Surfing in Peru

The South American nation has 1,500 miles of coastline, and great surf on myriad beaches from north to south.

On the north coast, close to the border with Ecuador, lies the beach resort of Mancora. Long a favored stop with backpackers traveling through South America, the town is famous for its consistent waves and beautiful weather. It’s a good spot for beach lovers, too, and there are many hotels and bars where you can relax after a long day in the surf.

A few hours south of Mancora lies Lobitos, a more isolated beach town that offers a break from the crowded surf around Lima. The town is small and it can be hard to find surf gear, so bring enough supplies. Strong winds make the area popular for kitesurfing too.

Located near the town of Trujillo, Playa Chicama is home to the longest left-breaking wave in the world. The area is hot and dry for most of the year, but the water is cool. It’s best to pack a wetsuit to make the most of the waves.

There are many surf spots around the Peruvian capital of Lima, but perhaps the most interesting is the point break at La Herradura. Check the surf report before you go as conditions can be unpredictable.

If you are traveling in a group with surfers of different abilities, Punta Hermosa is the best place to go. With many different waves suitable for different skill levels, everyone will be happy here. Big wave surfers come to town to surf the Pico Alto wave at Playa Norte, which can be as high as 40 feet when the Humboldt current swells hit.