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Coquimbo, Chile: still little known, this region has incredible destinations for family travel with children and teenagers

For those wanting to escape the obvious and experience Chile differently, Coquimbo offers the balance between discovery and fun

By Editorial Team

Located in northern Chile, the Coquimbo region is a true hidden treasure that enchants visitors with a combination of natural beauty, rich history, and culture. Despite being less known than the country’s other destinations, Coquimbo offers a diversity of experiences that can be compared to popular destinations like the famous Atacama Desert, Argentina’s Mendoza wine region, and Portugal’s Algarve beaches. With a strategic location, Coquimbo stands out as a perfect destination for families seeking an unforgettable trip with children and teenagers.

The Coquimbo region is known for its diverse landscapes, which include picturesque beaches bathed by the Pacific, imposing mountains, and fertile valleys. The region’s semi-arid climate provides hot summers and mild winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Families can enjoy sunny days at the beaches and cool nights, perfect for stargazing, one of the most fascinating activities offered in the region. Coquimbo’s geographical diversity allows for a wide range of outdoor activities, ensuring all family members find something they love.

This destination is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Parents wanting to introduce their children to the richness of Chilean history and culture will find in Coquimbo an excellent opportunity. The region houses archaeological sites, museums, and festivals that celebrate local indigenous community traditions. For nature lovers, natural reserves and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and horseback riding offer an exciting way to explore the region’s landscape richness.

Coquimbo also stands out for its sustainable tourism and ecotourism options. Families wanting to teach their children the importance of environmental preservation can participate in activities that promote local flora and fauna conservation. The Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, for example, is an unmissable point where you can closely observe penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat. These experiences not only educate but also create lasting memories for the whole family.

Besides outdoor and cultural activities, Coquimbo offers rich and varied gastronomy, with dishes that will certainly please all palates. Local cuisine includes fresh seafood, exceptional wines, and traditional dishes that reflect the region’s cultural heritage. Family restaurants and local markets are perfect places to try these delights and experience Chilean hospitality. The combination of beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate, diverse activities, and rich culture makes Coquimbo an irresistible option for families seeking an uncommon and unforgettable destination.

La Serena: a beautiful gateway

The adventure begins in La Serena, a coastal city just one hour’s flight from Santiago. With white sand beaches, like Lighthouse Beach, and well-preserved colonial buildings, La Serena is ideal for families who appreciate sun and sea. Despite its waters being cold to encourage swimming, it’s possible to have lots of fun with water sports or relax on the sand.

For those wanting to experience a touch of history, the city offers monuments like the Cathedral Tower and the archaeological museum. A walk through local parks and gardens provides moments of tranquility and leisure for everyone.

Caleta San Pedro

Center of local gastronomy, Caleta San Pedro, located near La Serena, brings together a select group of cooks specializing in seafood-based preparations. Try specialties like chupe de jaiba, machas à la parmesana, and seafood empanadas. Enjoy an enviable view of the sea while tasting a seafood platter accompanied by good regional white wine and sharing recipes with local waiters. The caleta’s secret to success: fish and seafood go directly from sea to kitchen.

Coquimbo: between the port and beautiful beaches

Within the Coquimbo region, there’s also a city called Coquimbo. The region’s second-largest city after its capital La Serena, it’s known for port activity, beaches, and tourist attractions like Cruz del Tercer Milenio and the English neighborhood, which has a rich architectural and historical heritage.

Humboldt Penguin National Reserve

The Humboldt Penguin National Reserve is an unmissable destination for families wanting to connect with nature. Composed of Chañaral, Damas, and Choros islands, the reserve is home to rich marine fauna, including sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and iconic Humboldt penguins that form colonies in the region. Between October and April, the warmest season, it’s possible to spot majestic humpback, blue, and fin whales. Damas Island offers beautiful beaches where you can relax, dive in crystalline waters, and explore trails leading to viewpoints with spectacular reserve views, providing unforgettable sunset moments.

Fray Jorge National Park

Fray Jorge National Park, located in Chile’s Coquimbo region, is a surprising destination for family trips, especially for those wanting to explore biodiversity and learn about environmental preservation importance. This forest, which grows in a coastal desert zone more than 1,250 km from its normal habitat, is living testimony to what the Atacama Desert was like more than 30,000 years ago. With accessible trails, the park allows parents and children to discover together a variety of animal species, like hawks, partridges, Humboldt penguins, and culpeo foxes. Inside the forest, you can closely observe more than 440 species of native trees and plants, breathing the pure air of this ancient nature. Additionally, the park has picnic areas and viewpoints that provide moments of rest and nature contemplation, ideal for strengthening family bonds in a serene and inspiring environment.

Valle del Elqui: fun and contemplation

Just a few hours from La Serena, Valle del Elqui is a paradise for families who love outdoor activities. Known for its vineyards and pisco production, the valley offers tours that include tastings for adults while children explore the plantations.

Nights in Valle del Elqui are magical, with clear skies perfect for stargazing. Families can participate in astronomical tours that include observatory visits and guided observation sessions, creating unforgettable memories under a starry sky.

For families seeking something beyond the obvious, wanting to show their children that the world still holds secrets to discover, Coquimbo represents an intelligent choice. It’s one of those places you visit once and carry in your heart forever, and that will soon cease being a secret when more travelers discover its magic.

Chile has much more to offer than we imagine. Coquimbo is proof of this.