🌊Pichilemu: surf, art and life by the sea
🕰️ History of the place
Originally inhabited by the Promaucaes people, Pichilemu —which in Mapudungun means “small forest” — was an area of exchange between sea and valley.
During the 19th century, it was transformed into an aristocratic seaside resort thanks to Count José Agustín Ross Edwards , who promoted the development of the city with his iconic Ross Park and Ross Casino , now National Monuments.
Over time, the calmness of the place and the power of the ocean turned it into the epicenter of Chilean surfing , attracting athletes and travelers from all over the world.
Today, Pichilemu maintains its coastal, artistic and bohemian character, where nature and local culture coexist in perfect harmony.
🌿 Flora and fauna
The Pichilemu area combines pine and eucalyptus forests with wetlands and coastal dunes .
Its sea is home to a rich marine fauna: sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, seagulls and native fish .
In the Cáhuil Lagoon and its surroundings, biodiversity blends with the tradition of artisanal salt extraction , an ancestral activity that still persists.
🌎 Destination description
Located 3 hours from Santiago, in the O'Higgins Region, Pichilemu is an accessible and versatile destination.
Its main beaches — Punta de Lobos, Infiernillo, La Puntilla and Playa Hermosa — offer settings for all tastes: from extreme surfing to family relaxation.
The city boasts an identity marked by art, seafood gastronomy and sustainable tourism , with boutique accommodations, local fairs and wellness experiences by the sea.
🎒 Main activities
🏄 Surfing and water sports
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Punta de Lobos: world-famous wave; ideal for expert surfers.
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La Puntilla: central beach, perfect for beginners or guided classes.
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Local surf schools: daily experiences with certified instructors.
🏞️ Nature and relaxation
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Laguna de Cáhuil: ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding and bird watching.
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Salinas de Cáhuil: a living tradition where artisans extract sea salt by hand.
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Coastal trails: walks among cliffs, dunes and natural viewpoints.
🎨 Culture and gastronomy
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Agustín Ross Cultural Center: exhibitions and local music.
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Pichilemu craft fair: textiles, ceramics and seafood products.
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Coastal restaurants: fresh fish, empanadas, seafood and local vegan cuisine.
📸 Featured tourist attractions
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Punta de Lobos: Natural Monument and epicenter of Chilean surfing.
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Ross Park and its historic Casino: a 19th-century legacy.
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Laguna de Cáhuil and its salt flats: rural and cultural beauty.
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Mirador Infiernillo: one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Pacific coast.
🏡 Types of accommodation
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Hostels and surf lodges: bohemian, youthful and eco-friendly style.
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Beachfront boutique hotels: modern design and panoramic views.
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Family cabins and glamping: ideal for relaxing as a couple or group.
🍽️ Gastronomy
Pichilemu cuisine combines marine and rural flavors :
seafood empanadas, ceviches, fried reineta, crab pie and local products such as salt from Cáhuil and honey from the drylands.
The cafes and restaurants in the city center blend tradition with gourmet touches.
“Pichilemu is more than waves: it is wind, art and freedom facing the sea.”
