Surfing Guide to Pichilemu, Chile

• Summary

• When to go

• Surf Camps

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

• Surf spots

   

Summary

Pichilemu is undeniably one of Chile’s best surf towns…

 

As Chile remains quite under the radar when it comes to surfing destinations, people are starting to understand the true potential of this hidden gem. With almost only left-hand breaks, it is known as a goofy footer’s paradise. Swells here are very consistent being pushed by numerous storms from the south pacific ocean.

 

You may also want to read: Our Surfing Guide to Popoyo, Nicaragua

 

In winter, waves can reach more than 20 feet on a regular basis. With a coastline as long as 2,600 miles, many surf spots are still to discover, even more so in the southern part of the country which is still very raw and untouched. Most of the crowd and friendly surf towns are located from the center of Chile, around Santiago, all the way to the north.

 

 

One of them is Pichilemu. This little surf town is home of Punta de Lobos, world-class left-hand break that has been named a national surfing reserve. With a population of a bit less than 15,000, Pichilemu will take you away from big crowds and give the surf vibes you are looking for.

 

 

 

When to go

The best time to surf Pichilemu, Chile is from December to February for warm weather and smaller waves. Rest of the year will be way bigger, peaking in June-July where tow-in is sometimes the only option.

 

 

 

Surf Camps in Pichilemu

5-day Surf Camp in Pichilemu for US$780 per person
US$780, including:

• 3 days of surfing
• An energetic picnic
• A guided tour around La Punta
• Services of surf instructor
• 4 nights’ accommodation
• Breakfast and dinner

 

 

Where to stay in Pichilemu

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Pichilemu!

 

Best surf hotels in Pichilemu

Hotel Mar y Vino 

Cuarzo Lodge

 

Getting there

Fly into Santiago and you will be a 4-hour bus ride away from Pichilemu

 

 

Safety/things to know

–Water ranges between 13 and 17 degrees Celcius. Wetsuits all year

-Big swells breaking on rocky points

-Punta de Lobos is a bit less than 10km from Pichilemu

 

 

Surf spots in Pichilemu

Punta de Lobos

Nothing less than one of the best lefts in the world, Punta de Lobos is Pichilemu’s main attraction. Whether it is on a big winter day or on a smooth summer swell, this point is extremely consistent and produces some of the continent’s best waves.

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

Infiernillo

Not as long as Punta de Lobos, Infiernillo is another nice option for a left-hand wave in Pichilemu. It is also much closer to town. This fast and hollow wave is very challenging and should not be attacked by novice surfers. 

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

La Puntilla

Chile’s longest wave, La Puntilla is a fairly inconsistent break as the sandbar is unpredictable and very “shifty”. However, it offers a nice and accessible break for surfers of all skill levels.

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E