Port of Coquimbo cruise port guide

Port of Coquimbo — Coquimbo, Chile.

Coquimbo is a port city in Chile's Norte Chico region, sharing a bay with its elegant twin city, La Serena. The area combines long beaches, colonial churches and a striking hilltop cross, and it's the gateway to the Elqui Valley — the heartland of pisco and home to some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Coquimbo?

Ships dock at Terminal Puerto Coquimbo, a working multipurpose cargo port that also handles cruise calls, right beside Coquimbo's city centre. Once outside the port, the Barrio Inglés and main squares are a short walk; the hilltop Cruz del Tercer Milenio is a steep uphill climb, so a taxi makes more sense. La Serena lies about 10 km north. Taxis are usually waiting at the pier (agree the fare first); journey times to La Serena vary with traffic, and one guide advises allowing 30–45 minutes each way. Any shuttle to La Serena depends on your cruise line, so check before you go.

Getting around

Taxis and colectivos (shared taxis) link Coquimbo and La Serena, about 10 km away; allow 15–45 minutes depending on traffic. The Elqui Valley is about 1–1.5 hours inland; excursions are the easiest option.

Don't miss

• Cruz del Tercer Milenio — a cross more than 80 m tall on a hilltop above Coquimbo with panoramic views.
• La Serena — Chile's second-oldest city, with colonial churches and the Avenida del Mar beach promenade.
• Elqui Valley — vineyards, pisco distilleries and small villages.
• Centro Mohammed VI — a mosque with a minaret, an unexpected landmark in Coquimbo.

Planning your day

Visit the Cruz del Tercer Milenio, then head to La Serena to explore its churches and beach promenade. With more time, take an excursion to the Elqui Valley for pisco tastings.

Food & drink

Chilean seafood and pisco, the local grape brandy.

Where to eat

• Coquimbo fish market — Fresh seafood and simple restaurants near the port.

Must try

• Pisco sour — Chile's national cocktail, made with Elqui Valley pisco.
• Empanadas de mariscos — Seafood empanadas.
• Papaya chilena — A small local papaya, often in preserves.

Know before you go

• 🗣️Language — Spanish; English is limited.
• 📋Documents — US, UK, EU, Canadian and Australian citizens generally don't need a visa for short stays. Carry your passport.
• 🛍️Shopping & hours — Currency is the Chilean peso (CLP); cards are widely accepted.
• 🌤️Weather — Mild, dry climate; morning coastal fog (camanchaca) is common.
• 📶Connectivity — Good coverage in the cities.
• ♿Accessibility — Beaches and promenades are accessible.
• ⏱️Getting back — Allow for the drive back from the Elqui Valley.

Sources: chile.travel; wikivoyage.org/wiki/Coquimbo