HAPPINESS
Everyone was asleep when I came back home to my family. The next morning I was woken up with the words, “Papa, how was Popotalma? (sic) Mama said it must have been amazing! Are we surfing today?” He just turned 2, doesn’t know how to swim and hasn’t been to Topocalma in his life – but it’s already his favourite word! Let’s see what the future brings!
FACT BOX
Best time – November / December is the windiest time. Can be chilly in November, warmer in December. February / March / April the wind is a bit less stable but it is warmer and usually good swells in March / April. January can be good and windy too, but the wind can also move down south and the coastal fog moves in for some time. A trip down south following the wind can be good then. The rest of the year also provides conditions, but the wind is less stable.
What to bring – Wind is usually between 4.2 – 5.3 in Matanzas. Pupuya and Topocalma can be sailed with a 3.7 & 4.0 at times. My most used sail is 4.5. Bring a 4/3 wetsuit for windsurfing, boots or neo socks can also be useful when the water gets colder. For surfing an extra neoprene vest with hood can be useful some days. Board wise it’s helpful to have some extra floatation under your feet, as the winds can be gusty.
Accommodation – The main places are Hotel Surazo, Camping Olas de Matanzas (OMZ) and Hostel Roca Cuadrada. Lots of other good accommodation options on Airbnb also.
Airlines – Iberia & Air France have the best connections from Europe and are also fair with gear. Best to avoid LAN Chile with gear.
Hire cars – 4×4 is not a must for Matanzas, but needed for Pupuya and Topocalma. Ideally book a 4×4 in advance on the Internet, but there is also some options at the airport on arrival. Also there is a chance to find a car at the airport with one of the many people trying to rent directly to arriving tourists.
Other info. – Bring a warm jacket if you come in October / November, it’s chilly in the wind on the beach. Also a pair of warm socks! From mid December to the end of March it’s warmer, but still a pullover and jeans are needed for the evenings.
Money – Credit cards are taken in stores in Matanazs and Navidad, but it’s good to bring some cash from the Airport just in case as the ATM in Navidad isn’t always working.
Phone card / Internet – Best is to get a local sim directly at the Airport (upstairs) and get Movistar or Entel which can be charged with Internet packages and are possible to recharge at any little store.