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  Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in La Serena using a UK credit or debit card.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
Mole Poblano_Free_shutterstock_116348569

Food and Drink

Mole poblano – chocolate and chilli sauce
Learn more
Semana Santa Antigua, Guatemala

Culture, Music, Sport and Festivals

Easter in Latin America
Learn more
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

Get in touch Meet our experts
  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • 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.

  • Rosie profile
    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    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.

0 1 2 3 4 5