Surf: La Serena threatens Viña del Mar's supremacy as Chile's premier beach resort, so it gets really popular and more pricey in January and February. The long Avenida del Mar joins 12 beaches, but it’s El Faro that is the most consistent of these below average beachbreaks with lots of close-outs. Environment: Coquimbo is the sister city of La Serena with a harbour and an outstanding Mosque. There is a board rental shop on the beach and beginners will get flogged on the bigger days.