El faro, La Serena Travel Guide

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La Serena's iconic lighthouse: a blend of maritime history and stunning Pacific Ocean views. A must-see landmark!

El Faro Monumental, an iconic lighthouse in La Serena, Chile, stands as a symbol of the city's maritime history. Built in the 1950s, it offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and serves as a striking landmark along Avenida del Mar.

A brief summary to El faro

Av. Puertas del Mar, La Serena, Coquimbo, CL

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring El faro.

Visit during sunset for the most breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Explore the nearby beaches and gardens to enhance your visit.
Take a leisurely stroll along Avenida del Mar, enjoying the coastal scenery and local vendors.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Avenida del Mar

Faro Monumental

Plaza de Armas de La Serena

Rotonda Avenida Puertas del Mar

Japonés La Serena Garden

Explore El faro on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near El faro, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are on Avenida del Mar, walk towards the intersection with Avenida Francisco de Aguirre. Continue walking on Avenida Fco de Aguirre for approximately 300 meters, and you will see El Faro at Avda. Fco de Aguirre 82 on your left.
Public Transport

From Plaza de Armas, walk to the nearest bus stop on Avenida Francisco de Aguirre. Take any bus heading towards the beach area, such as Line 2 or Line 12. Inform the driver that you want to get off at El Faro. The ride will take around 10-15 minutes. Once you get off, El Faro will be a short walk down the street to your left at Avenida Fco de Aguirre 82.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in La Serena. A taxi ride from the city center to El Faro will cost approximately 5,271 CLP for a 5km trip. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about El faro

El Faro Monumental de La Serena, a recognizable symbol of the city, has been a prominent landmark since its construction between 1950 and 1951. Ordered by President Gabriel González Videla as part of his "Plan Serena," the lighthouse was designed by Ramiro Pérez Arce and overseen by engineer Jorge Cisternas Larenas. While it no longer functions as a navigational aid, El Faro remains a significant cultural and tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the coastline.The lighthouse's architecture blends the style of a traditional lighthouse with that of a Spanish colonial fort. Standing 25 meters tall, the structure is cream-colored with red trim and features a square tower with a balcony and lantern. A cannon, added in the 1980s, sits on the first level facing the Pacific Ocean.Declared a National Historical Monument in 2011, El Faro is located at the intersection of Avenida del Mar and Francisco de Aguirre, a popular spot for tourists. The surrounding area offers beachside promenades, restaurants, and access to other attractions in La Serena.