Best Surf Spots in South America

Punta de Lobos is Chile's crown jewel—a powerful left point break designated as a World Surfing Reserve that produces rides of 800+ meters when massive SW Pacific swells hit the...

Pichilemu is Chile's undisputed surf capital—a collection of world-class point breaks centered around the historic resort town on the country's cold Pacific coast. La Puntilla,...

Playa Chinchorro is the main surf beach in Arica, Chile's northernmost coastal city. This west-facing beach break offers consistent waves year-round.

La Lisera is a quality right-hand reef break south of Arica. When solid SW swells hit, long walling rights peel along the rock reef.

Cavancha is Iquique's main urban beach. Beginner-friendly beach break with consistent waves year-round.

Huayquique is a quality left-hand point break south of Iquique. 100+ meter rides possible on good days.

Playa Brava is Antofagasta's primary surf beach in Chile's mining region.

Totoralillo is a quality right-hand point break in a charming fishing village near La Serena.

Los Vilos is a well-known right-hand point break at a small fishing port on the Panamericana.

Maitencillo is a popular beach resort and surf destination within easy reach of Santiago.

Ritoque is a long, exposed beach break with multiple peaks and more space than busier breaks.

Renaca is Vina del Mar's most popular surf beach.

Punta Pite is a quality left-hand reef break in the exclusive Zapallar area.

La Boca is a well-known left-hand reef break at the river mouth in Concon.

Matanzas is Chile's premier kitesurfing spot. Surfers: mornings only.

La Puntilla is the main surf break in Pichilemu town.

Infiernillo ("Little Hell") is one of Chile's heaviest waves.

Buchupureo is a quality right-hand point in an authentic fishing village.

El Colegio ("The School") is the heaviest wave in the Iquique slab complex - a thick left that breaks over a shallow reef. The name is ironic, as this wave provides harsh lessons...

Puertecillo is a quality left point break north of Pichilemu, offering long rides when WSW swells wrap into the bay. A less crowded alternative to the famous breaks further south.

Chicama is officially the world's longest wave—a left-hand point break in Peru that can deliver rides of 2+ kilometers when all four sections connect. The wave peels along the...

Lobitos is Peru's raw, untamed left point break paradise—a collection of world-class waves strung along a desolate coastline backed by the rusting infrastructure of abandoned oil...

Pacasmayo is Chicama's slightly shorter but equally sublime cousin—a left point break that can offer rides of over a kilometer when the conditions conspire. Located just south of...

Cacimba do Padre is Brazil's Pipeline—a world-class beach break on the remote island paradise of Fernando de Noronha. When North swells hit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the...

Sancho is Brazil's ultimate exclusive wave—a perfect right-hand barrel breaking over volcanic reef on Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage archipelago 350km off the...

Montañita is South America's legendary surf and party town—a fun left-hand point break in Ecuador that has drawn backpackers, surfers, and adventurers for decades. The wave peels...

Tongo Reef is the crown jewel of Galapagos surfing - a world-class left reef break on San Cristobal Island that hosted the 2022 WSL QS 1000. The wave offers three distinct...

Playa Grande is Argentina's surf capital—the most consistent beach break in the country, located in the resort city of Mar del Plata. When South Atlantic storms deliver swell, the...

Punta Miramar is Argentina's best right-hand point break—a quality wave in a country better known for flat pampas than surf spots. Located near the beach resort city of Mar del...

La Barra is Uruguay's most famous surf spot—a beach break near the glamorous resort town of Punta del Este. The wave breaks near the iconic undulating bridge and offers fun,...