Good to know
Good to Know
- Pack layers as the coastal weather can change quickly, especially in the evenings.
- AllTrails has 18 scenic trails in the Pichilemu area at varying difficulty levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
- Laguna Cáhuil is the most popular and safest spot for kayaking and paddleboarding due to calm, flat water.
- Punta de Lobos is best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the best waves; the rocky access and powerful currents make it unsuitable for beginners.
- Pichilemu hosts the annual WSL qualifying series with perfect left-hand point breaks.
Hiking
La Puntilla De Pichilemu
- Distance
- 0.8 miles
- Duration
- 0.5-1 hour
- Difficulty
- easy
- Elevation Gain
- 65 feet
- Permit Required
- No
- Seasonal Considerations
- Generally accessible year-round; coastal weather can change quickly
- Trailhead Accessibility
- Within city, accessible on foot from main beach area
- Notes
- Covers 0.8 mi with an elevation gain of 65 ft, takes about 0.5–1 hr to complete. Out-and-back trail with clearly marked paths and fairly level terrain.
San Miguel De Las Palmas
- Distance
- Variable (multiple routes)
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Permit Required
- No
- Seasonal Considerations
- Check weather conditions before hiking; best in spring/fall
- Trailhead Accessibility
- From Pichilemu city center, head southeast on Avenida Comercio towards I-472. After approximately 2 kilometers, turn left onto I-472. Continue on this road for about 8 kilometers until you reach San Miguel de las Palmas. Alternatively, take a local bus from Pichilemu bus terminal heading towards I-472 or any bus heading towards areas east of Pichilemu. Inform the driver you want to get off at San Miguel de las Palmas. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes, fare typically around 1,500 CLP.
- Notes
- A breathtaking hiking area renowned for its stunning landscapes including lush forests, rolling hills, and panoramic views. Characterized by diverse flora and fauna, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Hiking routes are well-marked and offer varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring everyone can find a suitable trail.
Cerro La Cruz
- Distance
- Short out-and-back
- Difficulty
- easy
- Permit Required
- No
- Seasonal Considerations
- Best at sunset; bring light jacket for evening breeze
- Trailhead Accessibility
- From city center, walkable or short taxi ride
- Notes
- Short but steep hike rewarding you with panoramic views of the coastline.
Surfing
- Overview
- Pichilemu is known as the 'Capital of Surfing in Chile'. Considered one of the best areas in the world for open-sea sports, Pichilemu counts on various spots for your takeoff and ride on internationally recognized waves, which can reach heights of up to 8 meters.
- Lesson Cost
- CLP 12,000
- Wetsuit Info
- The temperature of the water is very cold, therefore a wetsuit is necessary (minimum 4/3 mm thick), and booties, cap and gloves are recommended.
- Lessons And Rentals
- One lesson with the instructor and the gear costs CLP 12000/US$18, the lesson is usually a couple of hours.
- Water Temp Range Celsius
- 12-15°C
- Water Temp Range Fahrenheit
- 54-59°F
- Seasonal Notes
- Punta de Lobos is suitable for swimming, shore fishing, as well as being an ideal place for surfing and kiteboarding, especially in winter.
Major Breaks
Punta De Lobos
- Difficulty
- challenging/advanced
- Description
- The most extreme place to surf, because to enter the sea you have to walk over rocks, cross a channel with very brave water and climb the hills, to wait for the right moment to jump into the water and surf. As a result, it is not a recommended place for beginners.
La Puntilla
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Description
- Long left-hand break, suitable for intermediate surfers
Infiernillo
- Difficulty
- intermediate to advanced
- Description
- Long left-hand break with consistent waves
Water Temperature
- Celsius
- 12
- Fahrenheit
- 54
Kayaking And Paddleboarding
- Location
- Laguna Cáhuil, 11 km from city center
- Overview
- Kayaking, SUPing and boating are less technical activities. Laguna Cáhuil (11 km from Pichilemu) is the most popular place for these activities it's quiet and flat with not much current or waves which makes kayaking/paddling experience more relaxing.
- Notes
- There are many sea birds in Pichilemu, bird-watching here is great too.
Rental Prices
- Boat
- CLP 5,000
- Kayak
- CLP 5,000
- Paddleboard
- CLP 7,000
Day Trip Destinations
La Campana National Park
- Cost
- Expect to spend around $10 for transport and park fees.
- Best Season
- Best visited in spring or early fall when the weather is mild.
- Distance And Time
- Just a couple of hours from Pichilemu.
- Notes
- A common mistake is underestimating the trail's difficulty; wear sturdy shoes.
- Description
- The hike to the summit rewards you with panoramic views of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. The scent of eucalyptus fills the air as you navigate the trails, and the chirping of birds accompanies your journey.
Parks And Natural Areas
Parque Agustín Ross
- Location
- City center, Pichilemu
- Description
- Declared a National Monument, created in 1855 and remodeled in 1987, it features extensive meadows, pools with lights, centennial palm trees and balustraded staircases that lead directly to the main beach.
Punta De Lobos
- Location
- 6 km south of city center
- Description
- A World Surfing Reserve and must-see for lovers of water sports and kitesurfing. Located 6 km south of Pichilemu, it has a beach with fine gray sand surrounded by large cliffs that reach approximately 100 meters high with unique rocks frequented by sea lions.
Cerro La Cruz
- Location
- Near city center
- Description
- A short but steep hike rewarding you with panoramic views of the coastline.
Cycling
- Overview
- You can rent a bicycle and try to visit some nearby attractions (will be cheaper than renting a car). You'll have to cycle on the road but there isn't much traffic here.
- Notable Route
- There is a cycling route that goes on the gravel road along the old train track and passes through a couple of tunnels, it's called the Tunnel Tree or El Túnel El Árbol.
Climbing
- Overview
- In low tide there are coastal boulder problems to be solved.
- Notes
- Rock climbing opportunities available at Punta de Lobos area during low tide
Other Water Sports
In addition to surfing, on the beaches of Pichilemu you can also practice windsurfing, kite surfing or sailing. And it is increasingly common to see fly fishing on the seashore during the winter months.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this nature, parks & outdoor activities research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Pichilemu
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.