Half way between Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama, the seaside city of La Serena is one of Chile’s premier beach resorts. Fronted by a long stretch of golden sands, the city itself boast some beautiful architecture, both colonial and neoclassic, and has a lovely range of cultural sights, including old churches and fascinating museums. Nestled amongst countryside dotted with pretty villages and pisco vineyards, there is plenty to discover in the surrounding area, including the spectacular Elqui Valley.

World-renowned for having the perfect atmospheric conditions for star-gazing and hosts many observatories, including the impressive Cerro Tototo Inter-American Observatory, home to a 4m telescope.