Last updated on March 23rd, 2024 at 07:34 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Peru, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Peru, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including general travel info, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Peru.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
About Surfing in Peru
Surfing in Peru for the first time will probably make you wonder what took you so long to discover this place. Amazingly, this is the story of Peru as a surf destination. Despite offering the best surfing in South America, it always stayed under the surfer’s radar. For some reason, surfers travel worldwide searching for perfect waves and miss out on this spectacular country. On the one hand, Peru’s surf scene has developed dramatically in the last decade. However, on the other hand, it is still one of the most underrated surf destinations in the world.
“The land of left-hand point breaks”, they call it, or in different words, a goofy footer’s paradise. With 1,500 miles (about 2500 KM) of coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, there are countless world-class surf spots in Peru, and it is known for its long left rides. In fact, Peru is home to the longest wave in the world, Chicama.
Since it has such epic surf conditions, over the years, Peru has produced some of the best surfers in the world and members of the Surfing Hall of Fame. Back in 2004, the Peruvian surfer Sofia Mulanovich won the world title and was the first South American to ever do it. Another Peruvian surfer, Cristobal Del Col, broke a record of his own when he performed 34 turns on one wave in Chicama.
Surfing in Peru is something every surfer owes himself, especially goofy footers. It is an authentic country with a unique culture, great food, and incredible waves. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is a vast variety of surf spots in Peru to suit surfers of of all kinds. Go and explore it while it is still undiscovered, it will probably not stay that way for long.
The Best Surf Spots in Peru
Peru is abundant with many world-class breaks to satisfy any surfer. These breaks can be divided into 3 surfing areas- The North Coast, Central Coast, and South Coast. So, in detail, here is a full breakdown of the best surf spots in Peru:
Surf Spots in Peru’s North Coast:
Mancora:
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Mancora is the main local tourist destination of North Peru. It is situated up North, very close to the border with Ecuador. Due to its location, the sun always shines here, and the water is the warmest you can get in the whole country. The main surf spot in Mancora is a left-hand point break, which opens up slowly and gently. Since the wave is so soft, it suits all skill levels, including beginners. However, it breaks over a shallow reef, so it is better to surf it only during high tide. A bit south on the beach, you can find another spot, Punta Ballenas. Unlike the main break, this one is fast and hollow, so only advanced surfers hang out here.
Los Organos:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- You will find this town driving south, about 20 minutes from Mancora. It produces a powerful reef break with some barreling sections, which can be extremely long on a good day. If the wave here is too aggressive for you, there is a beginner spot a bit north of it, Los Organitos.
Cabo Blanco:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This sleepy fishing village became famous for its epic waves. In fact, Cabo Blanco is called by many “The Peruvian Pipeline”. It is a pure left-hand tube ride over a very shallow reef, suitable for experts only. Cabo Blanco requires a big north swell to perform. Therefore, when such swell hits, you will see the best surfers in the country come to surf it. Paddle out only if you know what you are doing; this is not a place for beginners or intermediates.
Panic Point:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Unlike most surf spots on Peru’s North Coast, this one actually performs better during the south swell between May and October. It is a left-hand point break with long tube sections and can hold huge swells. Due to its high quality, it is considered one of the best surf spots in Peru.
Lobitos:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Lobitos is a great surf town because of its diversity and consistency. You will find several different breaks within a short walking distance on the beach. In fact, it doesn’t matter what your skill level is or what time of the year you are visiting; Lobitos offers all types of waves. From point break to reef and beach break, you will get them all here, one next to the other. Some breaks here perform better during the south swell and some during the north swell. Due to its diversity, Lobitos is the safest bet to score excellent surf conditions, and it is a prime location for a surf trip in Peru.
(Read more in our post about surfing in Lobitos).
Pacasmayo:
Skill level-
Description- This left-hand point break is the second-longest wave in Peru. In fact, this spot picks up any swell and performs even when the other spots are flat. With up to 4-minute rides on a good day and almost 2.5 KM long, this break is definitely a world-class wave and one of the best surf spots in Peru.
Chicama:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- In one of the driest places on earth, in a cold desert 110 KM from Trujillo, you will find the longest wave in the world. The water is cold, and there is nothing to do other than surfing, and yet, as a surfer, this is where you want to be. The wave in Chicama stretches for about 4 KM (2.5 miles) long, and on a good day, you can ride it for about 5 minutes. Actually, this wave consists of 4 different left-hand point breaks, situated one next to the other. Each one of them breaks separately, and they are all long and beautiful. However, when a big swell hits, all 4 breaks connect into 1 perfect ride, which will probably end only when your legs hurt too much to keep riding. Needless to say, you don’t paddle back at Chicama; you go back to the lineup with a ride from a local car.
(Read more in our post about surfing in Chicama).
Huanchaco:
Break type- Point break and beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- This spot was announced as a world surfing reserve in 2013. Here, in this cultural town just next to Trujillo, is where the whole Peruvian surf scene began many years ago, and it is still a great surf destination. If you come here on your surf trip to Peru, you will enjoy a mellow left wave breaking over a sandy bottom that suits all skill levels.
Surf Spots in Peru’s Central Coast:
Lima:
Break type- Mostly beach breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Lima, the Peruvian Capital, is a big city with a huge population, industrial pollution, and, generally, total chaos. Even though you can find some good waves in Lima, the beaches are extremely crowded, and this is not the kind of vibe you are looking for on a surf trip. If you insist on surfing here anyway, the best spot in town is La Herradura, which offers a fast barreling wave. For beginners, Playa Waikiki is the best place to take some surf lessons.
Punta Hermosa:
Break type- Beach breaks and point breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This coastal town, a bit south of Lima, hosts an impressive variety of surf spots and a much chillier vibe. Between May and October, you will find here several different peaks that perform with great consistency.
