Adventure in Bahía Inglesa and Caldera: Dunes and beaches
Updated on 26 de September, 2025
A 2-day itinerary along the Atacama coast
2 DAYS
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Sandboarding in the Sea of Dunes
Start your adventure with a trip of about 50 kilometers from Bahía Inglesa into the Atacama Region to reach the Sea of Dunes. This desert landscape is the perfect setting for adrenaline. Rent a board and slide down the gigantic dunes, practicing sandboarding in a unique natural environment.
Afterward, return to the coast for lunch. We recommend tasting the exquisite local cuisine, with specialties such as ceviche or paila marina, recharging your energy with fresh seafood.
In the afternoon, the best option is to relax on Playa la Piscina (Pool Beach). As its name suggests, its waters are exceptionally calm and crystal clear, ideal for swimming or simply relaxing on its white sand. End the day with a dinner facing the sea, contemplating the spectacular desert sunset.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
Sandboarding in the Sea of Dunes
Start your adventure with a trip of about 50 kilometers from Bahía Inglesa into the Atacama Region to reach the Sea of Dunes. This desert landscape is the perfect setting for adrenaline. Rent a board and slide down the gigantic dunes, practicing sandboarding in a unique natural environment.
Afterward, return to the coast for lunch. We recommend tasting the exquisite local cuisine, with specialties such as ceviche or paila marina, recharging your energy with fresh seafood.
In the afternoon, the best option is to relax on Playa la Piscina (Pool Beach). As its name suggests, its waters are exceptionally calm and crystal clear, ideal for swimming or simply relaxing on its white sand. End the day with a dinner facing the sea, contemplating the spectacular desert sunset.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Playa Blanca and the heritage of Caldera
Start your second day in the paradise of Playa Blanca (White Beach), one of the most famous postcards of the region. Dedicate the morning to enjoying its turquoise waters and white sand. It is the perfect place to relax with the sound of the sea, take pictures, and simply admire the beauty of the landscape.
At lunchtime, don’t miss the classic seafood empanadas of the area, a local delicacy. Then, take a short trip of a few minutes to the town of Caldera, the historical heart of the area, to immerse yourself in its mining and port past.
There, visit the Paleontological Museum for a trip to the prehistoric past and, just a few steps away on the same street, the historic Casa Tornini. End your tour at the Port of Caldera, an ideal place to walk, see the craft fairs, and enjoy a farewell dinner with the best seafood.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
Playa Blanca and the heritage of Caldera
Start your second day in the paradise of Playa Blanca (White Beach), one of the most famous postcards of the region. Dedicate the morning to enjoying its turquoise waters and white sand. It is the perfect place to relax with the sound of the sea, take pictures, and simply admire the beauty of the landscape.
At lunchtime, don’t miss the classic seafood empanadas of the area, a local delicacy. Then, take a short trip of a few minutes to the town of Caldera, the historical heart of the area, to immerse yourself in its mining and port past.
There, visit the Paleontological Museum for a trip to the prehistoric past and, just a few steps away on the same street, the historic Casa Tornini. End your tour at the Port of Caldera, an ideal place to walk, see the craft fairs, and enjoy a farewell dinner with the best seafood.
What you should know
How to get there by air
To arrive, fly from Santiago Airport (SCL) to Desierto de Atacama Airport in Copiapó (CPO), in a journey of one and a half hours. From Copiapó, Bahía Inglesa is 80 kilometers away, a short trip that you can do by bus, transfer, or rented vehicle.
How to get there by land
From Copiapó, Bahía Inglesa is approximately 80 kilometers away on Route 5 North. A vehicle is essential to move between the dunes and beaches of this itinerary. If you do not want to drive, there is an excellent offer of guided tours from Caldera and Bahía Inglesa.
Climate and clothing
This itinerary covers coastal desert climate destinations, where the days are warm and sunny, while the nights are cool. Wear light clothing, a swimsuit, and sandals for the day. Always bring a windbreaker or sweatshirt for the afternoons and evenings, when the temperature drops considerably.
Must-Know Tips
Book your accommodation in Bahía Inglesa well in advance, especially during the summer (January and February), as it is a very popular destination. Check the condition of the roads if you are traveling in a private vehicle.
