Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is one of Chile's most beautiful beaches, with its white sand and crystal clear waters. This picturesque crescent of sand is backed by hills and is located in the small town of Tongoy, near Coquimbo. The massive sand dune at the bay's northern end is one of its most notable features.

Because this is Chile, the water is fairly cold, so swimming is not recommended. There are, however, other activities available, and the hotels have swimming pools. In fact, Club Playa Blanca is located directly on the beach and has a pool that overlooks the ocean. A couple of campsites right on the beach are among the less expensive options.

Despite its remote location, Playa Blanca is a popular vacation destination for Chileans, and the town has a number of excellent restaurants. Because of its remoteness, it is an ideal location for stargazing; if you enjoy this, make a trip to the Observatorio Astronomico la Silla and the Cielo Sur Observatory.