For a tiny coastal village, Matanzas has a surprisingly busy - and often bloody - global history. In fact, its name actually means ‘Slaughter’ or ‘Killing’. It was the landing point for the Spanish ‘Conquistador’ invaders who launched their brutal genocide of the population of central Chile. Later it became a center for piracy and sea lion hunting on the rocky coast, and in 2010 it was hit by a powerful Tsunami wave
The wind and waves that blow into the natural grey sand beach harbor and its stunning coastline are now bringing more welcome visitors though. Matanzas is well established as a World Class - and World Cup round destination - for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, with a dedicated beach for each and the sort of surf shops you’d expect. Scruffy van life vehicles on the seafront road contrast with super modern cube hotels like the Surazo we stayed where pro surfers mingle with weekend wave seekers from Santiago around the fire pits as the sunset goes down.
