From La Serena, Chile to Valparaiso

My motorcycle trip this time was from La Serena, the capital of Coquimbo Region in central-western Chile, to Valparaiso, the capital of Valparaiso Region.

This distance is approximately 450km.

At sunrise, I leave La Serena

I left La Serena and entered Coquimbo in about five minutes.

I left Coquimbo in about 10 minutes.

The sky was starting to brighten a little.

About 45 minutes after I set off, I arrived at the first toll booth.

Here I paid $1,200, or about USD 1.26.

Payment is cash only.

I’m heading south

I arrive at the next toll booth in about an hour.

Again, payment is cash only, and motorcycles cost $1,200.

I’ll go south along the coast

This is the third toll booth.

It’s $800 here, or about USD 0.84.

Once I get through here, I’ll be in Valparaiso.

I pass many cars heading north.

And tunnels

Chile’s tunnels have plenty of lights, so I can drive safely.

And here’s the fourth toll booth.

It’s also $800.

The center lane is an automated toll lane.

Here I leave Route 5 heading to Santiago and turn right onto Route 60

The last toll is $1,500, or about USD 1.57.

I was supposed to go straight here, but Google Navigation told me to turn right.

Viña del Mar and Valparaíso are in the same direction, but I’ll follow the navigation.

I continued along the road carved into the mountains.

*I later found out that this road connected Valparaiso and Santiago, so it was indeed a bit of a detour.

Through a gap in the mountains, I could see the skyscrapers.

I’m going down the hill in one go

Suddenly, the city expands.

There, you’ll find the Argentina Avenue market.

On the left is the Chilean Congress Building.

It’s been about four and a half hours since I left La Serena.

I’m heading straight south now, and my journey is coming to an end.

On this trip, I just headed straight south, mostly on the highway.

There weren’t many sights along the way, but there were some ups and downs, so I didn’t get bored.

I think it would have been even more enjoyable if my motorcycle had more power.

Date: September 17, 2025