Coquimbo

Coquimbo

Chile

Explore the mystical Elqui Valley's astronomical observatories where you can gaze at the Southern Hemisphere's clearest skies.

Currency Chilean Peso (CLP)
Language Spanish
Time Zone CLT (UTC-3)
Best Time to Visit Nov–Mar
Typical Duration 27-31 nights
Price Range From $2,859 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Chile's Coquimbo Region, offering access to colonial architecture, nearby wineries, and the stunning Pacific coastline of South America's west coast.

Cruises that visit Coquimbo

Build Your Day in Coquimbo

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Getting around:
La Recova Several small local artist shops Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 22k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Cruz Del Tercer Milenio One of the best attractions in coquimbo. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 16k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Mall VIVO Coquimbo Stores have lots of merchandise at reasonable prices. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 14k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Patio Outlet Peñuelas Cheaoer than a regular store Outlet mall · ★ 4.3 · 8k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Caleta de Coquimbo Worth a visit!! Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 7k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Pub El Muelle Great location and selection of drinks Grill · ★ 4.5 · 6k
Fuerte de Coquimbo Free to enter, has a parking lot Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 5k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Mar Adentro restaurant Delicious food with big proportions. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 5k
Centro Comercial Paseo Balmaceda Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 5k Closes soon · 10 PM
Arauco Premium Outlet Coquimbo An excellent outlet Outlet mall · ★ 4.2 · 5k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Parque Acuático Curunina Very kid friendly, places to have an asado, clean toilets and fun rides. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Playa El Faro Cool and peaceful at day. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 4k
Municipal Stadium Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso expectacular Stadium · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Pilla La Vaca Great atmosphere,we had BBQ and plate of octopus really delicious! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Tío Coco You will not be disappointed. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 3k
La Picá del Lupa Delicious food, good service 10/10 Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 12:45 PM Thu
Pub La Rocca I had a pisco sour and piña colada, I highly recommend both. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 2k
New Pirats Food and drinks were amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k
Tololo Beef Great steaks and service. Steak · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Serena East Mall Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Fogon del Mar Peñuelas Coquimbo Good place for seafood Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Coquimbo It has character. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Centro Cultural Mohamed VI Beautiful views. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Restaurant Magnolia Portions were generous and staff friendly. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Thu
Centro La Serena Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
Playa La Herradura Ok, go.in the.mornings ;) great long walks! Real estate agent · ★ 4.5 · 1k
La Herradura Very nice scenery. Beach · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Blue Moon | Discotheca - Bar - Centro de Eventos Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Gastropub · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
Beergarden Peñuelas Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery Grill · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Restaurant Mar y Fuego Coquimbo Son petfriendly....super Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Aragon beach restobar Delicious fish empanadas with generous portions. Chilean · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Mirador Los Navegantes Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Mall Puerta del Mar Good mall, you can choose all Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
ZGarden Bar / Zex Paladar / ZG Events /ZSpace Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Grill · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 PM Fri
Lodoncito Rincón Cervecero lovely people, even in a blackout :) Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
RESTAURANT UMAMI LA SERENA Great Peruvian food. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Sereno Bar de Especialidad Beautifully decorated, chill music, decadent food and amazing cocktails. Bar · ★ 5 · 0k
Paris Coquimbo Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Forastero Restobar Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Domo Cultura Ánimas Tourist attraction · ★ 3.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
Mirador Turístico Cultural Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Santafe Peñuelas Dine-in·Takeout Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Valle del elqui Farmstay · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Barquera Restaurant - Gastronomía fusión Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
KM0 coffe Playa Peñuelas Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
divermundo coquimbo Indoor playground · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Mall vivo Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Coquimbo

About Coquimbo

Coquimbo stands as one of South America's most intriguing cruise ports, offering travelers a authentic glimpse into Chile's rich maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Nestled along the country's north-central Pacific shore, this charming port city serves as a primary port of call for discerning cruisers exploring South America's most compelling destinations. With four prestigious cruise lines—Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, and Swan Hellenic—regularly calling here, Coquimbo has become an essential stop on extended South American itineraries, particularly those spanning 31 nights or longer.

Passengers boarding cruises from Coquimbo can expect to embark on remarkable voyages that venture southward to Buenos Aires and San Antonio, northward to Peru's Callao, or across the Pacific toward Panama's Fuerte Amador and General San Martin. The port welcomes the most visitors during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of November through January, as well as in March, when the weather is particularly inviting for exploration.

What truly sets Coquimbo apart is its proximity to exceptional attractions and well-maintained port facilities that make arrival and departure seamless. The city itself captivates visitors with its colonial architecture, vibrant fishing traditions, and access to nearby wine valleys. Whether you're embarking on an epic South American cruise or simply discovering this underrated gem during a port stop, Coquimbo promises an enriching experience that captures the essence of Chile's Pacific identity.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Colonial Coquimbo's Historic Heart

Wander through the charming colonial architecture of Coquimbo's historic center, where colorful buildings line cobblestone streets. Visit the iconic Plaza de Armas and the beautiful Iglesia de San Antonio, a 17th-century church that anchors the town's cultural identity and offers stunning views of the Pacific coastline.

2

Savor Fresh Seafood at the Harbor

Indulge in exceptional ceviche and grilled fish at waterfront restaurants overlooking the working fishing harbor. Local restaurants serve the day's catch prepared with regional flair, featuring Coquimbo's famous empanadas and fresh Chilean wines that pair perfectly with the ocean breeze and authentic coastal atmosphere.

3

Hike to Guanaquero Beach's Coastal Cliffs

Trek along dramatic cliffsides to pristine Guanaquero Beach, where turquoise waters meet golden sand just minutes from port. This scenic coastal walk rewards visitors with breathtaking Pacific vistas, opportunities to spot local seabirds, and secluded coves perfect for photography and contemplation.

4

Shop the Vibrant Artisan Markets

Browse colorful local markets brimming with handcrafted Chilean goods, including lapis lazuli jewelry, woven textiles, and ceramic pottery unique to the region. The bustling Feria Artesanal offers authentic souvenirs directly from local artisans at reasonable prices, showcasing Coquimbo's rich craftsmanship traditions.

5

Visit the Penguin Colony at Daphne Island

Take a short boat excursion to nearby Daphne Island to observe Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. This protected sanctuary offers intimate encounters with these charismatic birds alongside sea lions and diverse marine life in pristine waters.

Cruise Lines at Coquimbo

Cruises Departing From Coquimbo

Cruises Visiting Coquimbo

Ship Schedule at Coquimbo

Coquimbo Location

Other Cruise Ports in Chile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coquimbo known for?

Coquimbo is a historic port town in Chile known for calm waters, wooden architecture, beaches, and proximity to La Serena and the Elqui Valley.

What can visitors do in Coquimbo?

Explore historic wooden buildings, stroll along the coast, visit nearby beaches, and take trips to the Elqui Valley observatories.

When is the best time to visit Coquimbo?

Spring to fall (Sept–Mar) offers pleasant weather; coastal evenings can be breezy.

Is Coquimbo a good base for visiting La Serena and Elqui Valley?

Yes. Coquimbo serves as the gateway to La Serena and the Elqui Valley, famed for pisco and clear skies.