Continent
South America
Country
Chile
Next Big City
La Serena, Cuarta Region
Next Town
Gualliguaica
 
Type:
Lake
Rider Ability:
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Features:
Rooms, Camping, School, Shop, Repair, Rescue, Food, Parking

Water

Type:
Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave
Hazards:
Swimmers, Stones, None
Quality:
Clean
Best Tide:
Tide independent

It's a fresh water reservoir. Flat to choppy water, depending on the wind strength. In the middle you can find wave of 1.6 m height, very nice to jump and to pass it over.

Beach

Type:
Sand, Rocks
Size:
Medium
Hazards:
Rocks, None
Beach Users:
January, February

Beach with hard sand. The beach is not safe. Is getting better all the time, but you need to look out for rocks. Wind on the shore is gusty, ask local schools for advise if it's your first time there. Boots are highly recommended.

Weather

Spring:
Normal
Summer:
Normal
Fall:
Normal
Winter:
Normal

A wetsuit is recommended all year. Warm water from September to April, you can use wetsuit 2 or 3 mm, thicker one is not necessary at that time. Every time it's sunny, sun block is advised, Chile's sun burns a lot, be aware of it, you will never feel cold.

Wind

Best Months:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Wind Type:
Thermal
Best Direction:
No information
Main Direction:
No information

There is wind almost every day due to the Thermal + Venturi Effect caused by the Elqui Valley. In high season, September to April, the wind ranges from 20-35 knts, the wind picks up around 10 am and drops after sunset (around 8 to 9 pm). From April to September 15-25 knts. with less kiteable hours and usually more gusty. The wind is side shore, which means if you loose your board (and no one is there to help) it will float for a long time before it gets to the shore and pretty far. That also means that if you're in trouble with your kite the same will happen, if you don't know how to self rescue.



How to get there

Transport
Car, Bus
Access
Short walk

To get to Gualliguaica, the closest village, you must head east from La Serena. Take the road called 'Ruta de las Estrellas' (Route 41), the same that leads to Vicuña. 52km into the road turn left and take the road that leads to Gualliguaica, at this point you will have seen the lake from the road. You can also fly to La Serena from Santiago or somewhere else. The airport is on the Route 41, from there you can catch a Bus that goes to Vicuña and then pick a Taxi to Gualliguaica. Once in Gualliguaica it's walking distance to the beach.

Extra information

Rules
None

There are many local kite schools. Book in advance to ensure you get your lesson!

Nightlife

During the higher season (december to february) you may find other people willing to party. There are no restaurants or bars in Gualliguaica, but you can find plenty of them in Vicuña, which is only 15 minutes driving.