Surfing in Arica

Arica is high on the list of surfing hotspots, and one of the southernmost places to practice on South America’s Pacific Coast. The El Gringo and El Buey waves off Isla del Alacrán are world-famous challenges, for experts only. Other places for surfing, bodyboarding and windsurfing are Playa El Chinchorro to the north and Playa La Lisera to the south. Every August an international surfing competition is held at Alacrán. Several shops in downtown Arica can help you suit up, like Gringo Surf shop (Paseo Bolognesi 440, Tel: 25-2125, URL: www.gringosurfshop.cl). El Gringo Coffee at the far end of Isla del Alacrán rents and sells boards. Magic Chile Surf School is staffed bybilingual teachers and rents boards (Ginebra 3857, Playa Chinchorro, Tel: 31-1120. E-mail: surfcamp.magicchile@gmail.com, URL: www.surfschool.cl).

Location:

Arica, Chile

Surfing

Getting There

Travel Tips: The water along this coast is cold, so a wetsuit is necessary.

Price Description:

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring:

Visit the several museums of Arica; journey through Valle de Azapa and Valle de Lluta; practice paragliding or other adventure sport; hang out at the beaches; take a launch tour of the bay; go birdwatching.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 17 Oct 2008

Updated: 06 Jul 2009

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