Beach Escapes from Santiago, Chile

Josh Wicks

"Dondé esta la playa?" Santiago, Chile can be a hot stressful place sometimes. Fortunately, there are beaches calling from the nearby coast. Check out this list of easy beach escapes to cool off and recharge.

Concón, Cachagua, Tunquen, Quintay, Viña del Mar

  • Concón in Valparaíso, Chile

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      Just an hour and a half drive from Santiago are waves you can surf, sand dunes you can ride down, and some of the best queso y camaron (cheese & shrimp) empanadas in Chile! They call this amazing place Concon, and despite how epic it sounds, it's actually a very humble, chilled-out town, just 20 minutes north of the hyped-up Viña del Mar. Concon is the place to come if the big city is getting tense. The best part is, you can get all you need to recharge your spirit here in less than a few hours.

  • Cachagua in Valparaíso, Chile

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      Cachagua is one of the more high-end beach communities in Chile. That doesn't mean that it's any more or less expensive than other areas. They've got great fresh seafood and beautiful natural scenery as well as elegant looking homes to admire. The beach also seems to be less crowded than some of the other beaches in Chile. Then there's La Rambla- a nice long walking path along the seaside that wraps around the coastline. Best not to walk it in sandals though.

  • Tunquen in Valparaíso, Chile

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      For those seeking the most peaceful beach getaway, Tunquen is a private beach that can only be accessed in one of two ways; by knowing someone who owns a house there or, by renting a house there. The good news is, you'll be surprised at the spacious houses that are available for rent at very affordable rates in Tunquen. Like most rentals, the more family or friends that come, the better the price for everyone.

  • Quintay in Valparaíso, Chile

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      Located just 45 minutes from Viña del Mar is Quintay. Pronounced "Keen-tie" and most known for its picturesque fisherman's wharf. This quaint little village is home to a scuba-diving school that attracts scuba-divers of all levels. Because it's not such a big spot on the map, Quintay's beaches can be prime real-estate for those looking to get away from the crowd. The big beach has a resort and small restaurants to enjoy, while the small beach is virtually empty and waiting for you.

  • Viña del Mar in Valparaíso, Chile

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    • the.vagrant.optimist

      Viña del Mar is the most popular beach, just an hour and a half drive outside of Santiago. Alternatively, you can take a bus there too for relatively cheap. Pack a day bag with clothes for the evening- there's a lot to do in Viña. Once you arrive there you can rent bikes or easily cruise the seaside on foot.