La Serena’s top tours pack real value for travelers wanting to experience Chile’s coastal gem. The standouts include whale watching excursions, which bring you face-to-face with magnificent marine life, and Elqui Valley tours that combine pisco distillery visits with literary history at Gabriela Mistral’s homeland. City walking tours efficiently cover the colonial architecture and local markets in about three hours.
We especially love the whale watching tours for their expert naturalist guides and high spotting success rate. The Elqui Valley day trips earn top marks for combining culture, spirits, and stunning mountain scenery all in one outing.
Let’s explore the very best tours La Serena has to offer.
Good To Know
Whale watching and marine tours in La Serena, including a daily tour with a 100% recommendation rate and opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
Cultural and historical tours in the Elqui Valley, featuring visits to pisco distilleries, the Gabriela Mistral museum, and a unique solar-powered dining experience.
City and scenic tours in La Serena and Coquimbo, showcasing landmarks like the Third Millennium Cross and the Japanese Park.
Tours with high accessibility, suitable for families with strollers and service animals, despite some physical demands and potential language barriers.
Specialized tours, such as the Valle del Encanto tour, featuring ancient petroglyphs and diverse flora and fauna.
Daily Tour to Go Whale Watching All Inclusive
The daily whale watching tour in La Serena, Chile, offered by Akana Tours, provides an all-inclusive experience for travelers seeking to witness the majestic marine life in the region.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 72 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. The tour includes a lunch, an English-speaking guide, and pickup and drop-off from your accommodations, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
The tour departs from the Hotel Costa Real in La Serena at 8:00 am, and participants can either head directly to the meeting point or request pickup.
The tour covers La Serena, Tongoy, and Coquimbo, offering ample opportunities to spot whales and other marine creatures.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.
With an overall rating of 5.0 based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, this tour is a top choice for those seeking an immersive whale watching experience in La Serena.
Read our full review: Daily Tour to Go Whale Watching All Inclusive Review
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Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch
Although a private shore excursion from La Serena, Chile, the Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch provides travelers with an immersive exploration of the region’s renowned pisco production and cultural heritage.
The tour takes visitors to the Elqui Valley, known for its pisco distilleries, and the Puclaro reservoir for scenic vistas. Guests will tour a pisco factory, learn about the distillation process, and sample the local spirits.
The tour also includes a visit to the Gabriela Mistral museum in Vicuña, honoring the Nobel Prize-winning poet. Lunch is prepared using solar energy in Villaseca, offering a unique dining experience.
While reviews are mixed, with some citing issues with timing and communication, the tour is generally praised for its knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery.
With private transportation, individualized attention, and free cancellation, the Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour provides a comprehensive way to explore this captivating region of Chile.
Read our full review: Elqui Valley and Vicuña Private Tour Including Lunch Review
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La Serena: Full Day Tour to Elqui Valley
A popular full-day small-group tour from La Serena takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the renowned Elqui Valley, the home of Chile’s famous Pisco Sour.
This tour includes hotel pickup, a guided tour of a Pisco production plant, an expert-led tasting of the valley’s renowned spirit, and a traditional Chilean lunch. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore Vicuña, the hometown of Nobel Prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral.
With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, this experience is ideal for families seeking an intimate and personalized adventure.
The tour boasts a 100% traveler recommendation based on 11 reviews, praising the knowledgeable guides and relaxed pace. While the Pisco tasting experience could be enhanced, the overall tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the Elqui Valley’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Priced from €107.72 per person, this full-day tour is a must-consider for anyone visiting La Serena.
Read our full review: La Serena: Full Day Tour to Elqui Valley Review
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La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour – Short Excursion for Cruise Ships
Offered as a short excursion for cruise ship passengers visiting La Serena, this city tour provides an opportunity to explore the highlights of both La Serena and the neighboring port city of Coquimbo.
The tour includes visits to landmarks like the Third Millennium Cross, as well as a stop at the Japanese Park. Travelers will also have the chance to enjoy the local culture by visiting markets and enjoying a lunch at a nearby restaurant.
However, the tour’s organization and communication have received mixed reviews. While some travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, others report poor coordination and delays, particularly with the lunch experience.
Plus, the accessibility of the tour is limited, as it isn’t wheelchair-accessible and requires infants to sit on laps.
Despite these concerns, the tour generally offers good value for the price and allows visitors to discover the scenic beauty and cultural charm of the region.
Read our full review: La Serena & Coquimbo City Tour – Short Excursion for Cruise Ships Review
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Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley
Travelers seeking to enjoy the rich history and captivating flavors of the Elqui Valley can embark on the full-day “Elqui Valley Tour: History and Flavors.”
This highly-rated excursion, with a 98% recommendation rate, provides an in-depth exploration of the region’s cultural and gastronomic highlights. Guests are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, starting their journey at 8:00 AM and returning to the meeting point.
Along the way, they’ll enjoy a delicious included lunch and have the opportunity to savor local tastings and visit scenic locations. The tour’s hallmarks are its knowledgeable and friendly guides, who provide bilingual support, and the breathtaking vistas of the Elqui Valley.
