Tongoy

Tongoy is a quintessential Chilean coastal town located on a small peninsula in the Coquimbo Region. It is flanked by two distinct and expansive beaches: Playa Grande to the south, which stretches for over 14 kilometers, and Playa Socos to the north. Playa Grande is wilder and faces the open ocean, making it popular for long walks and fishing, while Playa Socos is more sheltered, offering calm, shallow waters that are handy for swimming and family outings. The town itself has a quiet, unpretentious charm with a strong maritime heritage. The defining feature of Tongoy's local economy and culture is its aquaculture, particularly the farming of Japanese oysters and Chilean scallops. Taking a boat tour to see the cultivation lines in the bay is a unique local experience. Naturally, this makes the coastal restaurants around the fishing cove some of the best places in the country to eat fresh scallops, served raw with lemon or baked with cheese. The nearby wetlands also attract diverse bird species, including herons and flamingos. Tongoy is situated approximately 430 kilometers north of Santiago and 45 kilometers south of La Serena, making it an easy drive along Route 5 North. The prime time to visit is during the summer months from December to March, when the weather is warm and dry. Winter is significantly quieter, but the famous scallops can be enjoyed year-round, making it a worthy culinary stop at any time.

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