city tour of la serena and coquimbo

CITY TOUR OF LA SERENA AND COQUIMBO
The tour departs from the city center by way of the main square, the
Plaza de Armas. La Serena is the second oldest city in Chile after
Santiago and it maintains a Spanish neo-colonial style according to the
"Plan Serena" which was implemented by legislation unique in Chile ,
which allowed the city to grow yet keep its own style. The heritage of
the city includes 30 churches, a romantic avenue of replica
classical Italian statues and townhouses dating from the last century
together with public buildings according to the Plan Serena.
The first stop is the Archaeological Museum , which gives insight into
the early history of the El Molle, Animas and Diaguita cultures and their
impact on the settlement of this region with examples of their
craftsmanship in their remaining artifacts. An original Moai statue from
Easter Island is also impressively on display. The tour visits the
picturesque "artesania" market of La Recova , full of typical crafts,
papaya products cultivated from the Elqui Valley , jumpers knitted from
alpaca wool, ceramics with Diaguita designs, crafts in combarbalita
stone and jewelers specially crafted from the lapis lazuli semi precious
stone which is only found in this region of Chile and the Americas .
There is time for the visitor to enjoy the panoramic view from the hill of
the University of La Serena over the city and the bay of Coquimbo
affording a splendid opportunity for a photo stop.
As the tour progresses through the residential area of San Joaquin this
recent modern sector provides a colorful backdrop with beautiful
gardens of hibiscus, bougainvillea and poinsettias amongst many other
flowering plants which thrive in this warm climate all year round. The
tour continues to the Lighthouse, El Faro, the symbol of La Serena and
allows time for a photo stop of the wide sweep of the bay and along the
Avenue of the Sea with its beaches, modern hotels, pubs, discos and
restaurants, showing how this area has responded to the recent growth
in tourism.
The traditional fish market by the Port of Coquimbo is typical of this
region, showing the great variety of fish and shellfish, which are
available. This colorful scene shows the main industry of the city and
its close connection with the ocean. As the tour continues to the
beautiful resort of La Herradura in the bay of Guayacan, the history and
legends of the pirates who invaded this coast is unveiled.
INGSERVTUR
Manuel Antonio Matta Nº 611, La Serena, IV Región, Chile
Teléfonos – Fax : 56 – 51 – 220165 – 220167
www.ingservtur.cl – E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] – [email protected] –
[email protected]
ELQUI VALLEY TOUR
The tour of this vibrant valley lasts all day but leaves the tourist feeling
more energized that when he left in the morning. The valley is tinged
with an esoteric air and many insist that it is the "energy center" of the
world. This place is a geographic configuration, which is unique in the
world. It is a narrow, but fertile strip of land where vegetables, papayas,
lucuma, cherimoya trees (custard apple), and grapes grow alongside the
hillsides, covered with cacti, of the semi arid desert.
The tour departs from the city of La Serena along Route 41 towards
Vicuna going alongside the banks of the river Elqui that provides
irrigation for this fertile valley.
The newly constructed Puclaro dam will eventually hold 200 million cubic
meters of water, which will be used to provide water for irrigation. On
the mountaintop the white domes of the Tololo Observatory can be
spotted, it is located in this place because of the clearest atmosphere in
the world. No less surprising are the vineyards, with different varieties of
Moscatel and Torontel grapes which are used to make one of the most
characteristic liquors of Chile , “Pisco" which is produced and bottled in
the region.
The short tour of the pisco distillery enables one to see the processes
involved in the distillation of wine into this clear liquor. Visit the cellars,
exhibition room and enjoy a tasting. Vicuña is the main town of the
valley, 60 kilometers from La Serena , and is also noted for being the
birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, the Nobel Prize winner for literature.
There will be time to see the Bauer Tower (old city hall), Vicuña's church
and the main square. Leaving Vicuña behind the valley narrows and the
mountains become higher and steep sided with the contrasting green
vineyards occupying the valley floor. Here the vines are grown for the
early exportation of table grapes from the Port of Coquimbo .
Lunch will be in a typical restaurant and is included in the full day
tour. Set against the clear blue skies, on average there are 300 clear
days per year, there are breathtaking views of this magical valley with
its incredibly pure mountain air, close to the mystical Cochiguaz valley.
