Punta de Lobos

Punta de Lobos is a headland south of Pichilemu with two rock stacks standing off it, and the wave that wraps around the point is a long left that holds size - it is the best known surf break in Chile and works on the big southern swells that come up from the Pacific. The other story here is the land: the headland was in private hands and under development pressure, and a campaign called Punta de Lobos por Siempre raised money publicly, with Rob Machado, Ramon Navarro and others involved, to buy the ground and put it into protection. Sea lions use the rocks, which is what the name refers to.

What you actually see

• A long left point break - the best known wave in Chile.
• Two rock stacks offshore - the headland's landmark.
• Land bought by public campaign - to stop development on the point.
• Sea lions on the rocks - the origin of the name.

When to go

Year round; the biggest swells come in the southern winter. Half a day.

Honest expectations

This is a serious wave with strong currents and rocks - not a place to learn. The water is cold all year. The clifftop is exposed and windy every afternoon. Facilities are a car park and a few seasonal stands.

Nearby

Pichilemu is north; the Colchagua valley runs inland.