Complete Guide to the Best Surf Spots in Peru

Peru has a lot more to offer than just Machu Picchu. My favorite parts of Peru were the lazy coastal towns that offered the best seafood and amazing waves. Peru is a surfer’s dream, and also an excellent place to learn how to surf! Need a break from the mountains and jungle? Make sure you check out the best surf spots in Peru.

My favorite surf spots in Peru are Chicama, Mancora, Lobitos, and Huanchaco. I got a chance to surf all of these waves and will go into detail on each surf break. In addition, there are many surf breaks around Lima. I did not surf these waves but there were always a lot of people out in front of Miraflores and Barranco. In addition, Punta Hermosa also offers waves for more advanced surfers. I didn’t make it to this part of Peru, but one of the biggest waves can be found at Pico Alto.

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#1 Best Surf Spot in Peru: Chicama

Longest Left in the World
Intermediate to Advanced Surfers
Best Swell March – November
Best Accommodation: Chicama Surf House

Sunset over the Cape at Chicama

Located in the town of Puerto Malabrigo, Chicama boasts the longest left waves in the world. On the perfect swell, the wave will break from the top of the cape all the way to the pier. Very experienced surfers can catch a wave that is 4km kilometers long. For the more average surfer, like me, there are many shorter waves to be had. This is the best wave in Peru, and I really did not want to leave. The town of Puerto Malabrigo is very small and filled with really passionate surfers. Most of the hotels are right on the cliffs so you can wake up to the views of the ocean.

Key Tips:

Bring a lot of Peruvian Soles – there is no ATM in town and everything is cash only
Pay for the Dingy boat service

How to Arrive:

The closest major city to Chicama is Trujillo, Peru. To arrive in Trujillo you can either fly from Lima or take an overnight bus that is about 8 hours (I recommend Cruz Del Sur or Oltursa). From Trujillo, you must go to the Santa Cruz Bus Terminal and find the El Dorado Buses which go to Puerto Malabrigo. This bus costs approx $3 and takes 2.5 hours. Once in Puerto Malabrigo, you should be able to walk to your accommodation or they have tuk-tuks if you have a lot of gear. Alternatively, you can hire a cab from Trujillo if you have a bigger budget or are traveling with boards.

Where to stay:

Chicama Surf House: There are not a lot of accommodation options in Puerto Malabrigo. The best option by far is Chicama Surf House! Katya is the owner and a very experienced surfer. She will make sure your time at Chicama is well spent. Her boutique hotel feels like home and includes the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had.

Chicama Overlook

The Wave:

Chicama is an incredible wave that can break for 4 kilometers on the right swell. Normally, Chicama is broken into a few sections called El Cape, El Point, Las Dos Tetas, El Hotel, El Hombre, and El Malecon. When I was there only El Cape, El Point and Las Dos Tetas were really working. The water is cold here but a decent 3.2 or 4.3 wetsuit should do the trick. There are fast sections, barreling sections, smooth faces and much more to be had on these waves. It’s very uncrowded for how good it is and the currents keep people spread out.

When to Surf Chicama:

The region is consistent all year round, but the best time to go is between March and November (Autumn and Winter). During this time you will have the most consistent swell and the best chance of scoring waves. I was there in August and September and scored waves each time. Pack a decent wetsuit though because the water is cold!

Who Can Surf Chicama?

Intermediate Level of Surfing Required

To really enjoy Chicama, I would recommend at least an intermediate level surfer. There is A LOT of currents, and I highly recommend renting the dingy boats so that you can get the most waves without exhausting yourself paddling or walking back up to the point. These cost about $15 for 3 hours and are totally worth it. I visited on a backpacker budget and only used the boat once – thankfully on my last surf because I could not have gone back to walking after that.

What type of Board?

I’d say most people shortboard at Chicama, but I actually had a blast on a longboard. I surfed a lot at the cape which was a much fatter wave, and short boarders were having trouble catching them and making the sections. I also longboarded the point, but this wave was pretty fast, and there were a couple of sections where I got pitched. Another benefit of a longboard was being able to paddle against the current instead of having to walk back up to the point. So if you’re keen on a longboard don’t hesitate!

Here are some more helpful resources about surfing Chicama:

Magic Seaweed Surf Forecast

# 2 Best Surf Spot in Peru: Mancora, Peru

Party Waves
Best time of year: November – February (Summer)
Warm water!
Beginner – Advanced surfers
Best Accommodation: Wild Rover Hostel (Budget Party), The Point Hostel, or Las Olas Hotel (Luxury)

Sunset in Mancora

Mancora is definitely one of the best surf spots in Peru! Mancora is a really fun beach town with a lot of different hotels and hostel options as well as delicious restaurants and fun bars. It’s a touristy destination for Peruvians and other tourists. It is definitely a lot more lively than Chicama and offers a good balance of party and surf. The wave is a perfect left situated right in town and the water is warm all year round! The point gets crowded, but for the most part, it is friendly vibes.

Key Tips:

Crowded point break so expect to be dropped in on
If you are a beginner definitely pay for a surf lesson! (approx $20)
Don’t be too hungover to surf!

