Las Machas (Arica)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Las Machas features an exposed beach-break with waves that can be groomed by offshore morning winds and become more textured later as sea breezes develop. In general, offshore east-northeast winds improve wave shape, while onshore or cross-shore winds degrade conditions. For surfing, the spot is described as a good place to learn and progress, with options for both left and right waves along the long beach.
- Highly consistent year-round beach-break surf
- Morning sessions tend to be cleaner
- Beginner-friendly sandy bottom
- Exposed but very consistent beach-break surf with sandy bottom.
- Common training/lesson area for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- Morning conditions are often cleaner before afternoon wind builds.
- Can get quite busy when surf is up.
- Urchins and a pier area are noted hazards.
- Strong rip currents are a main danger, especially during larger swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, E
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 8–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Morning offshore easterly winds followed by afternoon sea-breeze conditions.
- Reliability
- Very consistent in general surf conditions at Arica, but spot-level kite/wind guidance is described as medium reliability in at least some sources.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as working very consistently; additional texture is more common in the afternoon.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Big — Long wide sandy beach with easy shore access; reported ample space for preparing gear.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Highest during Chilean summer holidays in January and February.
Extremely dry year-round; virtually no rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Generally a light-wind spot; more suitable when the afternoon sea-breeze is developed, with suitability for larger kites and foil boarding noted.
- Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Possible during afternoon sea breezes, though most local activity is surfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 6–8 m²
Sandy bottom and lack of reef are described as making it a safer option for foiling compared with nearby spots; waves can make launch tricky.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
An exposed beach break with frequent, user-friendly waves and a reputation as a training ground for less-experienced surfers; it can be more manageable than the heavier nearby breaks when swell and wind align.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, All tides — One source favors low tide, while another notes it works across all tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore east-northeast winds improve shape; onshore/cross-shore winds quickly degrade conditions and add chop/texture.
- Bigger Swell
- During larger winter swells it can still work as a more forgiving option than bigger nearby breaks; however, waves can close out when swells exceed about 2.5 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality is described as average to good depending on timing (cleaner mornings are emphasized).
- Wave Power
- Soft — Some sources also describe the wave power as moderate; overall it’s commonly treated as a learner-friendly beach break.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Afternoon conditions can add texture; several sources describe the wave shape as more mushy/peeling depending on conditions.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — A long stretch of beach provides plenty of rideable sections; conditions vary along the shoreline.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rideable sections for maneuvers are available along the beach; typical ride lengths are described as medium to long in different sources.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Las Machas (Arica) 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
- Urchins
- Pier
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in central Arica. Maritime rescue is managed by the Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile) via the Maritime Authority; emergency number: 137 (Maritime Rescue), 131 (Ambulance).
Rules of the spot
Use standard surfing etiquette and be cautious around hazards (especially the pier area).
- Morning sessions are reported to be cleaner than afternoons.
- Be careful around the pier area.
- Watch out for strong rip currents which can pull you north.
- When surf is up, it can get quite busy in the water.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Arica
- Nearest Town
- Arica
- Parking
- Parking is reported directly in front of the beach; ample parking is also described along the coastal road adjacent to the beach.
- Access
- Very easy access via the coastal road north of the city center
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hostels and hotels available in Arica, some within walking distance to the southern end of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Various kiosks and restaurants located along the beach road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at multiple surf schools along the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by some local surf schools for students.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repair available in Arica city center.
Off the water
The Las Machas area sits on Arica’s northern Pacific coast and is tied to outdoor water sports and nearby desert-coastal environments.
Nearby coastal wetland area at the northern edge of the Arica shoreline corridor.
An iconic coastal hill offering panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
World-renowned archaeological finds featuring the world's oldest mummification process.
Natural caves and coastal trails with opportunities for birdwatching and sea lion sightings.
Surfing is practiced at the beach when the tide is high.
Fishing is practiced along the beach.
High-altitude park in the Andes featuring volcanoes, llamas, and Chungará Lake.
A selection of seafood restaurants and bars overlooking the ocean.
Natural caves and coastal trails with opportunities for birdwatching and sea lion sightings.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Las Machas (Arica)?
The best overall months at Las Machas (Arica) are March, April, May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Las Machas (Arica)?
Las Machas (Arica) works with ESE, E winds. Offshore directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Las Machas (Arica)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Las Machas (Arica): Kitesurfing: 12–17 m² · Windsurfing: 6–8 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 8–15 kts.
What skill level is Las Machas (Arica) suitable for?
Las Machas (Arica) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.