Coquimbo, Chile

January 20, 2008


We awoke to find ourselves docked at the small port of Coquimbo, Chile which with its sister city of La Serena more than 300,000 inhabitants. A large low peninsula separates a protected horseshoe-shaped harbor which, because of its calm waters became a harbor of choice for pirates who supposedly hid their gold and silver nearby. Today, the hillsides of this lovely resort area are covered with low multi-colored homes that are built under the shadow of a rather unfortunate and large concrete cross that hovers above.

Tourism has fueled the growth of this area and explained the scores of small and inviting restaurants, bars, and a beautiful new casino--no, I did not go in--along the long and sandy beach. Surfers contend with kelp gatherers (apparently the Japanese like the sea kelp from this area) for the best section of this picturesque beach.

We stopped at the Archeological Museum to learn more of the Diaguita and Molle Cultures and to see one of only five original Moai to be taken from Easter Island…how nice it was to have seen them in situ on last year’s world cruise! We even had a chance to visit the local handicraft market where my fellow shipmates could make their contribution to the local economy. What do they do with all that junk?

We drove for a while on the Pan-American Highway, passing by the Plaza de Armas (Every Chilean city seems to have a Plaza de Armas!). I regretted the fact that we didn’t have time to stop at the local Sunday market where all manner of fruits, vegetables, and “real” things were being sold my colorful vendors in their brightly-colored tented stalls.

All in all, we had a lovely day in this lovely place.