La Serena and Valdivia ???

[cruising diva]

My husband and I are thinking of taking a cruise which goes to the above two places. I really haven't been able to find out alot of info. Has anyone been to La Serena and/or Valdivia and if so what did you do? Thank you in advance.

[cruisingrandy]

We were at Valdivia this December on NCL Crown. You anchor at Coral and then have to take a Ferry across the harbor(about 20-30 minute ride) Then you need to take a bus from ferry drop off to town another 15-20 minute ride. The city is nice and prices on souveniers were good, but beware and take plenty of Peso's with you as locals will not take US Dollars and hardly anyone speaks english. It is still agreat stop so dont miss it. many people on our ship skipped it as they didnt want to ride the ferry and bus. We do have an advantage though as my wife is fluent in spanish

[Verystormy]

I was in La Serena last summer. It is a pretty sea side town, with nice bars and restraunts. It is mainly a holiday destination for local people. If you are going there but not Santiago, it is easy to get a short cheap flight for a day or two to Santiago. North of the town you enter the Atacama desert which is also worth a visit.

The town has good beaches and is the centre of the wine making industry, so the local wines are all excellent. Do remeber though that english is not commonly spoken and you wiould be well advised to take a spanish phrase book

[Verystormy]

I was in La Serena last summer. It is a pretty sea side town, with nice bars and restraunts. It is mainly a holiday destination for local people. If you are going there but not Santiago, it is easy to get a short cheap flight for a day or two to Santiago. North of the town you enter the Atacama desert which is also worth a visit.

The town has good beaches and is the centre of the wine making industry, so the local wines are all excellent. Do remeber though that english is not commonly spoken and you wiould be well advised to take a spanish phrase book

[edinburgher]

If its not too late, I put lots of La Serena info and ideas on this thread.

 

Review of Regal Princess: Valpariaso-Fort Lauderdale Mar 22 2006

Post no 5 for La Serena.

 

Hope some of its useful.

[cruising diva]

Thank you edinburgher for the info. We decided to do a Buenos Aires round trip. We did the Valpariso to Rio before and the Ft. Lauderdale to Valpariso and loved the scenery. This time we will be cruising Antarctica which should be amazing.