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 often called the surf capital of Chile, and for good reason. This charming coastal town is home to some of the best left-hand point breaks in South America, the iconic Punta de Lobos, considered one of the world’s best waves.

As one of the most consistent surfing destinations on the continent, Pichilemu is a paradise for goofy-footers, offering near-endless walls of water, powered by long-period southern swells from the South Pacific.

 

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.

 

 

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

• 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. You can also rent a car which will be helpful to hit some surf spots a bit outside of town.

 

 

Safety/things to know

• Water ranges between 13 and 17 degrees Celcius. Wetsuits are necessary all year round.
• Big swells push through the Chilean coastline over the winter months.

 

 

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