Cruz del Tercer Milenio Coquimbo
A colossal 93m cross on Cerro El Vigía, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Coquimbo and La Serena.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Clear panoramic views
Cruz del Tercer Milenio Coquimbo
Best Time
Clear panoramic views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal 93m cross on Cerro El Vigía, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Coquimbo and La Serena.
"Great landmark to visit when in Coquimbo. Not internationally well known across the globe, for something so unique but definitely recommend."
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Bring your camera for incredible panoramic shots of Coquimbo and La Serena from the mirador.
💰 Ticket Information
Entry fees apply for the museum and viewpoint. Payment is usually by card (Transbank).
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monumental Cross
Cerro El Vigía
A colossal religious monument, taller than Rio's Christ the Redeemer, offering breathtaking city and sea vistas.
Panoramic Viewpoint
Mirador 360
Ascend to the top for sweeping 360-degree views of Coquimbo, La Serena, and the Pacific coastline.
Religious Statues and Grounds
Base of the monument
Explore the surrounding area featuring religious statues and learn about the monument's construction and symbolism.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Understanding Entry and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Bring your camera for incredible panoramic shots of Coquimbo and La Serena from the mirador.
💰 Ticket Information
Entry fees apply for the museum and viewpoint. Payment is usually by card (Transbank).
🚶♂️ Explore the Grounds
Even if you don't go up, the base offers religious statues and a sense of the monument's scale.
⬆️ Elevator Status
Check if the elevator is operational before your visit, as it can sometimes be under maintenance.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture Stunning Views
Bring your camera for incredible panoramic shots of Coquimbo and La Serena from the mirador.
💰 Ticket Information
Entry fees apply for the museum and viewpoint. Payment is usually by card (Transbank).
🚶♂️ Explore the Grounds
Even if you don't go up, the base offers religious statues and a sense of the monument's scale.
⬆️ Elevator Status
Check if the elevator is operational before your visit, as it can sometimes be under maintenance.
☁️ Cloud Formations
Be prepared for unique atmospheric effects, especially with sea clouds, which can create dramatic photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Cruz del Tercer Milenio is a striking landmark offering impressive panoramic views of Coquimbo and La Serena, with a significant religious and historical context. While many appreciate its scale and the vistas, some reviews mention concerns about ongoing maintenance and construction quality.
"Great landmark to visit when in Coquimbo. Not internationally well known across the globe, for something so unique but definitely recommend. Interesting history behind the monument aswell, with a small museum, which photography is unfortunately prohibited."
Lewis Smith
"I cant give a higher rate because we couldnt enter due to the pandemic... Looks awesome thou and had a very reasonable entry fee. Looking forward to visit the insides next time. In the meantime we took a walk around the religious statues found in the premises. The cross looks great from anywhere in the city!"
Carolina Collao
"Nice view. They said that they had built this in record time... You notice that, bad built, floors beginning to crack. I wonder if this will survive an earthquake."
Björn Nyman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cruz del Tercer Milenio is located on Cerro El Vigía in Coquimbo. You can reach it by car or taxi. Some visitors mention it's visible from various points in the city, but to access the viewpoints, you'll need to go to the site.
While specific public transport routes directly to the monument's entrance might be limited, local buses can get you close to the base of Cerro El Vigía, from where you might need to walk or take a short taxi ride.
Yes, the Cruz del Tercer Milenio is a prominent landmark and can be seen from many parts of La Serena, especially from higher vantage points or coastal areas.
For exploring Coquimbo and reaching attractions like the Cruz del Tercer Milenio, using taxis or ride-sharing services is convenient. Renting a car also offers flexibility.
Parking is generally available at the monument's base, especially for visitors planning to purchase tickets and ascend to the viewpoints.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically include access to the museum and the 360-degree viewpoint. As of recent information, adult tickets are around 2,500 CLP, with reduced rates for seniors and children.
Tickets are usually purchased at the entrance of the monument. It's important to note that payment is often restricted to Transbank (card payments only).
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check the official schedule or local listings before your visit. Some areas might be closed for maintenance.
Photography is unfortunately prohibited inside the museum section of the Cruz del Tercer Milenio.
You can see the Cruz del Tercer Milenio from many parts of Coquimbo without paying an entry fee. However, to access the viewpoints and museum, a ticket is required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can admire the massive cross, explore the religious statues at the base, and ascend to the 360-degree viewpoint for panoramic city and sea views. There's also a small museum.
The Cruz del Tercer Milenio stands at an impressive 93 meters (approximately 305 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest monuments in South America.
Constructed between 1999 and 2001, the monument commemorates the jubilee of the year 2000 and the dawn of the new millennium. It was built to mark the beginning of the third millennium. 
Yes, there are elevators to access the upper levels and viewpoints. However, it's important to confirm their operational status, as they can sometimes be out of service for maintenance.
From the mirador, you'll get stunning panoramic views of Coquimbo, La Serena, the surrounding hills, and the vast Pacific Ocean. It's particularly beautiful during sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers dramatic lighting for photos, but daytime provides clear visibility for panoramic shots. Early mornings can also be beautiful with fewer crowds.
The 360-degree viewpoint offers the most iconic photo opportunities. The base of the monument and the surrounding religious statues also make for interesting compositions.
Drone usage might be restricted or require special permits. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
Landscape photography capturing the panoramic views, architectural shots of the cross, and sunset timelapses are popular.
The coastal light can be strong, so consider bringing a polarizing filter. Also, be mindful of the sea breeze, which can affect equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The imposing structure of the cross itself provides a dramatic subject, and the surrounding religious statues offer unique compositional elements. +1 Be prepared for varying light conditions and potential atmospheric effects like sea clouds, which can add an artistic touch to your images. +1🙏 Spiritual and Religious Visitors
Visitors can explore the religious statues at the base and reflect on the monument's purpose. The sheer scale and prominent location on Cerro El Vigía contribute to its awe-inspiring presence, offering a place for contemplation and spiritual connection. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and Symbolism
Its construction, completed between 1999 and 2001, was timed to commemorate the jubilee of the year 2000 and the beginning of the third millennium. Some sources suggest the monument has over 2000 steps, intentionally designed to align with its inauguration year. Despite its impressive scale, some visitors have noted that the construction quality and ongoing maintenance could be improved. Reviews mention exposed rebar, rust, cracked tiles, and inoperable lifts, suggesting that corners may have been cut during its rapid construction.
Experiencing the Panoramic Views
Visitors can see the urban sprawl, the coastline, and the vastness of the sea, making it an ideal spot for photography and appreciating the region's geography. The experience is often enhanced by the unique atmospheric conditions of the region. Sea clouds can create dramatic and sometimes ethereal scenes, adding a special quality to the views.
It's recommended to visit during clear daylight hours to fully appreciate the landscape, though sunset also provides a spectacular, albeit often more crowded, experience. Visitor Insights and Maintenance Concerns
However, several reviews point to issues with maintenance and construction quality. Concerns have been raised about exposed rebar, rust, cracked tiles, and non-functional elevators, leading some to question its long-term durability, especially in an earthquake-prone region.
+1
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