Elqui Valley

Chile La Serena and Elqui Valley

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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  Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in La Serena using a UK credit or debit card.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.

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    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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