The tour begins its descent down the valley, stopping at the tomb of
Gabriela Mistral in the village of Montegrande and a visit to the old
schoolhouse where she spent her childhood and is now a small museum.
On the return to La Serena enjoy seeing the mountains with their ever
changing colors and the abundance of fruit, vegetables and vines grown
in this unique and fertile valley, full of sunshine and the clearest of skies.
INGSERVTUR
Manuel Antonio Matta Nº 611, La Serena, IV Región, Chile
Teléfonos – Fax : 56 – 51 – 220165 – 220167
www.ingservtur.cl – E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] – [email protected] –
[email protected]
STARS OF THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE - MAMALLUCA
AMATEUR OBSERVATORY VISIT
Leaving La Serena in the early evening the drive to the city of
Vicuna is along Route 41 through the Elqui Valley and takes
approximately an hour. There is a short stop at the main square,
the Plaza de Armas in the center of Vicuna to collect the pass from
the Municipal offices. After leaving the town the way to the
Municipal Amateur Observatory is through the village of San Isidro
following up the unpaved road to the open aspect where the
observatory buildings are located.
Upon arrival the staff give an explanation and introduction to the
stars, planets and galaxies. Small groups allow visitors access to
use the 12 inch diameter telescope which is installed in the small
dome or to use the portable telescopes outside in order to observe
the stars in one of the clearest atmospheres in the world. The
installation is 1200 meters above sea level and with minimal light
pollution.
Here more than 300 nights per year have clear skies and it is no
accident that three of the worlds' most important scientific
observatories are situated in this region. These scientific
observatories are not open to the public for nighttime visits and
their
instruments
are
only
for
use
by
professional
astronomers. Astronomy in the Coquimbo Region has given rise
during recent years to an increasing upturn in the number of
visitors who come here to enjoy observing the Southern
Hemisphere skies at night.
This amateur observatory with its practical hands on approach and
its good location in the hills is increasing its facilities to
accommodate the developing interest in astro-tourism.
Time is allowed for the visitor to observe the stars and watch the
skies unfold above in one of the few places where the skies are so
clear that up to the eighth magnitude can be observed with the
naked eye and the center of a galaxy can be easily seen.
INGSERVTUR
Manuel Antonio Matta Nº 611, La Serena, IV Región, Chile
Teléfonos – Fax : 56 – 51 – 220165 – 220167
www.ingservtur.cl – E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] – [email protected] –
[email protected]
ISLA DAMAS TOUR - NATIONAL RESERVE OF THE HUMBOLDT
PENGUIN
This fascinating full day excursion is an invitation for nature lovers and
adventurers alike. The tour starts in the morning from La Serena
driving north along the Pan-American Highway through the "Norte
Chico," a semi-desert area with scarce vegetation dominated by cacti.
The route continues over long curving hill roads and low accesses that
allow you numerous perspectives of the rocky coast. In the morning it
is possible to observe a permanent thick fog above the hills, the
"camanchaca", and a unique "Fog Water Collection System", supplies
water collected by nets to the coastal fishing village of Chungungo
Arriving at the small fishing village of Caleta Punta Choros, which is
122 kilometers from La Serena , from here the Gaviota, Choros and
Damas Islands can be seen, they form part of the Humboldt Penguin
Natural Reservation and are administered by the National Forestry
Corporation (CONAF).
From Caleta Punta Choros the tour departs in a small-motorized fishing
boat, with life jackets supplied, the wearing of which is compulsory.
The boat navigates around the three islands in safe waters depending
on weather conditions. There is the opportunity to admire the marine
life of this area. In the waters surrounding Choros Island lives a colony
of bottlenose dolphins, unique in that this is one of only three colonies
in the world.
Usually they can be seen often performing jumps and pirouettes, but
they do occasionally migrate to the surroundings. In the rocky
shoreline of Choros Island are handsome sea lions and a large variety
of seabirds, often penguins can be spotted The tour disembarks at Isla
Damas with time to enjoy its beaches of white sand and surroundings
before returning by boat to the Caleta Punta Choros. In the village on
the coast lunch is provided in a typical fish and shellfish restaurant in
the simple fishing village. The tour returns back to La Serena during
the evening with a spectacular sunset.
