In Bahia Inglesa beaches are quiet, white sands contrast with the black rocks that surround and form turquoise water pools. The magic of this beautiful coastline contrasts with desert's vastness that surrounds it. A 81 km and 5 km from Copiapo, Caldera, it attracts many travelers who spend long periods staying in cabins by the sea.

In summer is quite hot during the day but at night temperature falls down considerably and demand something warm. Annual average temperature in Bahia Inglesa is about 20°C as a maximum and 7°C a minimum.

Good weather coupled with beautiful scenario of Bahia Inglesa makes it ideal for sports and outdoor adventures. There are several beaches to visit and some of them the wind has made a good place for sports such as kitesurf, practiced on a small table while a kite driven by wind pushes you over the waves at high speed.

100 km from Caldera, Pan de Azucar National Park is a place full of mysticism in a coastal headland about 800 meters above the beach, living through a dense mist that rises from sea called Camanchaca. Since evenings fall down, the fog moisturize cactus and low shrubs that grow among  intense ochres rocks.

Many people travel long distances to enjoy Bahia Inglesa and surrounding areas. When visitor arrives perceive pirates was chosen this place as a hideout.

How to get there

By plane. From Santiago, flights to Atacama Desert airport, located 50 km northeast of Copiapo (1 hour 30 min). There is taxi service to Bahia Inglesa.

By Bus, From Santiago to Copiapo (12 hours) at San Borja and Los Heroes terminals

From Copiapo to Caldera Street buses depart at Good Hope every one to two hours.

By Car. From Santiago to Copiapo, on 5 norte route (804 km).

To Caldera (76 km) and Bahia Inglesa (81 km), the same road in this section is diverted to northwest, has a detour to west that leads to both destinations.

Activities and attractions

Food are very good in Bahia Inglesa. Faced with some beaches, there are restaurants with relaxing atmosphere where you can have a taste of local seafood and fish.

If you want to discover Bahia Inglesa going south to Huasco, the road is a show to take pictures. There are wetlands, fossils, beautiful scenery between the mountains, desert and sea.

By north of Bahia Inglesa, Piscina Beach it is surrounded by quiet rocky coves ideal for children. 4 km south of Bahia Inglesa is Rocas Negras beach, where you can fish and in 3 km, you reach Las Machas beach, very good for swimming, fishing and water sports. In Bahia Cisne on south coast of Bahia Inglesa, is ideal for sailing and some kitesurfing.

For those who like to go out to explore, either by jeep or bike, can have an unforgettable experience with colors explosion of desert in bloom, a phenomenon that occurs when El Nino stream increases Pacific ocean temperatures and as a miracle, it rains in desert. This is not a flood, but it rains enough for seeds that had been waiting on sand to germinate in a couple of days and the show starts. The best time to watch it is between July and August. Many species are unique, both flower and insect. The best place to enjoy it in all its splendor is on 5 norte route, about 20 km south of Copiapo, taking the deviations between 780 and 735 kms.

On coast of Pan de Azucar National Park are rocky beaches with turquoise waters suitable for swimming, fishing and diving. In Caleta Pan de Azucar can take a boat that goes to the Pan de Azucar Island, while in Blanca and Los piqueros beaches you can fish, dive or watch flora and fauna.

This park covers about 40 000 hectares including Pan de Azucar Island, Las Chatas islots and Las Mariposas rock formations. Besides being area for archaeological observation, it can be very close to animals such as foxes, vicuñas and a colony of Humboldt penguins. It is also a great place for trekking and mountain biking.

There is a viewpoint on north of the where you can watch the surroundings and close to animals that live there. And at El Castillo creek mouth are curious cactus species and vicunas.