Surfers' Paradise: Pichilemu

Over a long weekend recently, we booked a cabin last-minute in Pichilemu, a town we knew nothing about, but were soon to discover.

The beach at Punta de Lobos in Pichilemu, Chile

Actually, we thought we were booking a cabin in the Colchagua Valley, and the landlord told us that it was just a few hours from Santiago; so we booked and left for a fun adventure. Well, like most things we've found here, it usually takes longer than Chileans think, and Pichilemu is a full four hours from Santiago -- if not more.

Nonetheless, I'm so glad we went, because the little village is so unique. What once was a sleepy fishing village has transformed into the surfer capital for Chile, with vast beaches, waves that vary for experience level and a lovely hippie vibe you don't find here very often.

Surfers baring the freezing waters to catch a nice wave.

The weekend we visited Pichilemu it was cold, very cold actually, but the die-hard surfers were out, and I understand that summertime here is quite a scene. In fact, there are a number of surf competitions here, and Fodor's has said that Pichilemu represents the best surfing in South America.

Surfers scaling the side of the mountain to find the perfect wave.

Maybe we'll travel back here when it's warm to try it out!