Peru
Surf Skill
Beginner - Intermediate
Star Rating
Mid-Range
Price Range
Season
January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, May
The longest left in the world. A good place to learn and an amazing place for intermediate to advanced surfers. 18 double bedrooms, an incredible restaurant, health spa and games room are at your service when you're out of the water.
Surf Skill
Intermediate - Pro
Star Rating
Mid-Range
Price Range
Season
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Peru is the land of the long lefts, and
even boasts the longest left in the world, Chicama. They have over 2000
kms of coastline with surf breaking year round. They have point breaks,
reef breaks and beach breaks and receive their swells from the
Region Information
Peru
Peru has over 2,000 kilometres of coastline that play host to some of the longest waves you’ll ever have the pleasure of surfing. They are not just special because of the length of ride…many of them break without a surfer in sight. Northern Peru enjoys world-calss waves all year around. South swells are usually bigger and more consistent than the north swells, but the headlands in northern Peru made for more perfect waves. Punta Hermosa, just south of Lima, is more crowded and chillier than the North.
The Peruvian Favourite
Chicama hosts its namesake; it is widely regarded as the longest wave in the world. It is a lefthander that goes on and on…and on (4km to be exact). You won’t be paddling back to the line-up, in reality you will catch a few waves down the point, get out and then walk back and paddle out.
Where to stay
Guided Surf Tours: Explore the coastline with Olas Peru Surf Travel a leading surf school that was established in 1992. Surf lessons and guided trips help you make the most of your surf experience. Stay in comfortable beach Hotels, surf hostels and even go on surf treks following the Inka trail where you will be under canvas at night, camping in Peru, an experience that will make you feel like a surfing pioneer.
Luxury Surf Resort: Chicama Hotel & Spa, is a ‘must go’ resort for anyone wishing to experience the longest wave on the planet. Twenty comfortable double rooms, a Spa to help get rid of the days aches and pains, a gym and when you are in the water, a towing service to get you back to the line-up!!!
Follow the Inka trail…
Surfing by the Season
Peak season for the south swells is from March until November. In the far north, expect water temperatures to range from 21C to 25C, with the most consistent surf between March & July. Head down the coast to Chicama and the water temperature starts to fall but you can still get away with a shortie until July and August when it drops to around 16C.
You will be spoilt for choice of where to surf. In the north of Peru you have Piura and Chicama, each area boasting several world-class breaks, whilst in the south you get the same quality of wave but a more consistent swell season.
The Peruvian climate is by no means tropical and is described by travellers as perfect! It is neither too hot nor too cold.
Chicama: Home to the longest left wave on earth, it has 5 different sections. Consistent hollow, fast, and powerful barrelling waves up to 1.5km long, with an average of 3 to 6 feet almost all year round. Guests can experience both intense and relaxed surfing experiences in Chicama, perfect for both experienced surfers and beginners. Because it houses the longest left wave on earth, Chicama Beach is renowned around the world.
Pacasmayo: Endless left waves that have several sections, some speedy and barrelling, and others thick and slow, from 3 to 10 feet. It is an impressive and consistent wave, as when it seems to start losing its shape, a new wall forms all over again. This is known as the Pacasmayo Express (Advanced).
Poemape: Regional classic, barelling, fast waves from 3 to 8 feet that provide a speedy ride of approximately 300 meters at a time. Poemape is located 40 minutes north of Chicama. It has two sections; the first section is mostly barelling and is surfed entirely opposite and over the reef. The second section breaks in the bay and is easier, as it is not as walled up as the first.
Huancho: According to the legend, 800 years ago Prince Tacaynamo and his court disembarked in Huanchaco in little horses made of totora reeds, to found the first Moche dynasty. The traditional crafts called the “caballitos de totora” (little horses of totora reeds) have been used by fishermen in the north coast of Peru since pre-Columbian times. Since they are still used nowadays, surfers can surf beside them and even enjoy a ride.