Canonical page: /p/chile/coquimbo/ Collected: 2026-10-18 JSON: /p/chile/coquimbo/index.json [Ports](/ports/) Chile # Coquimbo [About the port](/p/chile/coquimbo/)[Timetable](/p/chile/coquimbo/timetable/2026-12/) Getting ashore Terminal Puerto Coquimbo Into town Walk into Coquimbo, taxi to La Serena Best starting point Coquimbo waterfront Currency [Chilean peso - CLP](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/?Amount=1&From=CLP) ## Getting ashore Ships normally dock at Terminal Puerto Coquimbo, a working cargo port with passenger facilities next to central Coquimbo. Follow the marked route and the instructions of staff at the terminal. The port also handles copper and regional wine exports, so keep to the marked route and stay out of the working areas. The town centre is less than a mile from the pier, and taxis are generally available there. Agree the fare with the driver before you leave the port, and keep the taxi company's number and the pickup point written down. ## For beach lovers Beaches lie to the south at La Herradura, and to the north at Los Hornos, Totoralillo Norte and El Temblador. The Pacific water is cold, so swim only where permitted and follow the flags and lifeguard advice. Bring sunscreen, water and a light layer. Guanaqueros and Tongoy, further south, are beach towns reached from Coquimbo. ## For walkers and architecture fans Coquimbo is a walkable town. Barrio Inglés has older facades on Calle Aldunate, and the Plaza de Armas and Avenida Costanera are also worth a visit. The Museum and the House of Culture and Tourism are in town too. La Serena is the other half of the visit. Its centre takes 4 to 5 hours with transfers, and covers the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, stone churches and the La Recova craft market. Its loop is about 2 km and takes 30 to 40 minutes of walking, or 2 to 3 hours in total, excluding transfers. It passes the cathedral, La Merced Church, La Recova, San Agustín Church, the Archaeological Museum and Calle Cordovez. Pair the centre with a taxi that has an agreed return time. ## For nature and outdoor fans The Cruz del Tercer Milenio is a large cross above Coquimbo, with city and bay views, and takes 1 to 2 hours. Reaching it on foot is a steep climb, so a taxi is the sensible option. An organised trip toward Vicuña takes about 1.5 hours each way and includes a pre-arranged visit to a pisco producer. It suits a longer call, so skip it on a short stop. Plan a conservative return, because the drive is long, and confirm the departure and return times with the operator. Check that the visit fits the all-aboard time with a clear margin. ## For shoppers In Coquimbo, Calle Aldunate is the main shopping street. La Serena adds the La Recova market and Plaza Mall, and the La Recova market gives a good sense of local trade. Many shops keep split hours, roughly 9:30 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 20:00, but those were last reported in 2024, so check them on the day. ## For eaters and drinkers The fishing market on the Coquimbo loop is the best place to see the local catch, and the fishing terminal is at the far end of that walk. Some businesses may be closed during the day, so check before you plan a meal stop. ## Getting around and money Coquimbo lies about 10 km south of La Serena, and the two form one metro area of more than 400,000 people. A taxi or arranged transfer takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way, and longer in traffic. Agree taxi fares, pickup points and whether the driver will wait. Shuttles to La Serena depend on the cruise line, so check the destination, the cost and the last return time before you book. Buses and shared colectivos are possible, but they need more planning. Allow at least an hour to return from La Serena, plus a buffer before all-aboard, and more in heavy traffic. The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). Take cash in pesos, because card acceptance is considerably reduced in small towns. Annually, Coquimbo hosts La Pampilla, Chile's biggest popular festival, during Independence Day from 18 to 20 September, so check whether it coincides with your call. Spanish is the official language. Emergency numbers are 131 for ambulance, 132 for fire, 133 for Carabineros (police) and 137 for sea rescue. ## Walking guide: the Coquimbo loop The loop starts at Plaza Vicuña Mackenna and runs through Calle Aldunate, where the older facades of Barrio Inglés stand, to the Plaza de Armas. From there it follows Avenida Costanera to the fishing terminal, passing the fishing market, and then returns to the port exit. The loop is about 2 to 3 km and takes 35 to 50 minutes of walking, or 2 to 3 hours with stops. Return point: the port exit, where you should allow time to reach the ship before all-aboard. ## Accessibility & mobility The Cruz del Tercer Milenio is a steep climb on foot, so use a taxi, according to the Cruisemapper wiki. The Coquimbo and La Serena centres are walkable, but the sources read do not describe step-free routes or accessible transport. Ask the ship and the driver about pavements and vehicle access before booking. Plan your call ## Who's in port? 3 calls in the collected schedule. [View timetable](/p/chile/coquimbo/timetable/2026-12/) ## Maps & transport - [Cruise port on Google MapsTerminal Puerto Coquimbo ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=-29.9466052885072,-71.334400177002) - [Port guide with town walksCruiseMapper wiki ↗](https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/coquimbo-port-435?tab=wiki) ## Useful links - [WhatsInPort archive pageArchived 2024 guide, not current ↗](https://www.whatsinport.com/Coquimbo.htm) - [CruiseMapper port wikiPort guide and schedule ↗](https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/coquimbo-port-435?tab=wiki) - [Convert pesos to your currencyDaily reference rates ↗](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/?Amount=1&From=CLP)