South America is home to some absolutely incredible surfing. There are options for nearly every surf level or experience wanted. When you’re planning your surf trip, you’re no doubt looking at the waves on offer, the accommodations and surf camps, and the best time of year to go. Well, we got you covered. Here are five of our favorite surf camps in South America, as well as all the info you’ll need!

Punta de Lobos Surfcamp

Located in Pichilemu, Chile, this surf camp sits right at the edge of Punta de Lobos, one of the best waves in South America. Pichilemu is a relatively mellow town with tons of surf camps, beach vibes, and seriously incredible seafood. The coastline here is stunning, with rocky cliffs and black sand beaches. Although the town is chill, there are plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers when the sun goes down.

The waves here vary greatly. Punta de Lobos is the most famous wave in Chile. It can climb to 30+ feet under the right conditions. You’ll need to get physically prepared to surf this wave when it’s on. When conditions are more mellow, it’s more of a normal point break but with a strong current. The other main break is La Puntilla, a pretty long left that gets mellower from start to finish. You’ll find more advanced surfers taking the steeper sections out back, with more beginner and intermediate surfers riding the inside sections.

Punta de Lobos Surfcamp is an established surf camp right at Punta de Lobos. They offer two surf sessions a day, all of their instructors are ISA-certified, and they have private rooms. Their accommodations have WiFi, gardens, yoga, acupuncture, a BBQ area, and more. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, as are the sauna sessions. They offer 4 day surf camps for about $400 and 7 day surf camps for about $750.

Newtours Colombia

Newtours Colombia organizes surf camp all over Colombia. Here though, we’re going to talk about their surf camp in Nuquí, Chocó. Nuquí is a truly unique place. It’s one of the rainiest places on the planet, and the environment shows. It’s lush, remote, and absolutely beautiful. You won’t find much WiFi or luxury accommodations, but you will find a natural vibe with no shortage of waves ever throughout the year.

The waves here are never overly crowded, and there are lefts and rights, point breaks and beach breaks. Breaks like Guachalito offer solid sandy-bottom beginner waves and one of our favorite longboard waves in Colombia, while Juan Tornillo offers a hollow left-hand reef break. There are seriously a dozen surfable breaks here, and you’re right next to Utria National Park, hot springs, and humpback whale migrations. If you’re looking for solid wave selection, uncrowded lineups, and a chill natural experience, Nuquí needs to be high on your list.

Newtours Colombia has a surf camp in the area, and it’s a great way to see the waves with a local guide. They handle all the transfers, which is helpful as Nuquí is only accessible by plane or boat, take you to whatever break fits your skill level and the conditions, and include all meals with their camps. It’s surrounded by dense untouched rainforests and empty beaches, and they provide delicious local food. Newtours has 4 day beginner camps for around $600 and 4 day intermediate camps for two people for about $1500.

Urcia Surf School

Simply put, Huanchaco is somewhere every surfer should check out. Using caballito de totora, the people here have been surfing waves for over 3,000 years. As such, the town really centers on surf culture. The people here have a long and deep connection with the waves, and you’ll feel this when you step foot in this part of Peru.

There are several good waves in the area, and Huanchaco can be surfed year round. The best time is generally May to October, but the offseason offers plenty of smaller waves suitable for less advanced surfers. La Curvita is one of the best longboarding waves in South America, especially in November and December! There is also El Elio, the big point break that can go DOH, as well as El Boqueron which provides a rare right.

Urcia Surf School has been operating here for over 20 years under the guidance of pro surfer Juninho Urcia and his lovely family. They’re from the area, and have a contagious love for and connection with the waves here. Urcia offers daily lessons, sessions of video review, delicious healthy food, and plenty of tours. They have tons of offerings including 3 day camps, 6 day camps, monthlong camps, and more.

Longboard Paradise Surf Club

Sitting at the west end of Rio, Longboard Paradise Surf Club is a rad place with two homes just a block from each other. At Praia de Pontal, you’ll be a bit away from the more touristy beaches of Rio. It’s a safe and family-friendly area that is great to walk around, and you’re only about a half hour into the main city of Rio. It’s still part of the city, but you do have the feel that you’re a bit out of the city here.

The waves here vary greatly, with a bunch of different types of breaks on offer. When the strong south or southeast swells come in, the hollow waves can climb up to well overhead. Waves are most consistent from April to October, but there’s stuff to surf year-round. The offseason sees less consistency and smaller waves, but still plenty to learn on. Any time of year, it’s a solid surf vacation for beginners as there are almost always beginner waves.

Longboard Paradise Surf Club is a seriously legit surf camp. They have air-conditioned rooms, a gym and steam room, a pool, a dining area and bar/restaurant, tons of boards on tap, and fresh local food. They organzie hiking trips, kayaking and SUP tours of the nearby mangroves, and access to their yoga studio. They have 4 day surf camps for around $200 and 8 day camps at about $450.

Brazil Surfing Adventure

Down south a bit in Brazil is Florianópolis, known locally as Floripa. It’s a tourist hotspot that blends island vibes, city life, and surf culture. Think half urban, half island vibe. You’ll find plenty of active tourists coming here to surf, kitesurf, hike, and more. There are said to be over forty beaches in the area. Some are more trendy and popping, while others are mellow family-friendly spots. It does have a popping nightlife for those looking to meet people and have some fun when the sun goes down.

I’m not going to go into every wave in the area because there are just too many. Joaquina is a legendary spot with powerful beach breaks, while Barra da Lagoa offers super small but consistent waves for learners. There is seriously something for every type of surfer here, all within about 30 minutes. It’s truly a world-class surf town with countless waves of different types on offer. Because it has so many different beaches, somewhere will catch the swell regardless of the direction from which it comes.

Brazil Surfing Adventure is just a few steps from the beach, and has surf camps for everyone. It’s a great place to learn how to start surfing, or to find some serious advanced waves. They have a bunch of private studios, some private houses with full kitchens, and included massages. They’ll handle airport transfers, surf lessons, equipment, certified instructors, and the opportunity to take part in a number of other tours. They offer 8 day private camps for about $800, 16 day advanced camps for $1,000, and many more options.