How to Arrive:

Mancora is accessed by the town of Talara, Peru. You can fly here from Lima. It is 1.5 – 2 hour drive from the airport to Mancora. You can take a taxi for approx $50. For the budget traveler, I recommend taking a tuk-tuk to the Eppo bus terminal in Talara and then purchasing a ticket to Mancora. This will take a bit longer but you will spend less than $10. You can also arrive in Mancora by night bus but I would only recommend this if you are coming from Trujillo. It is a 24-hour drive from Lima (Not worth it in my opinion).

Las Olas Hotel, Mancora Peru

Best Accommodation:

The Best backpacker hostels are Wild Rover, Psygon Surf Hostel, and The Point. All of them are clean, cheap, and have a good vibe. I loved Wild Rover because it had a fun party scene, the food is great, and everyone was really friendly. Psygon Surf Hostel is locally owned, very beachy (mostly sand on the ground), and relaxing. The Point Hostel has an oceanfront view and is also a party hostel. It’s the only one with an ocean view and it’s closest to town. However, It’s not as clean as the other two and can stay loud very late.

The best luxury accommodation is Las Olas. You could not stay closer to the surf break than here. There are multiple oceanfront rooms, that will only put you out about $70 a night. There are beach lounge chairs to watch the waves, and hammocks throughout the hotel. The breakfast is included and really great! You are also right in the middle of town.

Best places to eat:

It’s worthwhile to mention the best places to eat because there are a lot of options in Mancora. Some of my favorites are Tao (unlimited sushi), La Serena, and honestly the food at the hostels. Peru is the best place to eat delicious, affordable seafood. Look out for Juan and his ceviche motorbike, and the churro man that walks along the beach!

The Wave:

Mancora is a perfect left-hander that is fun, friendly and gives a lot of room for maneuvers. Usually, having a bigger board is a benefit here! The spot can attract up to 3 meters of the swell. The wave is pretty friendly and perfect for the long cruisy style. It is not the best place to get heaps of barrels (most will go to Lobitos for this).

When to Surf:

The best time of year is November to February ( Summer). However, you can get waves all year round. I was in Mancora in May and August. There were a lot more waves in May than in August. The swell was less consistent in August.

Mancora Point Break

Who Can Surf It?

Mancora is perfect for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. There are a lot of board rental options right in front of the waves. I highly recommend taking a surf lesson if you are a beginner. Your instructor will help you catch a lot of waves and make sure you cruise down the line.

What Type of Board?

There is usually an even amount of longboards and shortboards in the lineup. I even surfed both depending on the day. More volume will be helpful here so I would even recommend a fish if you are trying to shortboard. It also depends heavily on the swell. Thankfully board rentals are only about $10 for the day.

For more information about the break check out Magicseaweed

#3 Best Surf Spot in Peru: Lobitos

Desert Ghost Town
8 different breaks
Localized surf break
Intermediate to Advanced
Cold Water!
Best Accommodation: Buena Vista Lobitos (Luxury) or La Casona (Budget)

The views from Hostel La Casona, Lobitos

Lobitos is a deserted town in the middle of the desert that just happens to be on the coast. The surf culture is bringing more life into the dusty town and the waves are great! There are different breaks that work on different swells. When I was there we were surfing the point. It was a great wave – a bit faster than Mancora – and also provided a long ride. The only downside was the crowd. There are a lot of aggressive locals and visitors that can make it difficult to snag a wave. If you are persistent you will get something!

Key Tips:

Bring cash – I don’t recall an ATM
Crowded localized waves
Intermediate to Advanced
Better to have your own board

How to Arrive:

Lobitos is about 45 minutes from Talara Airport. You can fly there from Lima and take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Lobitos. Apparently, there is a combi van that runs from Talara Eppo stop to Lobitos but I could not find it and ended up taking a tuk-tuk. We were able to catch the collectivo on the way out though.

The Best Accommodation:

La Casona is the best budget option in Lobitos. This historical building is perched atop the hill and has a stunning view of the beach below. The restaurant on site is also delicious! Just down the road, you can get a great pizza at La Casa de Nacho! I didn’t stay here, but Lobitos Hotel looks like a nice luxury option for Lobitos and it is right on the beach!

Buena Vista Lobitos: Is the best hotel in Lobitos with super kind owners and great location to the beach and town. The ocean view balconies and pool are the perfect place to relax between surf sessions.

The Wave:

There are multiple breaks in the town of Lobitos. Some waves are faster and hollow. Others peel for ages. I think you will be able to find a spot that excites you! Remember that the water is colder here so wetsuits are recommended.

Lobitos Point

When to surf:

Winter between June and October is the best time to surf Lobitos. I surfed there in September and the waves were great – not too big but consistent. I imagine you can score waves all year round though, and that one of the breaks will be working.

Who can surf:

I’d recommend this break for intermediate to advanced surfers. The heavy crowd and point breaks make it a bit difficult for beginners. There are areas where you could catch whitewash but I’d recommend Mancora or Huanchaco if you’re a beginner wanting to get some practice. In addition, there were not very many options for board rentals.

