Elqui Valley?

La Pampilla: Coquimbo, 12 km from La Serena, 14 – 21 Sep; Chile’s biggest Independence Day party.

If you still have questions, please contact us and one of our Travel Experts will be happy to help.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Sophie
    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

  • Sallly
    Sally Watkins - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Steve Yates
    Steve Yates - Travel Expert

    Steve has travelled extensively over the years, experiencing destinations in many different ways. From backpacking through basic hostels, hitchhiking and taking overnight buses, to enjoying stays in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and lodges, he has developed a deep appreciation for every style of travel

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

0 1 2 3 4 5