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  Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in La Serena using a UK credit or debit card.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

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    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    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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    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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    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.

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    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

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