INGSERVTUR
Manuel Antonio Matta Nº 611, La Serena, IV Región, Chile
Teléfonos – Fax : 56 – 51 – 220165 – 220167
www.ingservtur.cl – E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] – [email protected] –
[email protected]
TOUR OF FRAY JORGE NATIONAL PARK AND THE ENCHANTED
VALLEY
The fascinating full day excursion begins in the morning with a drive
along the coast of the Coquimbo Region passing by such resorts as La
Herradura , Totoralillo, Las Tacas and Morrillos. As the Pan-American
highway veers inland there is opportunity to observe the customary thick
fog
that
settles
above
the
coastal
hills
(known
as
the
"camanchaca"). After turning off the Pan-American the remaining route
to Fray Jorge National Park is 27 kilometers of country road which is
unpaved and passes wheat fields, goat herds and the traditional goat
cheese stands. Fray Jorge became a National Park in 1941, and was
declared a Reserve of the Biosphere in 1977 by UNESCO.
Within Fray Jorge's 10.000 hectares the visitor can distinguish three
ecosystems, arid, semi arid and forested, the last of which is found above
600 meters .
The tour stops at the Visitor Center for an introduction to the Park before
climbing 560 meters to the top of the hill for a guided forty minute walk
during which the cinnamon, myrtle and olivillo trees can been seen
growing above a carpet of ferns. This unusual abundant vegetation can
grow in this area because of the coastal clouds (or camanchaca), which
forms due to the cold moisture-laden air coming off the ocean and
condensing upon hitting the high ridge. The high altitude vegetation
takes advantage of the moisture in the clouds, allowing a forest typical of
Southern Chile to survive in the arid north.
After the tour of the cloud forest the descent to the semi arid sector is in
sharp contrast for here can be observed the natural flora and fauna,
especially the foxes and a great variety of birds, birdwatchers bring your
binoculars! After leaving the park lunch is provided in a typical Chilean
restaurant.
The tour returns back to La Serena during the evening with a spectacular
sunset.
INGSERVTUR
Manuel Antonio Matta Nº 611, La Serena, IV Región, Chile
Teléfonos – Fax : 56 – 51 – 220165 – 220167
www.ingservtur.cl – E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] – [email protected] –
[email protected]
ENCHANTMENT VALLEY TOURS & TABALI VINEYARDS
Departure from La Serena. Then we drive southwards on the PanAmerican Highway, going along the coast and admiring beautiful beaches
such as La Herradura , Las Tacas, and Guanaqueros. Then, as we leave
the coast behind, we will have the opportunity of observing permanent
thick fog (camanchaca or coastal clouds) above coast hill, a phenomenon
that produces moisture in this area. Then, going inland to the east, we
will be able to appreciate some crops of “pepino”, here called sweet
cucumber - and the raising of cattle.
Then, we will drive towards the “ Enchantment Valley ” travelling on a
country road. This valley has great archaeological importance, being
considered an open-air museum of scientific and cultural interest. “El
Molle Culture” and other groups of hunters inhabited this valley from
circa 2,000 BC until 600 AD. In this area, it is possible to find an
incredible and interesting number of petroglyphs depicting masks, heads
with antennae, tiaras, sun symbols, and snake-like and fish-like shapes
deeply engraved in rocks. Also, it is possible to see pictographs of lineal
drawings, human beings, and other figures in natural paint. We will also
have the opportunity of seeing the small cup stones or Piedras Tacitas.
Continue along the Road of Grapes and Vineyards towards Tabalí
Vineyard. The offer from Viña Tabalí consists of different types of wine,
each one with its own special and distinctive characteristics. The main
characteristic present in its two lines; Reserve and Special Reserve; is
that both were prepared “over a slow fire” as a result of a very moderate
climate where the maximum and minimum temperatures are not
extreme and where there is scanty rainfall. Visit of the winery and wine
tasting.
Right afterwards, drive to a nearby restaurant where a lunch will be
served. Afterwards, return to La Serena.
