Getting to La Serena
International travelers:
Most international visitors will fly into Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). From Santiago, you can reach La Serena by:
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Domestic flight (recommended): Direct flights from Santiago (SCL) to La Serena's La Florida Airport (LSC) take approximately 1 hour. Airlines include LATAM, JetSMART, and Sky Airline. Book in advance for better prices (typically CLP 30,000-80,000).
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Bus: Long-distance buses from Santiago to La Serena take approximately 6-7 hours. Companies like Turbus and Pullman Bus offer comfortable services (cost: CLP 15,000-30,000).
From La Serena Airport (LSC) to the city center:
The airport is located approximately 6 km east of La Serena's city center.
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Taxi: Available at the airport exit. Cost: CLP 6,000-12,000 depending on your destination in the city.
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Uber
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Public buses (use google maps to check bus schedules). Cost of single trip: CLP 800. Buses must be paid with a Kupos Card, which can be bought on the buses.
Getting to Universidad Central de Chile - La Serena Campus
Address: Av. Francisco de Aguirre 0405, La Serena
From your accommodation:
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Taxi or ride-sharing apps (Uber, Cabify, DiDi): Most convenient option. Cost typically CLP 3,000-8,000 depending on distance.
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Public buses: Several local bus lines serve the area. Use Google Maps to find the best route from your specific location. Buses must be paid with a Kupos Card, which can be bought on buses.
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Walking: If staying in central La Serena, the university is within walking distance (15-25 minutes from the city center).
Accommodation
La Serena offers various accommodation options near the beach and city center:
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Hotels along Av. del Mar (beachfront)
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Downtown hotels near Plaza de Armas
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Hostels and guesthouses in the historic center
We recommend booking accommodation within walking distance of Av. Francisco de Aguirre or near the beach for easy access to both the university and La Serena's attractions. You can check different options in Booking.com
Visa Information
Important: If you require a visa to enter Chile, please contact the organizers as soon as possible. We can provide invitation letters to support your visa application. Visa processing times vary by country, so please start this process early.
Weather and What to Bring
January is summer in Chile! La Serena features:
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Temperature: Warm days (20-28°C) with cool evenings (12-16°C)
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Sun: Very sunny – bring sunscreen (high SPF), sunglasses, and a hat
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Beach: Perfect beach weather! Bring swimwear if you'd like to enjoy the coast
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Layers: Evenings can be cool, especially near the ocean – bring a light jacket or sweater
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Casual attire: The school and conference have a relaxed atmosphere
About La Serena
La Serena is a beautiful coastal city known for its:
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Beaches: 29+ beaches along the coast, including Playa El Faro and Playa Cuatro Esquinas. Water is relatively cold.
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Astronomy: Gateway to world-class observatories (Cerro Tololo, La Silla, Gemini South)
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Colonial architecture: Historic churches and the iconic El Faro lighthouse
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Pisco: Visit distilleries in the nearby Elqui Valley
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Clear skies: Perfect for stargazing
The conference venue is near the city center, with restaurants, cafes, and shops within walking distance.
Local Tips
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Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP). Exchange rate: approximately CLP 900-950 per USD (check current rates)
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Credit cards: Widely accepted in restaurants and hotels
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ATMs: Available throughout the city
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Language: Spanish is the primary language, though English is understood in tourist areas
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Safety: La Serena is generally safe for tourists. Use standard precautions.
Emergency Contacts
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Conference organizers: gravitationalwavesfindelmundo@protonmail.com
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Emergency services (Chile): 133 (ambulance), 131 (police), 132 (fire)