Puclaro Reservoir (Elqui Valley)

Puclaro Reservoir is a premier high-wind freshwater destination near Vicuña (with the main riding access in/near Gualliguaica). It’s known for reliable thermal wind that strengthens after midday and commonly peaks in the late afternoon toward sunset. Riders typically find flat to choppy conditions, which suits freestyle, freeride, and jumping/kitesurf sessions, and also supports windsurfing and wingfoiling when wind is in its strongest window. Wind is predominantly sourced from the south, driven by a thermal pattern often referred to locally as El Diablo. Typical on-water wind speeds are described around 20–35 knots, with extremely high reliability in spring and summer. Depending on the season and clarity of skies, the wind is frequently cited as starting around 1:00 PM–2:00 PM and building into a strong afternoon window; one description highlights a stronger late-afternoon period starting around 3 PM. On the water, the reservoir is generally clean and primarily sandy at the launch, with a shallow shelf near the shoreline (with deeper water further out). Conditions can shift with reservoir management: water levels fluctuate and can uncover rocks/stones near the shoreline and create additional submerged hazards when levels are low. The presence of swimmers and stones is also cited among hazards, so entry/exit should be planned carefully. Safety guidance emphasizes a year-round wetsuit (water is described as cool to cold), careful sun protection, and readiness to downsize equipment if whitecaps build and gusts increase rapidly. Motorsports are prohibited to protect water purity, and visitors are expected to respect riding zones and right-of-way rules at a busy spot during peak holiday periods. Medical assistance is available in Vicuña; for serious emergencies La Serena is referenced as the nearest city with full hospital facilities.