INGSERVTUR
Manuel Antonio Matta Nº 611, La Serena, IV Región, Chile
Teléfonos – Fax : 56 – 51 – 220165 – 220167
www.ingservtur.cl – E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] – [email protected] –
[email protected]
Collowara Observatory
For everyone who would like to be part of a magical adventure. We will
start our trip towards Andacollo in the early evening. Travel time is
approximately 1 hour. There will be a brief stop in the main downtown
square of Andacollo before heading up to the Collowara Observatory
which is located approximately 1,300 meters above sea level. Cerro
Churqui is recognized by the astronomical community for possessing
excellent skies for space observation. The tour will begin with a
multimedia presentation about the stars, galaxies, and planets that you
will observe in detail.
This is a privileged location surronded by beautiful scenery and free of
light contamination. Collowara Observatory is equipped with 4 high
definition telescopes.
The main telescope is a Smith Cassigrein which measures 14’’.
Outside the Observatory are 3 observation decks where you can enjoy
the view and see the other professional observatories “El Tololo” and
“Geminis”. Inside the Observatory is a room for videoconferencing,
cafeteria, and a souvenir stand. After the tour is completed we will
return to La Serena.
INGSERVTUR
Manuel Antonio Matta Nº 611, La Serena, IV Región, Chile
Teléfonos – Fax : 56 – 51 – 220165 – 220167
www.ingservtur.cl – E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] – [email protected] –
[email protected]
EXCURSIONES TURÍSTICAS – TARIFAS CONGRESOS
TRASLADOS (Mín. 03 Paxs)
- TRASLADO AEROPUERTO / HOTEL
- TRASLADO HOTEL / AEROPUERTO
CITY TOUR LA SERENA /COQUIMBO, (MÍN. 04 PAXS)
TODOS LOS DÍAS : 10:00 a 13:00 Hrs.(3 horas)
Museo Arqueológico, Mercado La Recova, Mirador Universidad de
La Serena, Sector residencial de San Joaquín, Faro Monumental,
Avenida del Mar de La Serena, Avenida Costanera y Centro de
Coquimbo, Balneario La Herradura
EXCURSION DIARIA VALLE DEL ELQUI C/ALMUERZO
(MÍN. 04 PAXS)
Todos Los Días: 09:15 a 18:30 Hrs.
Valle de Elqui
Ciudad de Vicuña
Montegrande
Pisco Elqui, Visita a Planta Pisquera
EXCURSION FULL DAY ISLA DAMAS,
RESERVA PINGÜINO DE HUMBOLDT(MÍN. 06 PAXS)
8:15 – 08:30 a 19:00 Hrs
.Incluye almuerzo, Ticket CONAF, navegación y traslados.
Circunavegación por la Isla Choros
Isla Damas
EXCURSION OBSERVATORIO AMATEUR MAMALLUCA
(MÍN. 04 PAXS), Salidas 19:00 Hrs.
Visita Nocturna sujeta a disponibilidad
Entrada a Observatorio
Visita Observatorio Amateur Mamalluca
EXCURSION VALLE DEL ENCANTO + VIÑA TABALI
(MÍN. 06 PAXS), Salidas 08:30 a 17:30 Hrs
Visita Valle del Encanto
Visita y degustación de Vinos en Viña Tabali
EXCURSION PARQUE NACIONAL FRAY JORGE + Ovalle
(MÍN. 06 PAXS), Salidas 09:15 a 18:30 Hrs
Visita Parque Nacional Fray Jorge
Caminata por sendero de Interpretación
Almuerzo en restaurante
Visita al Valle del Encanto.
PESOS
$ 5.000
$ 5.000
$ 10.000
US$
US$ 15
US$ 15
US$ 30
$ 18.000
US$ 50
$ 28.000
US$ 70
$ 16.000
US$ 45
$ 28.000
US$ 70
$ 30.000
US$ 75
PODEMOS BRINDARLES CONFIANZA, SEGURIDAD Y PRONTITUD DE SERVICIOS
RESERVAS – BOOKING, SEDE DEL CONGRESO, HOSPITALITY DESK
INGSERVTUR
Manuel Antonio Matta Nº 611, La Serena, IV Región, Chile
Teléfonos – Fax : 56 – 51 – 220165 – 220167
www.ingservtur.cl – E-Mail: [email protected] – [email protected] – [email protected] –
[email protected]