For six years now, in the eyes of the world, Chile has been the planet’s “Leading Adventure Tourism Destination”, according to the World Travel Awards. Of all the great adventures offered by this long territory with extreme geography, there is one that stands out from the rest of the world: Chilean surfing. With more than 4,300 kilometers of coastline and all kinds of different breakers and reliefs, Chile receives spectacular waves from the Pacific Ocean throughout the year. These are some of the most unmissable:
LAS MACHAS: Winter? Arica, in northern Chile, is almost always the preferred option for surf lovers during the colder months, because the temperature remains at an average 15°C year-round. One of the best beaches in the region is Las Machas. It is ideal for those who are venturing into the sport for the first time, as it has strong currents, but small and long waves that break near to the coast.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Seabed type: Sand
- Surf level: Beginner
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 3/2 or more
For more experienced surfers, the best option in Arica is El Alacrán Island, in front of the Morro de Arica. There, the waves can reach more than four meters and demand a high level of skill.
EL COLEGIO AND LAS URRACAS: The coasts of Iquique are also visited throughout the year by wave lovers, due to the Tarapacá Region’s excellent climate. Here, the waves of the El Colegio and Las Urracas beaches are perfect for advanced surfers; and the best thing is that they are close together. They have a rocky seabed with channels indicated for access; in winter, tidal waves are generated. The El Colegio wave, for example, rises over a slab of rock to reach at least 2.5 meters; during the tidal wave period, it can reach between 5 and 6 meters. An advantage of the Las Urracas wave is that it breaks practically 24 hours a day, regardless of wind or tide.
Characteristics of the El Colegio spot:
- Wave direction: Right
- Seabed type: Rock
- Surf level: Expert
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3
Characteristics of the Las Urracas spot:
- Wave direction: Left
- Seabed type: Rock
- Surf level: Expert
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3
TOTORALILLO: This beach resort with white sands and crystal-clear waters is located 15km from Coquimbo. It is a classic for surfers in Chile; but it also has waves with different names and characteristics, which make it perfect for lovers of all kinds of water sports, not just surfing. But when it comes to surfing, Totoralillo is the best option for intermediate level surfers, because it is close to rocks and has strong waves.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Seabed type: Rock
- Surf level: Beginner
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3
PICHICUY: Its name comes from the word for “small bay” in the Mapuche language, Mapudungun. It is located 137km north of the capital, Santiago, in the municipality of La Ligua, in the Valparaíso Region, an area known for its woolen products and great local cuisine. This area is perfect for those who are just starting out in the world of surfing.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Seabed type: Sand
- Surf level: Beginner
Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3
MAITENCILLO: This city is famous for being the beach of the “hippies” in the Valparaíso Region, and there are surfers in the area all year round. Its most famous wave is El Abanico, and the best places to surf or bodyboard in the area are the beaches of Cachagua and Zapallar. The area is full of restaurants and surf schools, so it is possible to rent wetsuits and surfboards, or take classes with expert instructors, throughout the year. During the summer months, there are various surf activities and tournaments. The beach has rather cold water, but it is suitable for swimming. You must, however, be a little careful with the currents that push you towards the rocks.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Seabed type: Sand
- Surf level: Beginner
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3
MATANZAS: A few years ago, a fishing village on the coast of the O’Higgins Region, two and a half hours from Santiago, became a paradise for lovers of water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing. These sports have been able to fit in perfectly, without altering the style or beauty of the place. Matanzas, which used to be a purely agricultural and fishing village, is now treasured for some of the most valued wind and waves on the Chilean coast. Its waves fluctuate between 1 and 5 meters, and it is considered an ideal place for both beginners and advanced surfers.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left
- Seabed type: Sand
- Surf level: Beginner
Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3
PUERTECILLO: Also located in the O’Higgins Region, this well-known surf spot was, for a long time, the best-kept secret of the area’s surfers. It has one of the most constant and perfect left-handers in Chile. It quickly became famous, because it is also suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers. Originally, it had to be reached along a very dangerous dirt road; but now it has much safer access through “La hacienda”.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left
- Seabed type: Rock and sand
- Surf level: Intermediate
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3
PICHILEMU: It is known as the surfing capital of the world, and it is a landmark beach for the world’s best surfers. Located in the O’Higgins Region, Pichilemu has excellent wind and wave conditions, which make it one of the best places in Chile and the world to practice this sport. 6km south of Pichilemu you can find Punta de Lobos, where there are waves for all tastes and levels, from beginner to expert. At La Puntilla, there are 1-to-4-meter waves and a circular current. Infiernillo beach is for more experienced surfers, with waves that can reach up to 12 meters high.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left
- Seabed type: Rock
- Surf level: Expert
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3 + hood and boots.
CONSTITUCIÓN: In the Maule Region, you can find this beach with various spots to ride the waves. The two most famous are La Piedra de la Iglesia and El Puerto de Maguillines, which have different conditions that allow both advanced surfers and beginners to get together on the same beach to enjoy their surfing. Experts especially highlight the excellent conditions to observe how the tides and changes in the currents behave. This is why Constitución is ideal for learning the basics of surfing and practicing using the board. For many people, this is the best playground to become a great surfer.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left
- Seabed type: Rock and sand
- Surf level: Beginner
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3 + hood and boots.
CURANIPE: Located on the coast of the Cauquenes province, in the Maule Region, this bay has been called “Little Pichilemu” by some surf fans. It offers a stirring experience for those who try to dominate its waves. Its most classic wave is at San Pedro beach; it is long with a sandy seabed, constant, tubular and with a good fall.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left
- Seabed type: Rock and sand
- Surf level: Beginner
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3
PUNTA PULLAY: This coastal sector located in the north of the Biobío Region, 20km north of Cobquecura, is rarely visited because it is difficult to access along a dirt road, with no signage, out to the headland. But the surfers who have made it here have fallen in love with the place, because its waves are ideal for practicing the sport: quick, with great force and a regular break. A paradise for more experienced surfers.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left
- Seabed type: Rock and sand
- Surf level: Intermediate – Advanced
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3 + hood and boots.
BUCHUPUREO: Better known as “Buchu”, this beach located in the Ñuble Region, 13km from Cobquecura, has fields, a river, a lot of vegetation and even more waves, which fluctuate between 1 and 6 meters. Waves of 2.5 meters are the most frequent, and they can be fast and tubular in some sections, depending on the conditions.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left
- Seabed type: Sand
- Surf level: Intermediate
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3 + hood and boots.
MEHUÍN: This beach belongs to the municipality of San José de la Mariquina and is located some 70km northeast of Valdivia, in Los Ríos Region. Mehuín has a rich Mapuche-Lafkenche (people who live off the sea) culture, which seeks to conserve the nature that surrounds them. The beach is suitable for fishing and has camp sites. It is mainly known for its extensive gray sands, the mouth of the Lingue River and its fishermen’s cove, where you can enjoy the best marine cuisine in the region. Its tubular waves of more than 2 meters are constant throughout the year, and attract the attention of surfers from all over the world.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Seabed type: Sand
- Surf level: Basic
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3 + hood and boots.
MAR BRAVA: One of the southernmost waves in the world can be found one hour from Puerto Montt, Los Lagos Region, in the town of Carelmapu. It has a 10 km-long beach where a world-class wave forms, as international surfing experts have certified. In 2000, US surfer Michael Bullock found this wave and rode it alone for several years.
Characteristics of the spot:
- Wave direction: Left and right
- Seabed type: Rock and sand
- Surf level: Intermediate
- Recommended wetsuit thickness: 4/3 + hood and boots.
