Chile Travel: La Serena by Melissa
Reichwage
 The Elqui
Valley in Northern Chile is one of the most attractive parts of this
dynamic nation. There are mines, orchards, vineyards, and arid mountains.
There is a stark yet stunning contrast between immense rock formations
and the lush valley floor.
La
Serena is Chile's second-oldest city and one of the most important in the
Elqui Valley. It is blessed with a long shoreline and beautiful
architecture. Built on a hillside 2 km inland, the city is famous for its
churches, tree-lined avenues, and attractive plazas. Aside from the
summer rush in January and February, it is a fairly peaceful beach
resort.
 The city boasts
over 30 churches, several which have unusual towers. Much of the city's
architecture is original colonial, but most of it is neocolonial. The
Plaza de Armas surrounding area has most of the official buildings, including
the Casa González Videla which now houses the Museo Histórico Regional.
Opposite is the 1844 cathedral featuring a carillon which plays every
hour.
In
addition to many churches, La Serena has splendid parks. One block west
of the Plaza de Armas is the Parque Pedro de Valdivia with the Parque
Japonés just south of it. Avenida Francisco, known as the Alameda, is a
lovely boulevard lined with statues and running from the center to the
coast. The Alameda ends at Faro Monumental, a neo-colonial mock-castle
and lighthouse, now a pub. A string of beaches run from here to Penuelas,
6 km south. Many apartments, hotels, cabanas, and restaurants have been
built along this section of the beach.
La
Serena has numerous attractions in the surrounding countryside. The
charming villages and pisco vineyards are abundant, as are astronomical
observatories. The valleys around La Serena are excellent for
astronomical viewing. The clear skies and dry atmosphere have led to La
Serena becoming one of the astronomical centers of the world. They have
four observatories, one built especially for visitors. Mamalluca is a new
observatory built especially for the public at 1,500 m. There is also a
multimedia center here, but be sure to book tours in advance.
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