La Serena, Chile

La Serena, Chile
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:La_Serena_view.jpg
Author: Krzysztof Ulaczyk


La Serena is a city in northern Chile. Covering 1,892.8 sq km (730.8 sq mi), it has a population of 200,000 (2011 estimate) with a metropolitan population of over 400,000. In terms of metropolitan population, it is the fourth largest city in the country. The city observes the Chile Standard Time (UTC-4) and in summer the Chile Standard Summer Time (UTC-3).

La Serena is the capital of Coquimbo Region. Founded in 1544, it is the second oldest city in Chile after the national capital, Santiago, which is located 471 km to the south. La Serena has good beaching along the coast facing the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular tourist destination, especially in summer. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Chile, with its population increasing over 30% between 1992 and 2002.

Iglesia de San Francisco, La Serena, Chile
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iglesia_san_fco_la_serena.jpg
Author: Sfs90


La Serena experiences what is called a cool desert climate. It only receives 96 mm (3.78 in) of rain in a year, most of which in the months of July (31 mm) and June (20 mm). Warmest months are January and February, when the average high temperature reaches 22°C (72°F). Coldest month is July, when the average lows drop to 15°C (59°F).

Summer is the main tourist season for La Serena. It stages several events and recreational activities during summer to draw the crowds. Among them, there are music festivals, concerts and a Fashion Week. Visitors looking for some culture will be pleased that the city has preserved and restored many of its historic churches, thanks to an urban renewal project carried out between 1948 and 1958, called Plan Serena, to rescue and develop its own architectural style.

Calle Los Carrera, a street in La Serena
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calle_Los_Carrera_de_La_Serena.jpg
Author: Emmanuelle


La Serena was founded on the orders of Pedro Gutiérrez de Valdivia, the first royal governor of Chile, so that there is a rest stop for soldiers between Santiago and Lima. The city was established twice. The first settlement was founded by Captain Juan Bohón, with the name Villanueva de La Serena, in 1544 (or perhaps 1543 - historians cannot agree on the date). That initial settlement was destroyed by local Indian tribes in 1549. Then Captain Francisco de Aguirre was ordered to re-establish the settlement, which he did, at a slightly different location, a few months later. The present city grew out of the second settlement.

Visiting La Serena

You can fly to La Serena from Santiago de China on LAN. The flight takes about an hour. The other option is to take a bus - a journey of about 7-8 hours.

Places of Interest in La Serena

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