Guanaqueros
A sheltered crescent bay between La Serena and Tongoy, calmer than most beaches on this coast.
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Guanaqueros lies in a bay that curves far enough to shelter its beach from the prevailing swell, which makes the water calmer and slightly warmer than the open coast either side and accounts for its popularity with families from La Serena and inland. The village is a fishing caleta at one end with holiday building spreading along the shore behind the beach, and the restaurants at the caleta sell what the boats bring - fish, scallops, machas. Development along this stretch has been rapid over the last two decades and the character has changed with it.
What you actually see
- A sheltered crescent bay - calmer than the open coast.
- A working fishing caleta - at one end of the beach.
- Restaurants on the catch - fish, scallops and machas.
- Fast development behind - holiday building along the shore.
When to go
December to March. Half a day.
Honest expectations
It is crowded in January and February with limited parking. The water is still cold by most standards, just less so than nearby. Development has outpaced infrastructure in places. Out of season most of it closes.
Nearby
Tongoy is south; Coquimbo and La Serena are north.
What to pack for Guanaqueros
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.