El Laucho
El Laucho is a beginner-friendly beach and reef break south of Arica center, offering mellow waves as an alternative to the heavy slabs nearby. A good warm-up spot before tackling more challenging breaks.
El Laucho surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 20° - 70°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: South of Arica center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Laucho?
The El Laucho profile favors mid to high tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at El Laucho?
The El Laucho profile uses wind from NE (45°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 20° to 70°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at El Laucho?
The El Laucho scoring profile favors swell from SW (200° to 250°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 1.8m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf El Laucho?
The main season at El Laucho is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round. Beginner-friendly.
How do I get to El Laucho?
The spot profile lists ARI as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 10 minutes. South of Arica center.
What kind of wave is El Laucho?
El Laucho is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 3/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round. Beginner-friendly.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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La Brava
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Las Machas
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El Brazo
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