Las Machas
Las Machas ("The Razor Clams") is a mellow beach break named for the shellfish found on its shores. A beginner-friendly option in the Arica area with consistent, forgiving waves.
Las Machas surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to ARI, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when South America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in South America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full Las Machas trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 210° - 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
3/10
Access: South of Arica. Beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Las Machas?
The Las Machas 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 Las Machas?
The Las Machas 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 Las Machas?
The Las Machas scoring profile favors swell from SW (210° 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 Las Machas?
The main season at Las Machas is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round. Named for razor clams.
How do I get to Las Machas?
The spot profile lists ARI as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 12 minutes. South of Arica. Beach access.
What kind of wave is Las Machas?
Las Machas 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. Named for razor clams.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
El Gringo
🇨🇱 Chilean Pipeline • Helmet required • Slab of death
Arenillas Negras
🖤 Black sand reef • Quality walls • Less intense
El Laucho
🏖️ Arica mellow option • Beginner-friendly • Warm-up spot
La Lisera
🪨 Arica reef right • Needs solid swell • Desert perfection
El Brazo
💪 The Arm • Reef/sand hybrid • Versatile waves
El Buey
🐂 The Bull • Tow-in giant • 40ft+ faces