Want dramatic coastlines and golden sands backed by mountains or desert? In this post, I’ll share the scenic beaches I discovered in Chile—where Pacific waves, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant coastal towns line one of South America’s most breathtaking shorelines. These Chile beaches offer everything from surfing waves to tranquil coves along one of South America's most diverse shorelines.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Recommended Beaches in Chile:
1. Bahia Inglesa
© mandy2110/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Bahía Inglesa, Atacama Region, Northern ChileRecommended For:
Sunseekers, water sports enthusiasts, photographers, families, and travelers looking for a warm, Caribbean-like escape on the Pacific coast of South America.What I Love: ♥
Often compared to a Caribbean paradise, Bahía Inglesa is renowned for its shimmering white sands, turquoise shallow waters, and consistently warm climate. Nestled in Chile’s far north, this beach offers a stunning coastal experience with plenty of sunshine and unique geological beauty.- Sunbathe on soft, powdery sand beneath endless blue skies.
- Enjoy activities like windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and swimming in the bay’s calm, inviting waters.
- Climb and explore the beach’s distinctive rock formations, a favorite for photos and adventurous visitors.
Cost:
Public beach access is free. Equipment rentals for water sports and tours are available at various beachside vendors.Best time to visit:
October through March for the sunniest weather and warmest sea temperatures. Early mornings are best for water sports and quieter beach time.Local tips:
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own snorkel gear if you prefer not to rent. Try the fresh seafood at one of the nearby restaurants—ceviche and empanadas are local favorites. Shade is limited, so pack a beach umbrella or tent.Distance:
About 3 miles (5 km) from the town of Caldera and approximately 55 miles (90 km) northwest of Copiapó.How to Get to Bahía Inglesa:
Fly into Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO) near Copiapó, then drive or take a taxi to Bahía Inglesa. The beach is easily reachable by car and well-connected by regional roads from Caldera and Copiapó.2. Pan de Azucar
© Erlantz/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Pan de Azúcar Beach, Pan de Azúcar National Park, Atacama Region, Northern ChileRecommended For:
Nature lovers, snorkelers, photographers, hikers, and travelers seeking a tranquil beach experience surrounded by protected wilderness.What I Love: ♥
Tucked inside Pan de Azúcar National Park, this beach offers a rare blend of unspoiled natural beauty and calm, inviting waters. With its soft sands, surrounding mountains and desert flora, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a place that truly takes your breath away.- Swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters ideal for a refreshing and peaceful dip.
- Snorkel along the shoreline to spot marine life in one of Chile’s most scenic coastal ecosystems.
- Explore nearby hiking trails, coastal cliffs, and charming villages nestled in the park’s rugged terrain.
Cost:
Entry to Pan de Azúcar National Park is typically free or low-cost. Some amenities and tours may require additional fees.Best time to visit:
November to March for warm weather and ideal water conditions. Spring (September–November) is especially beautiful due to the desert bloom if rains have been sufficient.Local tips:
Bring your own snorkeling gear and supplies—services are limited in the park. Stay for sunset to watch the mountains and sea light up in golden hues. Respect wildlife, especially the local Humboldt penguins and foxes that may be spotted nearby.Distance:
About 19 miles (30 km) from the town of Chañaral and roughly 125 miles (200 km) north of Copiapó.How to Get to Pan de Azúcar Beach:
From Chañaral, drive into Pan de Azúcar National Park via the coastal road. A car is recommended for flexibility, and the road is accessible by most vehicles. The beach is well signposted and located near the park’s central area, with basic camping and picnic facilities nearby.Romantic Beaches in Chile:
3. Playa La Virgen
© Karen/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Playa La Virgen, Near Bahía Inglesa, Atacama Region, Northern ChileRecommended For:
Families, couples, photographers, beach lovers, and travelers seeking one of Chile’s most visually stunning coastal experiences.What I Love: ♥
Named after a rock formation that resembles the Virgin Mary, Playa La Virgen is one of Chile’s most iconic beaches. With its sugar-soft sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and panoramic desert-coast views, it delivers a postcard-perfect experience of sand, sea, and silence.- Relax on the fine, powdery white sands that feel soft and smooth beneath your feet.
