La Serena is one of Chile's oldest cities, having been settled on the middle of a large bay by Pedro de Valdivia in the 16th century. The city has a characteristic colonial style architecture, and it has made a conscious effort to preserve this style in new construction. In fact, it is the law that all buildings fit the style and form of the original plans and that none exceed the seven stories of the city cathedral. The relaxed seaside atmosphere and shaded parks make La Serena one of the most beautiful of Chile´s cities (population 120,000). Its many kilometers of beaches have made it one of the country´s prime beach destinations and offer many opportunities for the beginning to intermediate surfer.
During the summer months of January and February, La Serena becomes jammed
with wall to wall scantily clad sunbathers and prices double. During
the rest of the year the city is quiet and excellent deals can be had
for condominiums or houses overlooking the ocean. The areas surrounding
La Serena offer many possibilities for excursions and recreation. Apart
from the abundant beaches that stretch for hundreds of kilometers north
and south, the city is also the gateway to the Elqui valley. The Elqui
is famous as the former home of Nobel Prize winning poet Gabriella Mistral
as well as the current site for several of the country´s pisco
(Chile´s national liquor) factories. The valley is also increasingly
sought out as a destination for new age energy searchers. La Serena's
other nearby attractions include the fishing village of Tongoy, the unique
flora of Fray Jorge National Park (open weekends and holidays), and the
observatory of Cerro Tololo. Roughly seven hours north of Santiago, it's
suitable either for a weekend getaway or a long vacation. The best time
to visit La Serena for peace and tranquility is in March and April, when
prices drop and the weather cools a bit (although most of the year is
good for this too). The best time to party and to hear great live concerts
on the beach is during December and January, when the area is flooded
with university students and other vacationers.  |
||||
 |
Hotel Santa Barbara |  |
||
|
||||
| General Info This hotel has been built and furnished in the style of 19th century countryside stately homes. Its rooms are ample, with color TV with cable and dressing room. |
||||
 |
||||
| Accomodation Service Pool, laundry, cable TV, tours, parking. |
||||
|
||||
Prices |
||||
 |
||||
 |
||||
|
||||
|
Hotel Canto del Agua | |
||
|
||||
| General Info The Canto del Agua Hotel is ideal for business or pleasure, with standard hotel rooms and apartments with living rooms and kitchenettes for your comfort. The apartments are designed to serve all your needs whether long-term or not. |
||||
|
||||
| Accomodation Service Conference room, pool, restaurant, bar, laundry, TV, money exchange, hair salon, solarium, tours. parking. |
||||
|
||||
Prices |
||||
|
||||
|
||||
