Turquoise water, white sand and desert coastline between the Atacama and Coquimbo regions — a beach-by-beach guide for camper travelers heading north.
Northern Chile, between the Atacama and Coquimbo regions, hides some genuinely marvelous beaches — some with well-equipped campsites, others where you can be completely alone and self-sufficient.
Below are some of our favorites, but there are many more to find along the way. With a camper you can string them together at your own pace, swim in water far warmer than the central coast, and fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific.
From Santiago heading north up the coast toward Caldera and Bahía Inglesa — here's how the beaches link together.
Distances and drive times below are for each leg, measured from the previous stop, heading north from Santiago.
A quite special white-sand beach on the road to Caleta Chungungo — wonderful and still little known. A great first taste of the north's quiet, wide-open coast. See it on iOverlander →
A must in the north: a small, rustic cove tucked between ocean and desert, and the best place in Chile to see marine fauna. It's about 114 km north of La Serena (roughly 2 hours), and you'll arrive somewhere perfect to slow down and reconnect with nature — the locals' calm and good vibes are contagious. The area is well set up for travelers, with plenty of tours and well-equipped places to stay a night or more.
With abundant underwater life and seafood that will surprise your palate, this small fishing cove is made for diving, resting and soaking up the calm of its people. Take a boat to Chañaral Island — part of the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve — and, between November and April, watch the whales that cross this stretch of coast.
This national park's flora numbers more than 220 species, of which 206 are native to Chile and 14 are endemic — found only in the Atacama Region. It's also a refuge for threatened species, including the endangered Garra de León and Napina among many in the vulnerable category. If you're lucky with timing, this is also "desierto florido" country.
Quite possibly one of the best beaches in all of Chile. Its horseshoe shape shelters it from the wind, its Atacama latitude keeps the water warmer than the central coast, and the fine white sand against turquoise water can genuinely remind you of the Caribbean. There are 32 camping sites on the upper left side of the beach, each with private bathrooms, laundry and electricity — suitable for tents and motorhomes alike.
Chorrillos is ringed by eroded cliffs covered in vegetation fed by underground springs. Its tricky access keeps the crowds away — ideal for an afternoon to yourself. Trek the trails heading south and you'll find postcard views worth the walk.
We're a local 4×4 camper crew based in Puerto Varas since 2018. Tell us your dates and we'll help you shape the right coastal route north.
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