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Bahía Inglesa
Bahía Inglesa derives its name from English privateers, including Edward Davis, who anchored here in the 17th century. Today, it is a prominent summer destination for domestic tourists seeking warmer waters and sheltered swimming areas. The main beach, Playa La Virgen, is highly sought after for its Caribbean-like appearance despite the stark desert surroundings. The village has a small permanent population but expands significantly during the summer months of January and February. The calm bays provide excellent conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. In the surrounding desert terrain, visitors explore the Zoológico de Piedra, a geological park featuring wind-sculpted rock formations. Local gastronomy centers entirely on fresh seafood, specifically the ostiones (scallops) cultivated in the bay itself. Travel typically involves flying into the Copiapó airport, located 20 kilometers away, or driving along Route 5. The area experiences extremely low rainfall, ensuring clear skies for most of the year.
- Location: Chile
- Top sights: Playa Paraíso · Playa Las Machas
- Nearby: Caldera (6 km)
Geography
Facts
- Named after English privateers
- Located 6 km from Caldera
- Features white sand beaches
- Calm turquoise waters
- Zoológico de Piedra park nearby
- Major scallop farming area
- High season in January and February
- Situated in the Atacama Desert
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bahía Inglesa (2)
Frequently asked questions
Bahía Inglesa: where is it located?
Bahía Inglesa: what is there to see?
Bahía Inglesa: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
