Pichilemu is Chile's surf capital and the best-known beach town in the O'Higgins Region, about 210 kilometers from Santiago, 3 to 4 hours via Route 5 South and Route 90, according to Chile Travel. If you are wondering about things to do in Pichilemu, the answer goes beyond the waves: there are artisanal salt pans, a heritage district built by Agustín Ross and coastal lagoons for birdwatching.
Things to do in Pichilemu: the essentials
| Must-do | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Watch or surf Punta de Lobos | 6 km south of the center | Expert surfers and spectators |
| Surf lessons at La Puntilla | Main beach, in the center | Beginners and families |
| Cáhuil salt pans | About 13 km south, by the lagoon | Everyone |
| Ross Park and former casino | Avenida Agustín Ross | History and photography |
| Sunset from Cerro La Cruz | Above the center | Everyone |
Punta de Lobos, Pichilemu's World Surfing Reserve
Punta de Lobos is one of the best-known left-hand point breaks in the world. It breaks with waves from 1 to 10 meters and, during big swells, allows rides of more than 800 meters, according to Save The Waves. The organization approved it as a World Surfing Reserve in October 2013 and officially dedicated it on November 16, 2017, the seventh in the world. When the sea allows, the big wave tour holds the El Ceremonial contest there.
Even if you don't surf, it is worth going: from the viewpoint you can watch surfers climb down the rocks and paddle out next to the rock stacks known as "Los Morros". The Punta de Lobos Foundation looks after the area. We compare this wave with others in our guide to surfing in Chile and its best beaches.
The Cáhuil salt pans and lagoon
South of Pichilemu, by the Cáhuil lagoon, salt makers keep up the artisanal process of harvesting salt in pools filled with lagoon water that evaporates under the summer sun. Chile Travel recommends the visit to learn about the trade. You can buy salt directly from the producers and, on the lagoon, take a boat ride or watch waterbirds.
Agustín Ross's Pichilemu: park, casino and district
Pichilemu was born as an upscale beach resort in the late 19th century thanks to politician and businessman Agustín Ross. According to the Pichilemu municipality's tourist guide, Ross created the park in 1885 and in 1906 opened the country's first casino in the building opposite, which ran until 1932. Ross Park, with century-old Canary Island date palms, and the former casino have been National Monuments since February 25, 1988; the building is now the Agustín Ross Cultural Center, with a library and an exhibition hall. The Ross District, with its European-style architecture, is a protected Typical Zone.
Does your surf school, cabin or restaurant in Pichilemu want to reach people planning a coastal getaway?
See advertising optionsPichilemu beaches for every plan
| Beach | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| La Puntilla | Learning to surf, schools and board rentals | Crowds in summer |
| Main Beach (Las Terrazas) | Walks along the seafront and sunsets | Currents; swim only where there are lifeguards |
| Infiernillo | Walks and artisanal fishermen | Rough sea, not suitable for swimming |
| Punta de Lobos | Advanced surfing and a viewpoint | Rocks and big waves |
| Cáhuil | Lagoon mouth and fishing cove | Currents at the lagoon mouth |
The Pacific is cold all year in central Chile: most surfers wear a wetsuit. Always check the flags and whether lifeguards are on duty before swimming.
When to go and how to get to Pichilemu
Summer is dry and mild, with highs of 20 to 25 °C according to Chile Travel, but mornings and nights are cool all year. Surfers prefer autumn and winter, when the big swells arrive; spring is calm and less crowded. There are frequent buses from Santiago's terminals, and by car you take Route 5 South to San Fernando and then Route 90. If you are coming from the Colchagua Valley, you can add wineries: our Central Valley and vineyards road trip suggests a route.
| Season | Weather | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Dry, highs of 20 to 25 °C | High season, surf schools fully booked |
| March to May | Mild, windier | Good waves and fewer people |
| June to August | Cold and rainy | Big swells, big wave season |
| September to November | Mild | Long weekends, mid-range prices |
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Pichilemu over a weekend?
One day for Punta de Lobos and the Cáhuil salt pans, and another for a surf lesson at La Puntilla, Ross Park and the sunset on the seafront.
How far is Pichilemu from Santiago?
About 210 km, 3 to 4 hours by car via Route 5 South and Route 90. There are also direct buses from Santiago.
Can you learn to surf in Pichilemu?
Yes. La Puntilla beach, in the center, has schools and board and wetsuit rentals, with gentler waves than Punta de Lobos.
