Surfing in Peru
Including Chicama, Lobitos, and Mancora. On the map.
The vibe
Riding waves here means engaging with seemingly endless left-hand points and heavy Pacific swells that test your stamina in remarkably consistent waters. While rideable swells roll in year-round, the larger winter sets deliver serious power for experienced chargers. The visitor rhythm ranges from bustling surf towns with a steady international crowd to remote stretches where independent road-trippers chase empty horizons.
Chicama
La Libertad
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Widely considered the longest left-hand wave in the world, this point break offers endless rides that can stretch for over a kilometer. It is a bucket-list destination for intermediate to advanced surfers looking to test their endurance on long, peeling walls.
Access. Fly into Trujillo and take a 2-hour taxi or shuttle to the town of Puerto Malabrigo.
Notes. The water is cold, requiring a 3/2mm or 4/3mm wetsuit year-round. The point is rocky, so booties are recommended.
Lobitos
Piura
Freddy Sinarahua / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A former oil town turned surf mecca, Lobitos features several high-quality left-hand point breaks that are often hollow and fast. It is a favorite for experienced surfers seeking powerful, world-class waves in a rugged, desert setting.
Access. Located about 30 minutes south of Mancora by taxi or local transport.
Notes. The area is quite arid and remote; bring your own gear and supplies.
Mancora
Piura
Theodore Scott from Houston, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Mancora is the heart of Peru's northern surf scene, offering a consistent, long left-hand point break that is friendly for all levels. The warm water and vibrant town atmosphere make it the most popular surf destination in the country.
Access. Fly into Talara (TYL) or Tumbes (TBP) and take a short taxi ride to the beach.
Notes. Can get crowded during peak season and holidays. The break is sandy/rocky mix.
Pacasmayo
La Libertad
Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Pacasmayo is a world-class destination for wind-powered sports, famous for its long, consistent left-hand point break that works perfectly with the prevailing side-offshore winds. It is a premier spot for wave-riding windsurfers and increasingly popular for wingfoilers.
Access. Accessible via a 2-hour drive north from Trujillo or a longer bus journey from Lima.
Notes. Best season is from May to November when the wind is most reliable.
Paracas Bay
Peru
imke.stahlmann / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Paracas is the premier destination in Peru for kiteboarding, thanks to the 'Paracas wind' that blows consistently throughout the year. The flat-water conditions inside the bay are perfect for beginners and freestyle kiteboarders.
Access. A 3-4 hour drive south from Lima; easily accessible by bus.
Notes. The wind usually picks up in the afternoon; always wear a wetsuit as the Humboldt Current keeps the water cool.
Punta Hermosa
Lima
williamwalter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Located just south of Lima, Punta Hermosa is a hub for several world-class breaks, including the famous big-wave spot Pico Alto and the high-performance reef break Señoritas. It is the epicenter of competitive surfing in Peru.
Access. A 45-minute drive south from Lima city center.
Notes. Pico Alto is for experts only; check local conditions before paddling out.