Activities in La Serena
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swimming beaches
A swathe of wide sandy beaches stretches from La Serena's nonfunctional lighthouse right to Coquimbo: there are so many that you could visit a different beach every day for a two-week vacation. Unfortunately, strong rip currents make some unsuitable for swimming. Safe swimming beaches generally start south of Cuatro Esquinas and include most beaches around Coquimbo. Those between the west end of Av Aguirre and Cuatro Esquinas (ie closer to town) are friskier and generally dangerous for bathers.
Look for the signs 'Playa Apta' (meaning beach safe for swimming) and 'Playa No Apta' (meaning beach not safe for swimming).
A bike path now runs all the way to Coquimbo. For quick …
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water activities
Other popular water activities include sailing (buddy up to a yacht-club member), surfing (hit Playa El Faro with local bodyboarders) and windsurfing (keep an eye on swimmers within 200m of the beach or you'll run afoul of the Gobernación Marítima). Playa Totoralillo, south of Coquimbo, is rated highly for its surf breaks and windsurfing potential.
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Maui Girl
Maui Girl is located smack-dab in the middle of Playa El Faro, about 3km south of the lighthouse, and rents a board-wetsuit combo for CH$5000 per day.
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A
Colectivo de Arte Consciente
Conversions are possible – but not mandatory – at this Hare Krishna art collective. Classes range from spirituality lectures to vegetarian cooking courses.
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B
La Serena School
Offers Spanish courses (CH$22,000 for 2½ hours of instruction with a minimum of five classes), and homestays (CH$12,000 with breakfast and dinner).
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Inti Mahina
A youth-oriented agency offering all the standard tours as well as useful advice on independent travel.
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C
City Tour
Sign up for a cheap hour-long city tour (CH$3000) at Plaza la Recova. Tours leave at 11am and 2pm.
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D
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E
Ingservtur
A well-established company with friendly English-speaking staff; it can provide English- or German-speaking guides for about 20% more than the standard prices. Special prices are available for students.
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