Coquimbo, Chile (Feb 7)
Coquimbo and its abutting neighbor La Serena share a long sandy beach, which serves not only the Chilean capital of Santiago but also cities in nearby Argentina. Road traffic along the coast at peak hours can match almost any city for congestion. The old historic part of the town boasts hints of 18th and 19th century Spanish architecture when Peru owned the region.
Plaza de Armas, main city square
Spanish colonial architecture
La Recova open air market in La Serena offers two floors of everything.
Although there is a small Muslim population, this mosque was donated by King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Towering above Coquimbo is the Cross of the Third Millennium.
The English Barrio, headquarters of British merchants in the 19th century when gold, silver, and saltpeter were exploited, now boasts a vibrant nightlife and some fascinating murals…
….and art galleries. These framed pieces are all woven.
Must be hard not to buy up all this lovely art.
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