Nov. 5, 2011 - Coquimbo and Serena, Chile

Our ship arrived early so we were cleared of customs and our shore excursion started earlier than scheduled. We first drove through downtown Coquimbo where our ship docked. Then we went south of Coquimbo to the very beautiful harbour, La Herranura where we took some pictures of the harbour. In the harbour was a ore loading facility that handled iron ore destined to Japan. We doubled back through Coquimbo and drove north about 15 km to the very pretty city of Serena. This city was established by Captain Juan Bohen in 1544 to provide a refueling place for the Spanish ships going from Santiago to Lima. We were taken to viewing spots high up on the hills to view the large harbour that both Coquimbo and Serena are on. Coquimbo is on the sheltered side of the harbour so is now being used as the port. Serena on the other hand has the beautiful beaches that are lined with many condominiums, apartments and hotels that are used by vacationers to enjoy the beaches. On the shores of the Serena beaches is a most famous landmark - El Faro lighthouse.
After a delightful day in these two cities, our ship left at 5 PM for the port of Valparaiso that services the capital of Chile - Santiago.

The port of Coquimbo

Con at the beautiful harbor and beach at La Herradura (south of Coquimbo)

Very impressive looking government building in La Serena

The market in La Serena where Dorothy and Con bought their el pacos sweaters.

View from a hill overlooking La Serena

Colorful looking military barracks.

Dorothy and Con before large old cannon that once protected the El Faro Lighthouse

Dorothy in front of the El Faro Lighthouse

The large cross over-looking the town and harbor of Coquimbo