La Rinconada

La Rinconada is a long sandy beach north of Antofagasta that’s known for choppy but kitesurf-friendly conditions, with generally clean water and a very wide launch area. The sport scene centers on afternoon thermal wind that typically ramps up around late morning, strengthens through midday into late afternoon, and then eases after early evening. Wind is most consistently reported from the south to southwest, with speeds commonly described in the 15–25 knot range during the best months. The spot is repeatedly framed as suitable for freeride and freestyle kitesurfing, with some wave potential also mentioned, and plenty of space along the 3 km-long shoreline for different riding styles. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are also described as workable due to the sandy bottom and the ability to access sufficient depth beyond the initial shallow nearshore zone. Water temperatures are cold year-round because of the Humboldt Current, with seasonal monthly ranges reported around the mid-teens °C in summer and closer to the mid- to low-teens °C outside peak months. As a result, full wetsuits are recommended across most of the year (with 4/3 mm cited for much of the year and 3/2 mm sometimes suggested during the warmest summer period). Access is typically by taxi/private transport from Antofagasta (and via dirt road from Juan López is also described), with the west end near the natural reserve commonly suggested for entry. Safety considerations emphasized for this remote nature area include shallow water close to shore, cold-water exposure, and stingrays in the sandy shallows, alongside limited on-site infrastructure—so riders are advised to self-supply and be prepared to handle logistics independently.