There's lots to do in Pichilemu, Chile ... if you surf.

Nicole and I don't.

But maybe we could learn?! Then on on our arrival we realized the weather consistently hovers in the 50's and 60's and every surfer in the water wears a wetsuit, most complete with hood and booties. No bueno. 

Of course this isn't a sob story. We're still staying in a fun little Airbnb, with views of Punta de Lobos, a world class surf spot. We've been building fires most days in the wood stove, reading books, hitting up our favorite nearby coffee shop, playing with the Airbnb host's dogs (the host lives next door), making a trip to the wine country an hour's drive away,  and checking out a cool little wine shop/bar on Pichilemu's main street. 

But with two weeks here, we've needed to get creative to find things to do to get out of the house.

Enter the Las Salinas de Cahuil salt fields. Would I recommend this field trip to anyone visiting Pichilemu? Only if you are here for two weeks and don't surf.

But the truth is, we had fun. The salt fields are located on an ocean estuary a picturesque half hour drive from Pichilemu. Once there, you are free to wander the raised paths. There's not much regarding the salt making process to see. Each year, water flows into the fields, then dries over the next six months leaving salt behind. 

Oh, and there is salt for sale everywhere. We purchased the smallest bag we could find -- still nearly the size of my head -- for less than $1. A steal!

Beyond the salt, Nicole's advice for any non-surfers visiting Pichilemu ... one week would be fine! :) Seriously though, a few things: (1) Stay walking distance to a beach if possible. Nicole and I have a great view of the water but it's a hike to get there and, around town, we've noticed there is surprisingly little public beach access. (2) If you plan to cook, buy groceries before arriving. The grocery options in Pichilemu are very limited compared to other places we've visited such as Valparaiso and Santa Cruz where we've found the Jumbo supermarkets have everything we need. (3) Have a car if possible. It's not a walkable place. (4) Business hours are more like suggestions for most places. I don't know how many times we've looked up the website of a restaurant, coffee shop, or other business, found it's opening hours, and driven there only to find that it's closed. Have a back up plan!

Like this post? Want to read more about Travis and Nicole's travel adventures? Check out Exploring Chile's Casablanca and Colchagua Valley Wine Regions.

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