Duration
4+ nights
Accommodation
Private rooms

The wonders of the earth and powerful waves

"This is a perfect blend between a surf adventure and a trip to the most biodiverse region in the Andes Mountains. From perfect waves to geysers, hot springs, ancestral villages, driest desert on earth, llamas, pumas, and condors. You will leave feeling a new connection to our planet and its greatness. The possibilities are endless and we will make it magical. This is a trip for surfers who also would like to experience the wonders of the Earth as well as perfect and powerful waves."

The surf

Peak swell
Variable swell
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Arica is in Northern Chile and has big powerful waves for the more experienced surfers. It is super consistent, with plenty of different waves to choose from. Surf is guaranteed in this area. Crowds are small to none, mostly because of the level needed to surf here. Strong barrels and 10+ foot walls are common. World Championships have come to this region, calling this event one of the gnarliest ever. There are also hundreds of unexplored breaks, which will be fun to visit and be the first to ride.

The adventure

This trip is what we like to call a surf and cultural adventure. We start immediately with surfing in Arica. In the first 5 days, we will explore all the waves that Arica has to offer. Total surf adventure. We have one 4x4 vehicle for every three travelers and will explore and surf the world-famous Arica waves and the not-so-famous ones as well.

After being surfed out, we will land or air travel to San Pedro de Atacama for 4 to 5 days to immerse into a natural oasis in the middle of the desert. Here we will visit national parks, geysers, Andean Lakes, and one-of-a-kind natural hot springs. We cannot describe in words the energy and magic that draws travelers from all over the world to this town in the middle of the desert — a must for every intrepid traveler.

Culture

Since colonial times, the Chilean culture has been a mix of Spanish colonial elements with elements of indigenous (mostly Mapuche) culture, as well as that of other immigrant cultures. Chile is the most stable educated country in South and Central America. It is generally safe and welcoming. People are courteous and keep to themselves unless approached. They are kind to foreigners.

Food, drink, and social scene

Some of the best wine in the world comes from Chile and it blends perfectly with the local food. Assados or barbeques are a huge part of this culture. There is always a reason to gather around a fire and cook a great meal. Having a 2,700-mile coastline also means having a large variety of delicious seafood. Although meat and seafood are a huge part of the Chilean diet, there are always options for vegetarians/vegans. The local drink is Pisco, a strong liquor that derives from grapes and is usually consumed before meals as pisco sour. During meals, there are fine wines and at parties, the Chileans drink Piscola: pisco with coca-cola. Chile has great bars and party scenes, generally mellow and safe. San Pedro is a world-known tourist attraction, has a large variety of foods, famous chefs as well as local foods.

Accommodation

We will sleep in lodges in Arica and San Pedro de Atacama. There is a huge variety of lodging, from economic to boutiques. Each itinerary is tailor-made, and we will work with options according to each group's preferences.

Types of accommodation include a surf lodge on the beach, a city hotel and a luxury boutique in San Pedro. Send us a message and we can work on options for you!

Getting there
Arica has an international airport. We will pick you up and then drive through the desert to San Pedro.
Arica has an international airport. We will pick you up and then drive through the desert to San Pedro.

Alex Otero

Leading trips since 1991
Otero Guiding
Photographer and CEO
Otero Guiding

I am Alex Otero, originally from the Dominican Republic now settled in Chile. Film and photography have been my profession for the past 30 years and surfing and windsurfing my passion for the past 40. My love for nature and great surfing brought me from the Caribbean to Chile, where I feel the earth and the person become one.

The Pacific coastline of 2,700 miles (4,300km) and the breathtaking Andes Mountains make this a unique experience for anyone and everyone. I have been exploring this country thoroughly as a surfer and as a documentary photographer for decades, even before moving here permanently. I love being a host and sharing with people the natural gem Chile is.

Languages: English, Spanish
Response rate: 100%
Response time: Within 24 hours

Choose your dates

We can customize your itinerary and accommodations based on your... more
From $300 / night
For dates and accommodations not listed, or if you want to book further out

Questions?

What's included?
Pickup at the airport, one guide/photographer with native English and Spanish, one 4x4 vehicle per every 3 passengers, lodging, breakfast, snacks, and fun.
What's not included?
Flights, travel insurance, lunch, dinner and alcohol.
What's the cancellation policy?
Cancel and get a full refund within 48 hours of purchase, or at least 90 days before the trip starts.