Reñaca and the Chilean Pacific Surf
The beaches north of Viña del Mar — Reñaca, Con Con, and Maitencillo — have Chile's most consistent Pacific surf; the cold Humboldt Current generates powerful, regular waves that support a serious surf culture along the Chilean coast
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Reñaca Beach
Reñaca — the beach town immediately north of Viña del Mar — is Chile's most popular seaside resort for young Chileans; the apartment towers, beach clubs and surf culture of Reñaca contrast with the more formal resort character of Viña del Mar; Reñaca is where Santiago's young professionals come for summer weekends
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Con Con Surf
Con Con — the small coastal town 12 km north of Viña del Mar — has consistent beach breaking waves that make it one of Chile's most popular surf spots; The Con Con waves are manageable for beginners and satisfying for intermediate surfers; the relaxed atmosphere of the town and the quality of the waves attract surfers from Santiago on the weekends
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Chilean Surf Circuit
The Chilean Pacific coast has one of the world's longest surf coastlines — from Arica in the far north to the powerful cold-water breaks of Punta de Lobos near Pichilemu; the consistent Humboldt Current, the long coastline and the tight waves (by global surfing standards) make Chile's Pacific coast one of the world's great undiscovered surfing destinations
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Punta de Lobos
Punta de Lobos — 230 km south of Viña del Mar — is Chile's most famous surf spot; the left point quarry (quarry over volcanic rock) is one of the longest and most powerful in the world; the wave has hosted international big wave competitions; the remote location, the power of the waves and the quality of the water make Punta de Lobos a pilgrimage destination for surfing
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Wetsuit required
The Humboldt Current keeps the Chilean Pacific cold year-round - water temperatures near Viña del Mar range from 12-18°C; a 3mm wetsuit is minimum equipment for surfing or swimming; the cold water is why the Pacific beaches near Viña del Mar are less crowded than comparable resorts with warmer waters; it's also why Humboldt's shellfish are so extraordinary
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Kite and wind sports
The consistent Pacific winds along the Chilean coast between Viña del Mar and Con Con support strong kitesurfing and windsurfing communities; the wind conditions (steady afternoon winds from the southwest) are predictable and the beaches have enough space for safe kite launching; the kitesurfing scene at Con Con is one of Chile's most active