cruz del tercer milenio

The place is situated in a very humble area, be careful not to get there walking or by yourself, security is an issue in the surroundings. Although in summertime and vacations this place could be crowded it is still worth the visit, whether you are catholic or not. It has a small but very interesting museum with many gifts from the Vatican and the chapel is quite nice.Go and take the elevator to catch the best view of Coquimbo, but go right before sunset. Avoid parking your car far.

Visited on a Thursday afternoon and it was quite crowded. Can go all the way up to an observation deck in the arms of the cross. Also a small chapel. As of January 2014, admission was CLP 2000 (US $3.50).

No one has mentioned the Chapel with the magnificent crucifix with Christ leaving the cross. Took my breath away.

A somewhat circuitous driving route through congested neighborhoods leads you to this impressive structure...The Third Millenium Cross. Several homes had to be destroyed to make room for the monument, which was constructed in record time. Make sure and examine the construction details and the consecration details. It takes two tickets to two separate elevators to reach the viewing station in the cross arms...well worth it...the views are fabulous. Equally as visually impressive is the chapel in the base of the cross which seems to be a small replication of the Papal reception hall in the Vatican...really, really, nice. Examining the sculptures that represent The Stations of the Cross is also worth the time...they are very well done. If you find yourself in Coquimbo you do not want to pass up the opportunity to visit the Third Millenium Cross.

This cross stands about 85m high and was built just before the year 2000. It was dedicated by Pope John Paul and opened in 2000 to mark the beginning of the 3rd millenium of Christ's birth. There is a lovely church as inside the base and a museum showing papal medallions, vestments, staves, etc. Then, there is an elevator which takes you to the arms of the cross which have several windows overlooking Coquimbo, Coquimbo Bay, La Serena, Heradurra Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It's quite breath-taking standing at the top of the highest ground on the peninsula.

It is very nice place to visit. You notice the contrasts of Chile. It is amid of a very modest quarter, and you see the richness of the big construction with a fantastic view.

Coquimbo is is a pleasant town, with friendly people and an astonishingly large monument - the Third Millennium Cross. The cross (273 feet x 131 feet) is reachable by public transportation, but I chose to walk from the port area. Along the way, several Spanish-speaking residents seemed to be discouraging me from walking to the monument. I trudged onward and upward, first on standard streets and sidewalks, then on intricate sets of walkways that zig-zagged upward, then streets again. This was a long, but not particularly strenuous walk. Once there, I purchased a ticket to take an elevator to the observatory in the arms of the cross. The observatory provided a 360 degree panoramic view of the area. Spectacular! There is also a chapel and museum onsite. There are only 2 small elevators to the observatory. Only one was working when I was there, and the lines at both ends were long. The cost and the wait were worth it. The cross is incredible, and the observatory is remarkable. It is possible to walk 2,000 steps to reach the observatory, but the stairs were closed when I was there.

Nice to do on a bike ride from La Serena to Coquimbo.But don't shed a tear if you missed it..The view is nice up there, but the bike ride on the way up is not easy !

its a lovely place to visit! the view is asome!!!!if its sunny day!! its perfect to see alll the bay and the beaches also the andes!!! its amazing!!!

You can see the best sunset of the pacific ocean. Also have a nice museum. Its a little bit hard to get there.. But definitely its worth! U will have a relax & cool moment for sure!

In my opinion, really the only thing to do in Coquimbo. The views of the surrounding area are breathtaking.

Lo mejor de todo es que tiene lindas vistas de Coquimbo y La Serena. La cruz en sí no es taan imponente como se podría imaginar, pero de todas formas es un buen lugar para visitar. Lo más entretenido es subir a los brazos y apreciar desde mucho más arriba la vista.

Maravillosa estructura, con unas vistas a toda la bahia de Coquimbo en 360 grados.Esta en la punta del cerro, por lo que ademas de la altura de 90 metros se suma la altura del cerro. El ascensorista muy cordial y pintoresco. Es totalmente recomendable.

Ubicada en los cerros de Coquimbo, esta imponente estructura de hormigón me resultó en sí sorprendente. Está llena de esculturas con motivos religiosos, una iglesia y un museo en la base (cuya visita es absolutamente prescindible). Lo que más rescato es el acceso a la estructura horizontal de la cruz, desde donde es posible tener vistas panorámicas del puerto y de la conurbación La Serena - Coquimbo.Me llamó la atención que pese a lo reciente de la obra, existen ciertas instalaciones bastante deterioradas, por lo que sería bueno ocuparse un poco más de la restauración permanente.De todos modos, recomiendo la visita. Se puede llegar en vehículo particular, aunque igual hay micros y taxis que te pueden llevar (yo subí en taxi y bajé en micro).

Es muy impresionante esta construccion !! Una cruz enorme, con un ascensor que conduce a lo alto de la cruz. Desde alli se ve toda la ciudad de Coquimbo. en 360 °. Muy recomendable el paseo. Despues se puede ir al puerto.