Matanzas is a tiny fishing village about two hours south of Santiago on the central coast — a handful of houses on a cliff above two bays separated by a rocky point. It barely registers as a town, which is exactly the point. Surfers discovered it years ago for the consistent waves, and a small scene of cabanas, restaurants, and surf lodges has grown around the original village without overwhelming it.
The Beaches
The village sits between two bays. The northern bay faces the open Pacific and catches the swell — this is where surfers go. The southern bay is more sheltered, with calmer water and a small beach where fishing boats land. The cliffs between the two bays have walking trails with views in both directions.
The surf is intermediate-level — consistent beach breaks with waves in the 1-2 meter range most of the year, bigger in winter. Not as powerful as Pichilemu but more accessible for improvers. A couple of surf schools operate in summer. You will need a wetsuit year-round.
Wine Country Access
Matanzas sits at the coastal end of the Colchagua wine valley — the same region that produces Chile's best Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. The town of Santa Cruz and its cluster of wineries is about 90 minutes inland. You can surf in the morning and taste wine in the afternoon — a combination that defines the appeal of this stretch of coast.
The coastal influence also means cooler-climate wines are starting to be produced near Matanzas itself. A few boutique producers have planted vineyards on the hills above the village, taking advantage of the ocean fog and temperature swings.
Food
Fresh fish, caught that morning, served in the handful of restaurants along the coast road. Empanadas de mariscos (shellfish empanadas) and grilled reineta (bream) are standard. No fine dining — plastic chairs, paper napkins, exceptional ingredients. The fishing cooperative sells directly to the public if you are cooking.
Practical Information
Getting there: Drive from Santiago — about 2 hours via Ruta 66 toward Pichilemu, turning off at Navidad. No public transport to the village. A car is essential.
Accommodation: A few cabanas and surf lodges. Nothing large-scale. Book ahead in January-February when Santiago families descend on the coast for summer holidays. Off-season you can often find a place on arrival.
When to go: Year-round for surf. January-February for swimming and warm weather. The village is quietest (and cheapest) from March through November.
Time needed: Two nights is ideal — one to arrive and surf, one to visit wineries or explore the coast. Many Santiago residents come for a long weekend.