Local information
Transportation
- Mass transportation like Microbuses (“micros”) and collective taxis (“colectivos”) have fixed routes that can carry you within La Serena/Coquimbo without problems, as long as you know where you’re going and if it’s within said transport’s route.
- For private transportation, yellow taxis and/or orange license-plated vehicles can move you around, at a higher price.
- Transport apps like Uber and DiDi also operate in the city.
Currency
The local currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP), and unlike some of its neighboring countries, informal market does not deal alternatively with US dollars, so be sure to carry between CLP 50.000 and CLP 100.000, at most times.
Board/Meals
- Breakfast is usually included with your hotel reservation.
- For dinner, we recommend various restaurants in La Serena. Food is fresh and not very costly.
Health Information
General information on health issues can be accessed via
Vaccination
Most vaccinations for Chile are not obligatory, however vaccinations or an update of the usual childhood-diseases and hepatitis are recommended.
Hygiene and water-borne diseases
Standards in hotels are high, comparable with European standards. However, when traveling the first time, it is recommended to stick to the following basic rules when touring the archipelago or visiting restaurants:
- Wash your hands
- Wash, cook and/or peel any fruits and vegetables you might purchase at local farmers’ market or street vendors.
- Buy sealed bottled water for drinking.
- Carry a small travel medkit packed mostly with medicine against gastrointestinal disorders.
Climate
Electricity and Voltage
PLEASE DO ENSURE THAT YOUR DEVICES’ VOLTAGE IS RATED AS 220V OR 100-240V. IN NOT DOING SO, YOUR DEVICES RISK HAVING PERMANENT DAMAGE AND/OR BEING UNUSABLE!!!