While a few guests noted language barriers during tastings and limited guidance at certain stops, the overall experience is praised for its immersive culture and excellent value, costing just $46.64 per person.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is an ideal way to discover the essence of Chile’s Elqui Valley.
Read our full review: Full Day History and Flavors Tour in the Elqui Valley Review
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La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion
For those seeking an immersive exploration of La Serena and Coquimbo, the private city tour is an excellent choice. This comprehensive excursion takes visitors on a journey through the area’s historic architecture, exquisite beaches, and notable landmarks.
The tour includes a visit to the La Serena Archaeological Museum, where guests can marvel at Easter Island artifacts. Highlights also include the La Serena Lighthouse, the Cross of the Third Millennium, and the charming Guayacan neighborhood.
Lunch at a local restaurant is provided, allowing guests to savor the region’s culinary delights. With a professional guide ensuring personalized attention, the tour offers a seamless experience, including round-trip transport from the port or hotel.
This shore excursion caters to a wide range of travelers, though it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges. Priced competitively and with a flexible cancellation policy, the La Serena and Coquimbo private city tour is a top choice for discovering the area’s cultural and natural wonders.
Read our full review: La Serena and Coquimbo Private City Tour Including Lunch, Shore Excursion Review
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La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB)
What better way to experience the vibrant cities of La Serena and Coquimbo than on this comprehensive city tour? This 4-hour excursion combines the highlights of both destinations, offering hotel pickup and a knowledgeable guide in either Spanish or English.
Explore the Monumental Lighthouse, the Archaeological Museum, and the lively Recova Market, before strolling along the seafront promenade and taking in the stunning vistas of Guayacán bay and La Herradura beaches.
The tour is family-friendly, with a minimum booking of 2 people and a maximum group size of 7 travelers. Prices start at £54.63 per person, though food, drinks, and gratuities are optional.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.
However, the operator reserves the right to refuse service to intoxicated passengers, with no refunds available for canceled tours. Reviews, though limited, average a 3.0 rating, with no 5-star or 4-star feedback.
Read our full review: La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour (SIB) Review
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Tour to Valle Del Encanto Archeology, Petroglyphs, Flora, Fauna and Springs
Enjoy the captivating history and natural wonders of the Valle del Encanto on this engaging tour. Explore the area’s remarkable archeology, with ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks, and discover the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this unique environment.
The 2-3 hour tour, which can be adjusted to suit participants’ abilities, takes you to the stunning springs and landscapes of this remarkable region near La Serena, Chile.
The tour includes round-trip transportation with a restroom-equipped vehicle, a delicious lunch, and all tips – providing excellent value at $175 per person. Groups are limited to a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. With a 5-star rating from previous guests, this immersive adventure is an excellent choice for those seeking to uncover the natural and cultural riches of the Valle del Encanto.
Read our full review: Tour to Valle Del Encanto Archeology, Petroglyphs, Flora, Fauna and Springs Review
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The Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour at the Humboldt Penguin Reserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these iconic seabirds and other marine life in their natural habitat. Priced from $155 per person, this full-day tour departs at 8 AM and can accommodate up to 40 travelers.
The experience includes round-trip transportation, lunch, and admission to the Humboldt Penguin boat tour and reserve.
While the tour typically provides excellent wildlife viewing, recent reports indicate low penguin visibility due to an outbreak of avian flu. Nevertheless, travelers can still expect to see a variety of marine species, including bottle-nose dolphins, sea lions, and various seabirds.
The tour also allows for exploration of the local flora and fauna, as well as opportunities for memorable wildlife photography.
Participants should be aware of the tour’s moderate physical demands and potential language barriers for English speakers. However, the friendly guides, delicious cuisine, and tailored experiences for photographers often make for a rewarding and unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Dama Island or Chañaral Navigation Tour Humboldt Penguin Reserve Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Discount for Booking Multiple Tours?
Many tour providers offer discounted rates for booking multiple tours. Customers can often save a significant amount by bundling tours together, making it a more cost-effective option compared to booking each tour individually.
Can the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?
The tours can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs when booking. The tour operators will work to ensure everyone’s dietary needs are met throughout the excursions.
Are the Tours Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?
Many of the tours in La Serena can accommodate travelers with mobility issues. Operators often provide wheelchair-accessible transportation and accommodate other special needs. It’s best to check with individual tour providers about their accessibility options.
Can the Tours Be Customized to Individual Interests?
The tours can often be customized to individual interests, allowing travelers to focus on the aspects they’re most excited about. Guides are typically flexible and willing to adapt the itinerary to suit each guest’s preferences and needs.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tours?
The cancellation and refund policy typically allows for full refunds if a tour is canceled. However, there may be partial refunds or fees for customer-initiated cancellations, depending on the tour operator’s policy. It’s best to review the specific terms before booking.
The Sum Up
La Serena offers a wide range of tours showcasing the area’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique attractions. From whale watching to exploring the Elqui Valley, visitors can enjoy the diverse landscapes and experiences the region has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, wildlife, or outdoor adventures, there’s a tour that’ll suit your interests and make the most of your time in La Serena.