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Beaches in Chile

Atacama region’s rugged coastline sets marvelous scenes for some of the most splendid views of the Playa Chorrillos beach and the dramatic cliffs.

The vibe and the look of the bay is very Caribbean and the place is south of another picturesque beach, Bahía Inglesa. You have to walk down the rocky cliffs only to be welcomed with a vast expanse of sandy grey beach that leaves an impression on your heart.

Best Time: To soak in the beauty of the beach and to dip your feet in the cold water, early mornings or late afternoons are considered best times.

On the Chilean coastline, you cannot miss Viña del Mar, if you have a little extra cash to splurge. Yes, because without the extra cash you may miss experiencing the finer things that the bay has to offer.

Beaches here are beautiful, free and clean with icy cold water that make swimming a difficult affair. But, that is hardly a downside given the area is brimming with shops, seafood restaurants, and popular resorts.

Best Time: Mornings, afternoon and nights during summers as well as winters are perfect times to come to Viña del Mar, for mind boggling meals.

Playa Anakena is all about the mystical white soft coral sands and calm waters that make the beach an ideal spot for swimming, diving, and snorkelling sesh. This beach is a beautiful setting with the island’s iconic enigmatic figures, moai statues.

These statues date back to as old as 1200 CE making Anakena one of the oldest inhabited places. So, if you are up for some fun, and fantasy then head to the enigmatic Playa Anakena on Easter Island.

Best Time: Early mornings and late afternoons during the winters and summers are ideal to visit Playa Anakena, as you can make the most of the clear water for all kinds of water sports.

Atacama Desert surrounds the beach oasis of Bahía Inglesa and this beach is one of the most top visited because of the warm weather that it enjoys all the year round. The crystal clear blue water, and white sand draw hordes of beach dwellers from all across the globe.

And, if you are an adventure junkie then you must engage in the water sports held here. Right from Kayaking, windsurfing to surfing and sailing, Bahía Inglesa lets you taste the thrill besides basking in the sun.

Best Time: Morning and late afternoons are the best times during summer to visit the beach as you can participate in a whole lot of water sports.

The volcanic black beaches of Pucón are dispersed around the Villarrica glacier lake. And, among them one of them is Playa Grande that faces an active volcano’s snow-dusted cone.

It is Chile’s most striking beach and is ideal for a perfect long stroll. To make the most of time, you can explore the area with rafting, mountain biking and guided hikes.

Best Time: Wintry afternoons and mornings are ideal times to visit Playa Grande to avoid the crowds that mostly gather during summer.

To enjoy the bays, and soak up the roller waves, you must go to the La Serena town. This beach is the most traditional one out there and outside the summer months, this beach town is known for its chilled out vibe, and quietness.

So, if you desire to catch some sun rays and enjoy the gentle brushing of the waves then you must come here. There are pisco vineyards and very many food spots on the beach that make it a Chilean favorite.

Best Time: Late afternoons or late mornings during the winter season are ideal times to be at La Serena.

This nature reserve in the north, straddling Antofagasta border and the iconic Atacama Desert is a beach of 100,000 acres. There are as many as four campsites that offer incredible campsite experiences where you can lay your backs against the white sand, and indulge in some serious star gazing.

Spread over 400 square kilometers, this park houses a myriad variety of fauna. So, if you are a wildlife enthusiast then stay prepared to catch the sightings of pelicans, otters, foxes, and guanacos. You can also opt for a trip on the boat to reach La Caleta that is a fishing village to watch the fun Humboldt penguins.

Best Time: To stay immersed in the beautiful landscapes and spot wildlife, you can choose early mornings during the summer season. And, if you wish to spend the night gazing at the stars then evenings would be ideal.

The indigenous protected area of Territorio Mapa Lahaul houses the impossibly arresting bay of Caleta Cóndor. When the weather is clear, arriving here feels miraculous. And, as you enter through the translucent and scenic Rio Cholguaco, the idyllic combo of nature greets you.

These include land thatches strewn with moss, hillsides, seabirds, horses, and wild putting greens peppered with arrayán, and beautiful luma trees. You can totally call this speck of heaven, home for as long as you wish to live here. On your trip here, you will also notice the out-of-place sandbar strip, Tropicalia separating the ocean and sea beaches.

Best Time: Evenings or early mornings are perfect for hitting the Caleta Cóndor Beach because you can spot the seabirds and feel the calming breeze on your face.