- Marvel at the shimmering shades of blue and green in the waves as they gently lap the shore.
- Admire the uninterrupted natural scenery—desert cliffs, colorful rock formations, and the vast Pacific horizon.
Cost:
There is a small entrance fee to access Playa La Virgen, which helps maintain the site. Parking and basic services are available.Best time to visit:
November to March for warm, dry weather and ideal swimming conditions. Arrive early to enjoy the beach before it gets busy, especially on weekends.Local tips:
Bring your own shade and food, or visit the seasonal beachside restaurants. Don’t forget a camera—sunrise and sunset offer especially stunning lighting for photos. The beach is family-friendly with calm waters ideal for swimming.Distance:
About 22 miles (35 km) south of Bahía Inglesa and 45 miles (72 km) from Copiapó—approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour drive.How to Get to Playa La Virgen:
Drive south from Bahía Inglesa or Caldera on Route C-302, then follow signs to Playa La Virgen. A private vehicle is highly recommended, as public transport options are limited. The final stretch includes a well-maintained dirt road leading to the beach entrance.4. Caleta Condor Beach
© Kwest/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Caleta Cóndor Beach, Huilliche Territory, Los Lagos Region, Southern ChileRecommended For:
Couples, families, friend groups, and solo travelers seeking complete tranquility, untouched nature, and a hidden paradise to disconnect and unwind.What I Love: ♥
One of Chile’s most secluded and pristine coastal treasures, Caleta Cóndor Beach lies deep within the Huilliche territory and remains largely untouched by modern development. With silky smooth sands, turquoise waters, and towering hills draped in lush forest, it offers a truly magical and restorative experience far from the beaten path.- Relax on unspoiled sands without crowds or noise—just the sound of waves and birdsong.
- Explore the surrounding verdant hills and rich ecosystems ideal for hiking, photography, and reflection.
- Enjoy a romantic escape, serene family getaway, or peaceful solo retreat in one of Chile’s last hidden beach sanctuaries.
Cost:
Free to access, but reaching the beach often requires a guided trek, boat ride, or combination of both—some tour operators may charge fees.Best time to visit:
December to March for warm weather and clear skies. Spring and autumn offer equally beautiful but more temperate conditions, ideal for hiking and nature immersion.Local tips:
This beach is remote—bring all essentials including food, water, and sun protection. There are no facilities on-site. Respect the natural environment and local Huilliche communities if passing through ancestral lands.Distance:
Roughly 50 miles (80 km) from the city of Osorno, but the journey involves multiple stages such as a drive, hike, or boat transfer.How to Get to Caleta Cóndor Beach:
The most common route is from Osorno or Bahía Mansa. From there, arrange a boat trip or guided trek through the Mapu Lahual indigenous territory. Due to its isolation, going with a knowledgeable guide or local eco-tour operator is highly recommended for both access and cultural respect.Family Beaches in Chile:
5. Playa Chorrillos
© abriendomundo/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Playa Chorrillos, Southern Chile, near the Los Lagos RegionRecommended For:
Couples, photographers, geology lovers, adventure seekers, and travelers drawn to rugged, off-the-beaten-path coastal landscapes.What I Love: ♥
Unlike Chile’s resort-style beaches with soft white sand, Playa Chorrillos is a wild and rocky retreat defined by its dramatic cliffs, volcanic formations, and an atmosphere of untouched beauty. This beach is all about the scenery and seclusion, making it a perfect escape for those seeking romance and natural grandeur.- Climb around the rocky cliffs and volcanic outcrops for unbeatable panoramic views.
- Photograph the stunning, moody coastline, especially during golden hour or when fog rolls in from the sea.
- Escape the crowds—Playa Chorrillos is one of Chile’s least visited beaches due to its difficult access and remote setting.
