A powerful, hollow reef break on the Northern Chile coast, Las Urracas delivers legitimate barrels when the swell lines up. It needs solid SW to NW groundswell in the 5-12ft range to show its best, with offshore winds holding the faces clean and low to mid tide exposing the reef shelf that gives the wave its punch. This is an experienced-surfer lineup: the reef is sharp and unforgiving, wipeouts carry consequences, and the wave's hollow character demands commitment on every takeoff. Weekdays see only a handful of surfers out, weekends draw crowds so expect a competitive peak. Bottom: reef. Season: austral autumn through winter (April to September). Consistency: moderate, swell-dependent. Bring a step-up board for anything above 6ft and check the reef before paddling out, especially at lower stages of the tide.
Weekdays the lineup is quiet, just a few experienced locals working the peak. Weekends shift the dynamic significantly and the takeoff zone tightens. Respect the locals who surf here regularly, sit wide until you read the set patterns, and earn your waves before going deep.
The spot sits in Northern Chile slightly north of Colegio, sharing characteristics with the adjacent break. Access to this stretch of coast typically requires a vehicle. Facilities are minimal in the immediate area, so carry water and food. The reef is the primary hazard: exposed rock at low tide means a bad fall can end your trip early. Booties are worth considering.
The adjacent wave near Colegio runs on similar swell and shares much of the same character, giving a fallback option if the peak at Las Urracas is too crowded or the angle isn't right. Further along the Northern Chile coast, a handful of point and reef setups activate on the same SW groundswells when the primary spot is maxing out.
Forecast by Windy.app
