Attractions Nature & Adventure Tours A five-hour drive north of Santiago lies the Coquimbo region and the nearest thing Chile has to beach resorts. Here, you’ll find a number of beautiful beaches to sunbathe on and enjoy the crystal blue waters. Be warned though - while the waters may look inviting, the Pacific currents mean they stay cold year-round.
 


The scenic, sheltered bay of La Herradura is a popular spot to walk around and sunbathe. Its waters are calm throughout the year so it’s a safe place to swim and try other watersports. Further north is Peñuelas beach, which is famous for its fishing port and a great place to try scuba diving.
 


Also worth visiting is the small beach town of Totoralillo, which is a good place for beginner surfers to get in the water. Its gentle waves are perfect for beginners and intermediate riders as well as bodyboarders.