Chile

Why Chile

Punta de Lobos is the wave: a long, powerful left point that runs down a rocky headland and holds size most breaks simply cannot. It has hosted big-wave events, and on a solid swell it is genuinely serious.

The town of Pichilemu around it has become South America's surf capital, and there is a mellower side — La Puntilla and the beach breaks are where lessons happen, and they're perfectly friendly.

Do not underestimate the water. This is the Humboldt current: cold, all year, every year. A 4/3 with boots is the baseline and a 5/4 in winter is not unusual.

When to go

• **Apr–Sep (austral autumn/winter):** the best swell by a distance, and the coldest water. This is when Lobos performs.Apr–Sep (austral autumn/winter): the best swell by a distance, and the coldest water. This is when Lobos performs.
• **Dec–Mar (austral summer):** warmer air, smaller waves, much better for learning — and busy with Santiago holidaymakers.Dec–Mar (austral summer): warmer air, smaller waves, much better for learning — and busy with Santiago holidaymakers.

Getting around

Fly into Santiago and drive roughly three to four hours southwest. A car is genuinely useful — the coast around Pichilemu has a lot of breaks spread out along it.