Here's a detailed report of my 2026 trip to Chile, with lots of information on windsurfing spots, surfing, trekking, tourism (including wine tasting), and lots of practical advice. An unmissable guide.

My Chile (2026): surfing, windsurfing, and much more

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe it was all real. I've been to paradise, and now I'm back immersed in everyday life with all its problems. But it's always better to have been there than to have stayed home. Seize the day.

There are already several articles, some well-written, by those who preceded me and went windsurfing in Chile. But everyone has their own point of view, and captures different aspects. My trip there leads me to confirm some of what has already been written, to add further considerations, and to disagree with some assessments reported by others.

Chile is a land of extremes. After all, just consider its geography to realize that there can be no half measures: 4,300 km of latitude from north to south, by an average of 180 km of longitude from east to west, enclosed between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. Ten kilometers from the coast, it can be 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), sheltered from the wind in summer, and on the coast, it can be 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit), cool and breezy. You might feel the need to turn on the heating when you wake up in January, only to find yourself under a hot, powerful sun at midday.

Chile is the richest country in South America, but it remains a country with marked socioeconomic contrasts. Its capital, Santiago, is a modern metropolis, but the country still contains vast rural areas, home to a simple and dignified population.

We chose it as our regular winter windsurfing destination, both to experience its famous reefs, renowned for waveriding, and for the beauty of its natural landscapes, forgoing for once our usual holiday in Cape Town, South Africa, which we've become fond of. Therefore, comparisons with South Africa will be frequent in this article.

As for the roads, I advise you to be careful, because on secondary roads there can be very dangerous potholes in the asphalt, where you can wreck your car, and dogs that can cross at will (or even lie in the middle of the pavement). Drive slowly. It can be more dangerous than driving up a dirt road...

For the rest, get in the mood and enjoy your vacation and this corner of true South America!

Buena Ola. Fabio

P.S. Did you read the entire article? Congratulations! Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Enjoy the video about our journey first days in Chile

Click here, for the slide gallery with the best images of the trip 

Click here for a slideshow of windsurfing sessions in Matanzas 

Enjoy the video of the sessions at Matanzas.

Click here, for the slide gallery of Topocalma

Click here for the Pichilemu spot slideshow

Watch the video of the day in Pichilemu

The video of the trip and sessions will be available as soon as possible...