Caballeros:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Surprisingly, this spot is a right-hand point break, one of the very few you will find while surfing in Peru. It is exposed to the south swell and can hold some big size as well.
Pico Alto:
Break type- Big-wave spot.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Pico Alto is a big-wave spot. This is not the kind of wave you just go and paddle into. Just like Todos Santos in Mexico, or Nazare in Portugal, big-wave surfing is a different game. Unless you are an experienced big-wave surfer, you have nothing to do here.
Punta Rocas:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is another right-hand point break that picks up any swell and is probably the most consistent spot in the area. Due to its year-round consistency, the crowds are always here in the lineup.
San Bartolo:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner.
Description- Unlike most surf spots in Peru, this one is a beginner-friendly beach break with minimal crowd. The waves here tend to open up equally to both the right and left sides, and it is pretty easy to ride.
Cerro Azul:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This fun and mellow left-hand point break suits all skill levels. Despite being only a 2-hour drive from Lima, it is not as crowded as you would expect. Therefore, if you make it all the way here, you will enjoy long rides at any time of the year.
Surf Spots in Peru’s South Coast:
The South Coast of Peru is entirely undiscovered. The weather here is extremely dry, and the water is freezing. Moreover, this area is undeveloped, and there is no real foundation to count on for a surf trip.
If you have an adventurous spirit, you can take a car or a van and explore this area on your own. If you do so, you will probably find perfect waves that no one has ever ridden before. However, if you are after a more convenient travel experience, just head north; you will have more than enough great waves.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Peru.
Surf Seasons in Peru
In general, you can surf in Peru 365 days a year and always score good waves. However, it is crucial to know the seasonal guidelines to wisely choose the right spot according to the time of year. To better understand, let’s divide Peru into 2 different surf areas, North and South.
In North Peru, the best surf season is the Peruvian summer, between November and April. During these months, the north swells hit the shore, producing great waves combined with offshore winds. Also, the water in this area is significantly warmer than in the South and ranges from 18°C to 26°C (about 65-80°F). Therefore, a short 3/2 MM wetsuit is usually enough unless you are over-sensitive.
In South Peru, the best surf season is the winter, between May and October. During these months, the south swell brings the best waves to the south-facing beaches. Unfortunately, the water here is much colder and ranges from 14°C to 20°C (about 57-68°F). Therefore, a long-sleeved wetsuit is mandatory 365 a year.
One more thing to consider when surfing in Peru is the local holidays. To avoid the massive local crowds, you better avoid getting there during New Year, Semana Santa (Easter), and Fiestas Patrias (July 28-29).
Surf Camps in Peru
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of Peru is at a surf camp. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in Peru:
1. Waves Surf Camp, Punta Hermosa– This friendly and welcoming camp offers a happy, safe, and professional environment for its guests. The camp has a variety of accommodations and surf packages for all skill levels.
For more information about surf camps in Punta Hermosa, please click here.
2. Chicama Surf Camp– The camp offers a fantastic surf experience in the longest wave in the most famous surf spot in Peru.
For more information about surf camps in Chicama, please click here.
3. Surf Racer, Mancora– The camp takes place on the North Shore, next to the sunny holiday town of Mancora. It offers all-inclusive packages for all levels and allows you to learn to surf and discover the Peruvian waves.
For more information about surf camps in Mancora, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Peru
When coming to surf in Peru, you obviously want to stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best spots. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:
1. Sueños de Chicama– Located on the famous surfer’s paradise of Chicama Beach, Sueños de Chicama has free WiFi access and a terrace with a sea view in Trujillo. Chicama Port is a 5-minute ride away by moto-taxi.
2. Wayra, Lobitos– Facing the beachfront in Lobitos, Wayra features a shared lounge and barbecue facilities. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free WiFi throughout the property. There is free private parking, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
3. La Pachamama, Mancora– Situated in Máncora, a few steps from Mancora Beach, La Pachamama features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. Boasting a garden, the guest house is close to several noted attractions, around 700 m from Puerto Chico, 1.6 km from Máncora Chico, and 1.4 km from Máncora. The accommodation provides guests a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange.
For more surf hotels in Peru, check out our post about the best surf resorts in Peru, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Peru
There are countless surf spots in Peru, so surfers of all levels can find breaks that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Huanchaco and San Bartolo. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in Lobitos and Chicama. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride fantastic barrels in Cabo Blanco or Panic Point.
Which town in Peru is Best to Stay At
On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. However, there are many great surf beaches in Peru, and sometimes, it can be hard to choose where to stay. So, considering the waves and the general atmosphere of the place, these are the most recommended locations to stay at:
1. Chicama– You must wait for a big south swell to hit to score this wave at its best. Once that happens, you can get the longest rides of your life.
2. Lobitos– Although Lobito is a boring town outside the water, the waves are perfect, and surf-wise, it is the best you can get.
3. Mancora– This is a sunny and tourist-oriented town, so you can enjoy great waves and everything a beach town offers.
Peru– Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– about 32 million.
Currency– Sol.
Calling code– +51.
Time zone– GMT -5.
Pros– long, perfect waves.
Cons– cold water.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, Peru is one of the best surf destinations in the world. The fact that hardly anyone speaks about it doesn’t mean it is not there. If you come to surf in Peru, you will find yourself riding amazingly long waves and covered up with epic barrels. With the place’s authenticity and unique culture, you are guaranteed an unforgettable travel experience.
We hope this surf guide helped you in your search for the best surf spots in Peru. Have a great surf trip!
Finally, if you are looking for other surf destinations in South America, check out Brazil, which is also a great country for a surf trip.
