Experiences and local guides in Pichilemu

Nature

Pichilemu is a town of timber and pines facing a cold, powerful Pacific. Punta de Lobos, with its rock stacks and waves topping ten metres in winter, is a World Surfing Reserve; to the south, almost empty black beaches, wetlands with swans and the artisanal salt pans of Cáhuil, and inland the dry hills and vineyards of the Colchagua valley.

Activities

• Surfing for all levels: schools at La Puntilla and Infiernillo, big waves at Punta de Lobos
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing on the Cáhuil lagoon, bodyboarding and stand-up paddle
• Sunset horseback rides along the beach and hills, cycling to the salt pans
• Coastal trek from Punta de Lobos to Playa Hermosa, birdwatching in the wetlands
• Cáhuil and Barrancas salt pans, Colchagua wineries an hour away, seafood and sopaipillas on the seafront

When to go

Surfing all year in a wetsuit: April to September brings the big waves and fewer people; December to February is summer, 15 °C water and a busy town. Afternoons are often windy; mornings are best for surfing.

How to get there

From Santiago, 3 h 30 by car on route 78 and the coast road, or direct buses from San Borja and Alameda terminals (3 h 30 to 4 hours). Hourly buses from Rancagua and San Fernando. Punta de Lobos is 6 km south of the centre, reachable by shared taxi or bike along the seafront.