La Serena

Where to stay

Budget hostels cluster in the Centro Histórico, within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas and the neocolonial streets of Calle Balmaceda. Staying here keeps you close to the bus terminal and the Archaeological Museum. The beachfront promenade is a short walk north, but the historic center is where the cheap eats and main attractions sit.

Getting around

• The Valle del Elqui is the main draw for day trips, famous for its observatories and pisco distilleries. Buses leave frequently from the main terminal for a fraction of the cost of a private tour, and you can often arrange a return ticket on the spot.
• La Serena is a university town, so the Centro Histórico is lively and safe, but like any Chilean city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded plazas. The main bus terminal area can be sketchy after dark, so plan your arrivals for daylight hours.
• Cash is king for small purchases and local transport. While cards are accepted in larger stores, many smaller comedores and market stalls in the historic center prefer cash, and ATMs can run dry or have high fees.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest and quietest in the winter months of June through August, when the weather is cooler and rainier. Prices spike during the Chilean summer (December through March), especially around New Year's and Easter, when domestic tourists flock to the beaches.