Tourism in Bahia Inglesa, the Chilean Caribbean

Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M.

Image: infinita.cl

 Known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chile, this coastal jewel invites you to relax and enjoy the tranquility that only the sea can offer. Located in the Atacama region, Bahía Inglesa is a seaside resort that surprises with its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is located 76 km from Copiapó, the regional capital, 3.7 km from the port of Caldera and 872 km north of Santiago.  

In addition to its beautiful beaches, Bahía Inglesa offers activities such as kayaking, boat trips to observe whales and dolphins, and hikes to explore the natural and cultural wealth of the area. Here we will tell you everything you need to know to enjoy this place that many call the "Chilean Caribbean".

Climate

The weather in Bahia Inglesa is generally pleasant all year round due to its location in northern Chile. Here is a summary of the annual climate in Bahia Inglesa:

• Summer (December to February): During the summer, temperatures in Bahia Inglesa usually hover between 20°C and 25°C, with sunny and warm days ideal for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities. Evenings can be chilly, but overall it is a perfect time to visit the area.

• Autumn (March to May): In the fall, temperatures begin to drop slightly, with highs hovering around 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F). Although temperatures drop slightly, it is still a good time to visit Bahia Inglesa and enjoy the tranquility of the beach.

• Winter (June to August): During the winter, temperatures can drop a bit more, with highs around 15°C to 18°C. Days may be cooler, but it is still possible to enjoy the beauty of Bahia Inglesa with fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere.

• Spring (September to November): In spring, temperatures begin to rise again, with highs in the 18°C to 22°C range. It is a good time to visit Bahía Inglesa before the arrival of summer, when the weather is pleasant and the flowers begin to bloom.

In short, Bahía Inglesa enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, which makes it a perfect destination to visit at any time of the year.

Best time to visit 

Bahía Inglesa can be visited all year round, as the climate is mild and pleasant. However, if you want to make the most of its beaches and water activities, we recommend going between December and March, which is the high season. Keep in mind, however, that this is also the busiest time of the year and prices can go up.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Bahia Inglesa:

• By plane: you can take a flight of about an hour and a half from Santiago to the Atacama Desert Airport also known as Copiapo International Airport which serves the entire region.  The air terminal is only 20 kilometers from the city of Caldera and the beach of Bahía Inglesa.

• By bus: there are direct buses from Santiago to Bahía Inglesa that take about 12 hours. You can also take a bus to Copiapó and then another one to the beach.

• By car: You can take Ruta 5 Norte from Santiago to Bahía Inglesa, which is about 873 km away. The trip can take 10 hours.

  

Main Attractions in Bahia Inglesa

Bahía Inglesa has a lot to offer its visitors, both on its beaches and in its surroundings. Some of the attractions not to be missed are:

• Its beaches: are the main attraction, characterized by their white sands, gentle waves and crystal clear waters. Some of the most popular are La Piscina, Las Machas, Blanca and El Chuncho. You can also explore other nearby beaches such as Bahía Cisne, Los Patos and Ramada.

• Gastronomy: if you like seafood, Bahía Inglesa is your ideal place. Here you can taste the oyster, a typical mollusk of the area that can be eaten raw or cooked. You can also try other delicacies such as ceviche, paila marina, seafood empanadas and cocktails with pisco sour.

• Its natural environment: Bahía Inglesa is also a privileged place to observe the marine flora and fauna. You can see dolphins, sea lions, penguins and birds such as pelicans and seagulls. You can also visit one of the most important fossil sites in Chile, where remains of marine vertebrates up to 16 million years old have been found.

• Its cultural environment: Bahía Inglesa is close to other places of historical and cultural interest such as Caldera, Chañaral and Isla Pan de Azúcar. You will be able to learn about the region's mining and industrial past, as well as its rich handicraft and folklore.

• Another outstanding beach in the Atacama region is Playa La Virgen, located about 40 km south of Bahía Inglesa. It is a beach of crystal clear water and white sand that stretches along this part of the Pacific Ocean. It is a beach known for its natural beauty and tranquil setting, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. It is a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the sun, sea and nature in a more secluded and less crowded environment than other beaches in the region. Its horseshoe shape protects it from the wind and its waters are warmer than those of the central Chilean coast. The beach has many campgrounds and cabins.  

The exact location is in the municipality of Caldera, about 75 kilometers north of the city of Copiapó. In addition to its clear waters and white sand, La Virgen Beach also offers the possibility of activities such as scuba diving, fishing and seabird watching.