Bahía Inglesa, among the top 100 beaches in the world according to the Golden Beach Awards

Amid an international competition dominated by dreamy names like Bora Bora, Copacabana, and hidden beaches along the Icelandic coast, Chile made its mark with a northern gem: Bahía Inglesa, the only Chilean beach to rank among the top 100 beaches in the world, according to the prestigious 2024 Golden Beach Awards.

Located in the Atacama Region, on the edge of the world’s driest desert, this small and charming bay not only captured the hearts of local and national tourists but also dazzled international experts.
In the 2024 edition of these awards by the renowned portal BeachAtlas, Bahía Inglesa claimed 74th place in the global ranking, proudly elevating Chile’s name among some of the most coveted coastal destinations on the planet.

A desert corner that steals hearts

Bahía Inglesa doesn’t need tropical palm trees or luxury resorts to stand out. Its charm lies in the stunning simplicity of a beach that looks like it came straight from a postcard: white, fine sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a natural setting that invites total relaxation. This unique blend of desert and sea was one of the key reasons the Golden Beach Awards described it as “the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the Chilean sun.”

In addition to its dazzling aesthetics, the beach was recognized as an ideal spot for families, thanks to its shallow waters, allowing both children and adults to enjoy it safely. But it also has an adventurous side: the award organizers highlighted Bahía Inglesa as “a paradise for kitesurfing lovers,” thanks to its naturally favorable conditions for this kind of water sport.

How to get to Bahía Inglesa?

Located in the commune of Caldera, just 5 kilometers from this small northern Chilean port, Bahía Inglesa rises like an oasis within the vast and arid landscape of the Atacama Desert.

Getting there is quick and easy from various parts of the country. The most direct way is by plane, with daily flights from Santiago to Copiapó, the nearest city with an airport, located just 30 minutes by car from the beach. For those who prefer land travel, you can drive from the capital along Route 5 and the Panamericana Norte in a trip that takes approximately 9 hours, with landscapes that make the journey part of the experience.

From Caldera, the drive to the beach takes just 10 minutes. There are also shared taxis (colectivos) that cover this short distance for a fare of CLP$1,000, making it even easier for tourists to reach the bay.

Among the best on the planet

The top 10 of the ranking featured true legends of coastal tourism. These are the beaches that led the 2024 list:

1. Bora Bora – Society Islands, French Polynesia

2. Boulders Beach – Western Cape Province, South Africa

3. Waikiki – Hawaii, United States

4. Copacabana – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

5. Maya Bay – Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand

6. Black Sand Beach – Reynisfjara, Iceland

7. Glass Beach – California, United States

8. JBR Beach – Dubai

9. Skeleton Coast – Namibia

10. Omaha Beach – Normandy, France

The fact that Bahía Inglesa appears in 74th place in this selection, competing with globally renowned and high-traffic beaches, positions this beautiful beach as a must-visit destination for Chileans, while also opening a window for travelers from around the world.

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