Cost:
Free public access. No services are available, so bring all necessary supplies and take trash with you.Best time to visit:
Late spring to early fall (November to March) for clearer skies and drier conditions. The beach is beautiful year-round, but access may be slippery or more dangerous in winter.Local tips:
Wear hiking shoes or boots with good grip. Accessing the beach requires navigating uneven terrain and descending rocky paths—this beach is not suited for small children or those with limited mobility. Bring a picnic and a camera, and enjoy the solitude.Distance:
Varies depending on the exact access point, but Playa Chorrillos is typically reached via remote roads south of Puerto Montt or within the coastal stretches of the Los Lagos Region.How to Get to Playa Chorrillos:
Access is limited and often requires local knowledge. It's best to drive from Puerto Montt or nearby towns using GPS and regional maps. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Be prepared to park and hike down to the beach—trailheads are often unmarked and steep.6. Punta de Choros
© abriendomundo/stock.adobe.com
Location:
Punta de Choros, Coquimbo Region, near La Serena, Northern ChileRecommended For:
Wildlife lovers, scuba divers, nature photographers, eco-tourists, and travelers seeking immersive encounters with marine life in pristine coastal environments.What I Love: ♥
Located just north of La Serena and bordering the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, Punta de Choros is a paradise for those who love the ocean and its creatures. Known as one of the best wildlife-viewing beaches in South America, this destination offers unforgettable sightings of penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and even whales—all in their natural habitat.- Explore the shoreline and spot small scenic islands offshore that create a postcard-perfect seascape.
- Scuba dive or snorkel in the clear Pacific waters, home to an abundance of marine life.
- Take a boat tour into the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve to see penguins, dolphins, and sea lions up close.
Cost:
Beach access is free. Boat tours, scuba diving, and wildlife excursions are available through local operators at varying prices.Best time to visit:
September to April for the best wildlife activity and calmer sea conditions. Whale watching is best from November to March.Local tips:
Book wildlife tours in advance, especially during high season. Bring binoculars, sun protection, and a waterproof jacket for boat excursions. Stay in the nearby village for a quieter, immersive experience.Distance:
About 70 miles (113 km) northwest of La Serena, roughly a 2-hour drive.How to Get to Punta de Choros:
Drive from La Serena via Route 5 north and then west on Route D-110. Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car is recommended for flexibility. Once in town, tours to the reserve and nearby islands depart from the local dock.7. Map of Chile with Beaches
© lesniewski/stock.adobe.com
Chile is known for its diverse landscapes and rich range of flora and fauna, but one of Chile's biggest advantages for travelers and tourists is its beaches.
Naturally, with such a lengthy coastline, Chile has a long list of beaches for people to enjoy, ranging wildly from postcard-style white sand locations to rockier, rugged areas.
You'll find some Chilean beaches with hotels and resorts, but many of these locations are just as pristine and pure as they were a century ago.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
-
How much coastline does Chile have?
- Chile has an impressive 2,600 miles of coastline in total.
-
Are there many beaches in Chile?
- Yes! Given Chile’s extensive coastline, listing all of its beaches would take a long time.
-
How can visitors find the best beaches in Chile?
- To help you narrow down your search and find the perfect beaches for your Chile vacation, we've compiled this useful Chile beach guide.
-
Where can I learn more about the top beaches in Chile?
- Read on to discover the best beaches in the country and choose the one you’d love to visit first.
🌤 Best Time to Visit Beaches in Chile
- December to March – Best overall time for summer weather, swimming, and lively coastal cities.
- January & February – Peak season with hot days, festivals, and bustling beach resorts.
- November & April – Shoulder months with pleasant temps, fewer crowds, and great for relaxing strolls.
- May to October – Off-season with cooler weather, ideal for peaceful beach views and photography.
- Southern Chile Beaches – Best visited in mid-summer (Jan–Feb) due to cooler climate year-round.
Plan Your Trip