We were docked right next to this “pirate ship”. Not sure why but many of the ports on our South American cruise had touristy pirate amusements.
We drove to the top of the town to see the Third Millennium Cross. It towers over the city at 272 feet tall, and 131 feet wide. This concrete cross located at the top of Coquimbo began construction in 1999 and it was completed in 2001. It was built to celebrate 2,000 years of Christianity.
On the lower level, there was a church with mosaics of the life of Christ. Outside are bronze statues of the stations of the cross. Our guide told us when it was built they expected a visit by the Pope and even built a special room dedicated to the supreme pontiff but he never came.
It was interesting and sad to me that we toured a monument that cost millions of dollars and it was on top of a town of homes made of recycled tin and wood.
We drove over to La Serena which is a popular beach town. This fountain is in the center of the 450 year old, tree-shaded park known locally as the Parque de Potos (Park of Bare Behinds), for its many nude greek statues
If you think this is a strange photo you’d be as surprised as I was to discover this is their DMV. People come here to get their drivers license. Nice location right?
We also spent some time (not enough for me but hubby had enough) at the La Recova Municipal Market. It has been a market in La Serena for 200 years. Many of the items were nothing unique but it’s definitely full of merchandise.
We drove back to Coquimbo and I spent some time walking around the town. It didn’t have much to offer but it had some interesting neocolonial architecture, and colorful staircases which made for quite a pleasant stroll.
The town had lots of mosaic stairs full of color – I didn’t walk up any but I did enjoy taking photos of them.
The port Coquimbo was an enjoyable day and you can see that tourism is growing.