Along the Chilean coast, and a few kilometers away from Valparaiso’s port town, lies the exclusive coastal setting of Zapallar. It is arguably the most engaging beach town that is known for its sandy golden bay, and a woody hillside leading you down.

Near the beach you shall find oversized purple doll houses, Grecian villas, Austrian-style chalets, and enchanting mansions. You can go scuba diving here and there are tours that leave frequently from the harbor on the beach front. Sitting on the sand, you can catch the sight of attractive pelicans that flock the shore.

Best Time: The best time to hit the beach would be during mid-summer (February) and preferably during mornings or before sundown so that you can have a swim, and experience the cool waves.

Located in the southern part of Arica city, the Playa El Laucho is one of the closest beach cities that is known for its palapas (tiny dwellings made from palm leaves), and a tranquil swimming area. This beach is an absolute favorite in the city of Arica because of the beach’s refreshing and cold water.

You can have a nice swim in the deep water or just watch the gentle waves of the sea sitting under the vibrant cone-shaped umbrellas spread across the length of the beach. Owing to the curve-shape of the Playa El Laucho, you may not be able to take long beach walks but a romantic stroll from one end to the other is desirable.

Best Time: Early morning is the best time to visit Playa El Laucho because it is comfortable, quiet, and is not choc a bloc with local sellers and tourists.

Stunning dunes to the thrilling life of the city and pleasant beaches are what Concón is all about. It is characterized by a wonderfully diverse landscape, old castles and modern high-rises.

Feel the mellow breeze on the face as you take a horseback ride through sandy beaches, and beautiful vineyards. You can soak plenty of sun on the Concón beach while exploring the magnificent dunes of sand, and gorging on some fresh seafood.

Best Time: You can either choose the day time during the rainy season (May-July), or the early mornings and afternoons of the driest months of November to December for a visit.

Poetic, colorful, dilapidated, and syncopated, Valparaíso is one wonderful mess. Located on the west coast in Central Chile, this popular tourist attraction houses some of the most breathtaking beaches. You can spend hours on the sandy shores dotted with disheveled hills, stroll through historical neighborhoods and walk on cobblestone streets.

To revel in the city life of Chile you cannot miss this port city that promises to serve you the freshest seafood, and as many as 36 beaches. You have got to come to Valparaíso to witness the colorful homes, buildings and to stay as a perfect beach dweller.

Best Time: Mornings and afternoons during the summer time (December to February) would be the ideal time to explore Valparaíso.

Located in the affluent area of balnearios and beaches in Valparaiso, the Reñaca beach is known for its fun vibe. If your heart is bohemian and you love to be a part of some of the most rave and fun parties, all on the beach, then this one is your true calling.

The beach is very popular among the spring breakers and people love to indulge here in the popular pastimes of endless sunbathing, surfing, and swimming. Soft sand lines the waterfront besides a gazillion nightclubs and restaurants that are complete young crowd pullers. Since the water here is colder, every tripper loves taking a dip to cool off during the scorching summer days.

Best Time: You can choose the late mornings post 11 AM to hit the Reñaca beach to make the most of the warm sun, and swimming. Or, you can choose evenings for the fun and sporty beach parties.

Playa Anakena is one of the paradisiacal Beaches in Chile that are both beautiful and lonely at the same time. It is Easter Island’s main beach and is known for swaying coconut palms, calm waves, turquoise crystalline sea, fine and white coral sand.

This unspoiled beach bears testimony to the fact that the oldest civilization of the royal tribe of Miru tribe thrived here. On your visit, you can find the oldest remains of the tribe in the form of the seven moais statues here that make the beach not just idyllic but a site of archeological interest.

Best Time: You can come during the mornings to have a calm swimming sesh during anytime in summer or winter. Or, you can choose the afternoon time to have organized tours accompany you.

The Playa del Cole Cole is an infinite deserted esplanade surrounded by thick shrubbery, and hills. It’s location in the National Park of Chiloe makes it one of the most popular Beaches in Chile. To have a view of the stunning scenery, you have to climb up till the viewpoint.

However, the endless stretch of golden sands, and icy-cold waters will make up for any kind of exhaustion you face. The water is slightly more freezing and may not guarantee you a comfortable swim but the route of trekking that passes through a native forest, and cliffs close to the sea take your experience several notches higher.

Best Time: You can either choose the morning time to enjoy wildlife sightings of mountain monkeys or mole mice, or choose late afternoon so as to trek to spectacular landscapes, and camp at night.