Major city · Chile
Coquimbo
Spend 1–2 days in Coquimbo: see the cross, fort and a beach, then catch a bus to La Serena or Valparaíso.
Coquimbo is a small port city on a peninsula with a historic fort, a 83 m cross, several beaches and a growing nightlife. One full day covers the main sights; a second day lets you relax on a beach or take a short bus to nearby La Serena.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CLP
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- avoid Jun–Aug (cool, foggy)
- Airport
- CCP
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Chile ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Chile's National Migration Service or a Chilean consulate; keep the entry slip or digital record you receive.
- Chile ↗Torres del Paine: campsites and refugios on the W and O treks must be booked in advance, and the park requires an entry ticket bought ahead; check the official park (CONAF) channels.
- Chile ↗Chile strictly controls food imports: declare fruit, meat, dairy, seeds and honey on arrival, or throw them away before customs.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Coquimbo133 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Coquimbo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Chilean peso (CLP, $).Chile-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEntel, Movistar, WOM and Claro sell prepaid SIMs; foreign phones may need IMEI registration after a period — check.Chile-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most cities; boil or filter in rural areas and on treks.Chile-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% suggested on the bill; you may decline.Chile-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Chile-wide
- SafetyCoquimbo is generally safe; stay in well-lit areas at night, watch drinks in bars, and keep valuables hidden.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin in older buildings; bus terminals charge.Chile-wide
- Emergency numbers133 police · 132 fire · 131 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany businesses close on 18–19 September; Sunday trading is limited in small towns.Chile-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCCP Coquimbo Airport (Domestic flights; bus to city centre about 20 min).
- Getting aroundWalk the peninsula for most sights; city buses run every 20 min to beaches; taxis charge by meter, about CLP 3,500 per km.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCLP 1,200–2,000
- BeerBeer (pint)CLP 2,500–3,500
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (first km)CLP 3,500–4,000
- Metro or bus rideBus ticket (city)CLP 800–1,200
- Museum or sight ticketCruz del Tercer Milenio entryCLP 2,500
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCLP 15,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room (2), a night, per roomCLP 45,000
- High-end bedDouble room (2), a night, per roomCLP 65,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CLP 8,000 · Mid CLP 15,000 · High CLP 25,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CCP Coquimbo Airport (Domestic flights; bus to city centre about 20 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Sep
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Best: Oct–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jul (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jul (8 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Coquimbo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Aug
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3 rd
Dec
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the peninsula for most sights; city buses run every 20 min to beaches; taxis charge by meter, about CLP 3,500 per km.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
La Serena
goDoor to door: ≈45 min
Bus from Coquimbo terminal, about 30 min
Main beach city, historic centre and aquarium.
Valparaíso
cautionDoor to door: ≈3 h
Intercity bus, about 2 h 30 min
Longer ride; consider overnight if you want to explore fully.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hostel Del Puerto
Urban, rooftop views; twin US$43, double US$46 (2026 estimate).
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CLP 8,000–12,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- CLP 12,000–20,000 excl. bed
- High
- CLP 20,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed1 × 1 night × CLP 20,000 | CLP 20,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × CLP 15,000 | CLP 15,000 |
| Bus Coquimbo‑La Serena round‑trip1 × CLP 3,500 · check | CLP 3,500 |
| eSIM data (7 days)1 × CLP 12,000 · check | CLP 12,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CLP 5,050 |
| Trip total≈ CLP 55,550 per person per day, bed included | CLP 55,550 |
2026 estimate in CLP; flights not included.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | CLP 1,200–2,000 |
| Beer (pint) | CLP 2,500–3,500 |
| Meal at a mid‑range restaurant | CLP 8,000–12,000 |
| Bus ticket (city) | CLP 800–1,200 |
| Taxi (first km) | CLP 3,500–4,000 |
| Cruz del Tercer Milenio entry | CLP 2,500 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cross entry fee CLP 2,500; check opening hours.
- Fort has limited staff; verify opening times before visiting.
- Nightlife can be loud; keep belongings secure.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 133
- Fire
- 132
- Ambulance
- 131
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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CoquimboCoquimbo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police133
- Fire132
- Ambulance131
Embassy
US consulate in Santiago; check for nearest consular services.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Coquimbo → La Serena bus: ≈ CLP 3,500, 30 min (check)
- Taxi 5 km: ≈ CLP 18,000–20,000
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (graˈθjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (ˈdonde esˈta el ˈβaɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Coquimbo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Mar · avoid Jun–Aug (cool, foggy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night in La Serena for beach time.
- Use local bus pass for cheap travel to nearby beaches.
Sources
Ask about Coquimbo
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