A punchy beach break serving up a wide range of conditions along the Chilean coast about 50 km north of Viña del Mar, Playa Cachagua works on SW and NW swells from under 1ft up to 8ft-plus, making it one of the more versatile stretches of sand in the region. Mid and high tides tend to clean up the peaks and add a bit of face, while lower tide can make it choppy and unpredictable. Offshore winds from the NE and E are the ideal companion here. The wave suits all skill levels: beginners can find softer inside sections, intermediates can work the peaks on average days, and experienced surfers get something to push on when a solid south swell fills in. Bottom: sand. Season: autumn through spring. Consistency: moderate to good. Weekdays bring a mellow crew, but weekends can pack the lineup fast, so dawn patrol on Saturday pays dividends.
Weekdays see a thin crowd and a relaxed atmosphere. Weekends shift the equation quickly as locals and weekend visitors from Viña del Mar and Santiago drive up. No reports of heavy localism, but showing respect in a packed weekend lineup is standard practice. Early sessions sidestep the worst of it.
Cachagua is a small coastal town roughly 50 km north of Viña del Mar, about a 50-minute drive. Once at the beach, head south along the sand or road to find the better peaks. The town has basic amenities. Bring your own water and snacks if you plan a longer session.
Zapallar to the north offers a more sheltered option on bigger days when Cachagua closes out. Maitencillo, just south, picks up a similar swell window and can offer cleaner conditions when wind direction shifts.
Forecast by Windy.app
