Infiernillo
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Infiernillo (Pichilemu) is a compact, wave-oriented spot best known for left-breaking point/reef surf with hollow, fast, powerful sections. Multiple reports describe it as exposed and rock-guarded, with strong hazards from rocks and currents, so conditions are typically suited to experienced riders who can manage the rocky approach and heavier wave energy. For surfing, the wave is described as hollow and powerful, with long ride potential. One source reports normal rides around 50 to 150 meters and good days reaching roughly 150 to 300 meters, with the best swell direction coming from the south/southwest. Tide guidance is not fully consistent across sources: one report emphasizes low tide only, while another rates high tide as best—so local observation of working tide conditions is important. Wind is dominated by south to southwest directions (S, SSW, SW) and is commonly reinforced in the afternoon by thermal effects. Kitesurfing is reported for south through southwest winds and centers on small-to-medium wave riding, but the rocky hazard profile and heavy surf mean it’s not a beginner-friendly wave. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are described as advanced/expert-focused due to cross-offshore/cross-shore wind behavior, rocky entry, and wave power. Safety expectations are high: rocky entry, strong currents, and cold water all require careful setup and conservative decision-making. Park close to the base of the point/headland, consider waiting for a lull when entering through the rocks, and stay mindful of tides because some exit routes can become dangerous at higher water levels.
- Left-hand point/reef surf with hollow, fast, powerful sections
- Long ride potential (often 50–150 m; longer on good days)
- South-to-southwest winds with strong afternoon thermal activity
- Kitesurfing possible for wave riding, but rocks make it hazardous
- World-class left-hand point/reef surfing character with fast, hollow sections
- Kitesurfing can work with south to southwest winds for small-to-medium wave riding
- Generally clean water and reliable wind activity in warmer months
- Long ride potential on good surf days
- Rocky hazards and difficult entry/exit around the point
- Cold water requiring proper thermal gear
- Powerful, sometimes heavy hollow waves; advanced surfing conditions
- Moderate localism; etiquette needed on the peak
- Limited/no lifeguard coverage
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSW, SW
- Offshore directions
- E, ENE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Strong afternoon sea breeze/thermal reinforcement reported in spring and summer
- Reliability
- High during summer months (per one source)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady conditions reported
- Best Months
- January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed composition; sandy with rock reported
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — One source describes medium; another describes big. Surf can become very heavy on large swell.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow rocky entry or sand patches between rock outcrops; rocky access
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Rocky entry and difficult launch conditions reported
Through the year
Can be crowded on weekends and during summer holidays (January–February).
May to August
By sport
What to expect for each.
Small-to-medium wave kitesurfing with clean water; rocky hazard profile. Not suited for beginners/freestyle due to proximity of rocks and heavy surf (advanced emphasis).
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Excellent wave windsurfing for experienced riders; wind can be cross-offshore to cross-shore, providing relatively clean faces.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Only for expert foilers due to rocky entry, shallow reef sections, and heavy wave power.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil-friendly conditions reported
- Min Depth
- 2.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 3.5–5 m²
Left-breaking point/reef character with hollow, fast sections; can be significantly heavier than nearby alternatives and holds up on solid swell.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — One source specifies low tide only; another lists high tide as best (conflicting).
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coastline
- Wind Effect
- Wind effects reported as best with east winds/offshore with east winds; cross-shore with south winds
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up on solid swell; becomes very heavy on massive size
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional/classic wave quality reported
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful and hollow reported
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Normal rides about 50–150 m; good days 150–300 m
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides are about 50 to 150 meters, with good days reaching 150 to 300 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Infiernillo in the full forecast view.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Strong currents
- Heavy surf
- Cliffs
- Localism
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited for the region; maritime rescue handled by Armada de Chile (Capitanía de Puerto)
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Pichilemu town center.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism noted; etiquette expectations emphasized
Rules of the spot
Strict surf etiquette applies; give way to locals and more experienced riders on the peak.
- Park right at the base of the point/headland.
- Wait for a lull to enter the water through the rocks.
- Be aware of the tide as some exit points become dangerous at high tide.
- Water temperature is cold, typically requiring a full wetsuit, boots, and sometimes a hood even in summer.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Pichilemu
- Nearest Town
- Pichilemu
- Parking
- Park right at the base of the point/headland. Limited parking available on the cliffside/street near the point.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services connect Pichilemu with Santiago and Rancagua; local movement is mostly by taxi or walking.
- Access
- Accessible by car or walking from the town center; spot located just south of the main town beach area. Parking reported at/near the base of the point/headland.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hostels, hotels, and cabins within walking distance in Pichilemu.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and bars available within the town of Pichilemu.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available at shops in the town center and near La Puntilla (specialized wind/kite equipment limited).
- Gear Storage
- Offered by surf schools and specialized surf hostels near main beach areas (general Pichilemu info).
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repair shops in town.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Infiernillo?
The best overall months at Infiernillo are May. The best wind months are January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Infiernillo?
Infiernillo works with S, SSW, SW winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Infiernillo?
Recommended equipment sizes at Infiernillo: Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 3.5–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Infiernillo suitable for?
Infiernillo suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Advanced.