South American Surf

In south America there are a lot of beaches that are good for surfing, and when I say South America, I’m talking about several countries, like Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Perú, and some other places that have top class waves.

But today I want to focus specially in Chilean beaches.

Waters of Chile can be extremely cold, but the north coast is a lot warmer, particularly near Arica near the Peruvian border the waves are strong and well formed, tubes can be found further south, near Iquique and La Serena, and good waves can be found all over this beautiful country, although a wetsuit is essential.

Further south we can find a place called Pichilemu, one of the best surf points in Chile. It’s located about 78 miles southeast from San Fernando. This place has a rock bottom, so the waves are always good!, and became a true surfers paradise. Pichilemu has been divided by difficulty zones, (from easy to hard) La Puntilla, El Infiernillo y Punta Lobos, those are the three zones in Pichilemu.

There are some other locations that are very good too, there is Pichidangui, Reñaca, Maitencillo and Ritoque, Totoralillo, Portofino, Puertecillo, all of this places are very common and well known.

Reñaca beach

But there are some other places, secret places, that don’t get much attention, but not for long, this places are becoming popular because of their waves, this beaches are:

Secreto: The name (Secret) is because not many know how to get there or where it is, the locals say that the first time you go, you have to go blinded so you don’t remember the way.

Punta Choros: Northwest from La Serena, about 2 hour drive, near Caleta Punta Choros, you’ll find “Isla Choros” (Choros Island), ideal for beginners.

Salinas de Pullay: Half hour drive from Papudo, amateur, but very good waves.

And finally we have Pucatrihue, 42 miles from Osorno, there you’ll find intense rights and lefts, cold water, rainy days and a fishing community called “Huilliches” that years ago, gave its life to surf.

Without a question, a must do trip.