The Fish Market and Santa Claus in Coquimbo, Chile

Feb 1st, 2007 | By admin | Category: Travel Journal

Coquimbo was a one off port of call for us on our 18 day South America cruise. North of Valparaiso, the hot dry sun was a welcome change after the cold weather of the south.

Coquimbo is another Chilean coastal town surrounded by hills and tin houses. Wide concrete staircases led up the hills. It was dry and brown and reminded me of the Pueblos Jovenes in Lima, Peru. Once again I was surprised by how poor the town was.

The bay was full of small wooden fishing boats. There was a fish market in the port. Fishermen were landing and weighing their catches on the dock. Unwanted catches were cut up and left for the seagulls. There were a lot of people around watching. The seafood was then being sold in the fish market.

In the main square in the town were some tall palm trees with narrow trunks and a giant christmas tree. A toy santa claus was climbing up the tree on a ladder.