Surfing in South America
Brazil has an incredible surfing scene, and regularly produces some of the world’s top surfers. Its breaks are the most popular in South America, but there are also excellent waves in Ecuador, Peru and Chile. The distinctive Latin flavor of the locals creates a really fun and festive environment at popular surf sites.
Brazil: The entire 4,500 mile (7,242km) coastline of Brazil can feasibly be surfed, but the best waves are found along the southern coast between April and October. Check out Florianopolis’s 20 superb breaks, which are widely regarded as the best in the country. For more of a peripheral scene, try Rio de Janiero’s Copacabana and Ipanema beaches for a mix of waves and fun.
Montanita, Ecuador: This area along the Salinas Peninsula is probably the most popular surf spot in Ecuador. The right point break provides consistent barrels from November to April when the waves are at their peak. The resident surf camp provides lodging, gear and instruction.
Canoa, Ecuador: One of Ecuador’s top surf spots is found along its northern Pacific coast. This fun beach break is a great all-around wave that can entertain beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Pichilemu, Chile: Central Chile’s best surf breaks at Pichilemu, which is also endowed with a great little beach town. The three main spots are La Puntilla, just two minutes’ walk from town, the eight-foot barrels of Infernillo, and Punta de Lobos, Chile’s most consistent wave which breaks left in a long exciting tube.
Northern Peru, Peru: Most of the surf in the north of Peru is made of left-handed rock breaks that tend to be short and hollow. Cabo Blanco is the prime example of this rocky-bottomed wave. Though not common, there are a few excellent beach breaks at El Golf and Huanchaco.
Mar del Plata, Argentina: Argentina’s Atlantic coast has a decent array of waves that is attracting a growing surf scene. The most popular area is around Mal del Plata, but there are also more than a dozen great breaks near Buenos Aires.
Punta del Este, Uruguay: If you really want to surf something off the beaten track, head to tiny Uruguay and the series of breaks around Punta del Este. This relatively upscale beach town has evolved into a popular surf spot for locals, so you won’t have to rough it too hard.
Salinas, Ecuador: There are several breaks around Salinas, offering a wave for everyone. The best of them all is the reef break in front of the military base which requires a boat to access. Despite its popularity, Salinas rarely feels crowded.
Peru: Peru is one of the up-and-coming hot spots for South American surfing. There are some excellent waves at Chicama in the north, Mancora near the Ecuador border, and Herradura Beach outside of Lima.
Arica and Iquique, Chile: The northern coast of Chile has plenty of good waves, especially at Arica and Inquique. The water conditions are definitely chilly so you’ll need a wet suit to attempt these big board-breaking waves.