Matanzas

Matanzas is a small bay on the O'Higgins coast where the thermal gradient between the cold ocean and the warm interior produces a reliable onshore wind through the afternoon, most days, for months on end - which is exactly what kitesurfing and windsurfing need, and which turned a fishing hamlet into a centre for both from the 2000s. Competitions are held here and schools operate on the beach. The wind that makes it work also makes it unsuitable for anything else: swimming in the afternoon chop is unpleasant and the shore is exposed. The village has grown accordingly, with the usual consequences for property prices.

History

In colonial times Matanzas was a well-known harbour, used by Spanish ships and visited by pirates, and its name, Spanish for "slaughter", comes from the hunting and processing of sea lions for their oil. Local stories tell of a friendly landing by Francis Drake and of a Spanish galleon sunk off the coast (Wikipedia, Matanzas, Chile).

What you'll find

• Wind almost every afternoon - the thermal gradient off the cold ocean.
• A kitesurf and windsurf centre - schools and competitions on the bay.
• A former fishing hamlet - changed since the 2000s.
• Exposed shore - the same wind that makes the sport possible.

When to go

October to March, when the wind pattern is most reliable. A full day.

Things to know

Mornings are often calm and the wind builds after midday, so timing matters. The water is cold and a wetsuit is required. It is not a swimming or lounging beach. Accommodation is limited and books out.

Nearby

Navidad is inland; Pichilemu and Punta de Lobos are south.