What to surf:

I managed to find a fun longboard to surf while in Lobitos but it is definitely a shortboard wave. There are not very many rental options so it is better to have your own board here.

For more information about surfing in Lobitos check out Magic Seaweed

#4 Best Surf Spot in Peru: Huanchaco

Small surf town with a hippie vibe
Beginners – Advanced
Cold Water
Easy to rent equipment

A Beautiful Papa Rellena in Huanchaco

Huanchaco is a super chill surf town located just outside of Trujillo, Peru. You will find a lot of restaurants lining the shores of Huanchaco as well as some cool backpacker hostels. Huanchaco is also home to the Papa Rellena (one of my favorite Peruvian foods). Huanchaco is one of the best surf spots in Peru and also a great spot for beginner surfers. It is really easy to find a surf shop to rent a board here or get a lesson. There is a cute little pier in front of the town and waves can be accessed straight from the shore. The beach is rocky in the center of town but if you walk up the street a little, it turns into sand. Huanchaco is a good place to access the Chan Chan ruins and is a much better alternative than staying in Trujillo

Key Tips:

Don’t stay in Trujillo
Bring cash and small bills
Mandala hostel has the best breakfasts
Good waves for beginners

How to Arrive:

Huanchaco is easily accessed from Trujillo, Peru. You can get here by plane or overnight/day bus from Lima. Then you just hop on one of the public buses heading to Huanchaco. I think it takes about 30 minutes and costs less than 3 soles. You can easily walk around the whole town of Huanchaco once you are there.

Rooftop View from Frogs Hostel

The Best Accommodation:

ATMA Hostel & Yoga is a great budget option for backpackers visiting Huanchaco. The rooftop terrace and cozy common spaces make it the perfect place to meet other travelers and enjoy the town of Huanchaco. You will be steps away from the surf!

The Wave:

I only stayed in Huanchaco for a couple of nights before I went to Chicama. The waves were not great when I was there because it was receiving a lot of swell and current. Usually, there is a fun left-hand break and plenty of waves for beginners and advanced surfers.

Cute Little Pier in Huanchaco

Who can surf:

Huanchaco is a great spot for all levels. It is a great place for beginners because surf lessons are super cheap and it is really easy to rent boards and wetsuits. There is a laid-back surf vibe here and everyone is friendly in the water.

What to surf:

Huanchaco is fun for longboarding or short boarding. If the swell is small longboarding would be the best option.

For more information about surfing in Huanchaco check out Magic Seaweed

#5 Best Surf Spots in Peru: Lima Beaches and Punta Hermosa:

Super easy to access
So many different breaks
Plenty of surf schools
Beginner to Advanced

Miraflores Cliffs in Lima

From the cliffs of Miraflores, you can look down upon many surf breaks dotting the Lima shoreline. In addition to being one of the best surf spots in Peru, it is also one of the easiest to access. I never surfed in Lima, but I enjoyed watching all the surfers. The waves seem pretty friendly, but it is a long paddle out to the furthest break. There are many surf schools on the beaches, however, I am not sure how easy it is to rent a quality board. Pukana Surf School offers boards, lessons, and trips.

Key Tips:

Easy to access from Lima
Take a bus to Punta Hermosa
Crowded waves in Lima
Take a lesson or join a surf safari

How to Arrive:

Lima is the capital of Peru and the most easily accessed. It is a huge city though so you must find your way to the Miraflores or Barranco district. These are the safest areas and the best for tourists anyway. The city sits upon the cliffs so you must take the stairs or drive down to the coast to access the waves. To access Punta Hermosa you will need to take a bus an hour south of the city. Here you can score world-class waves.

The Best Accommodation:

You will definitely want to stay in Miraflores or Barranco.

Budget Options:

Alpes Lima Kennedy Park – Miraflores

Viajero Kokopelli Lima – Barranco

Waikiki Hostel – Miraflores

Luxury:

Crowne Plaza Lima – Miraflores

JW Marriott Hotel Lima – Miraflores

Hotel B – Barranco

Lima Waves

The Waves:

Lima has waves all year round. The summer months are best in Lima because the grey fog disappears and the water temperature will be warmer. Punta Hermosa is one of the best surf spots in Peru. Here you will find a string of beaches all within close proximity. Punta Rocas is the most popular and known as a swell magnet.

Who Can Surf:

Beginners and advanced surfers will all find suitable waves in the Lima area. I always recommend beginners to take a surf lesson. They are so cheap in Peru and you will definitely get a lot out of them. Taking a surf lesson will help you learn the wave and give you more confidence to paddle out on your own.

What to surf:

Any type of board will be fun to surf the Lima beaches. If you are headed to Punta Hermosa a shortboard will usually be the better call there. If you plan to travel around Peru with a surfboard it is definitely better to bring a shortboard. Most breaks will have decent longboards to rent if the waves end up being small.

For more information about surfing around Lima check out Magic Seaweed

Overview of the Best Surf Spots in Peru

I hope that you found this post to be helpful and that you are getting excited to score some waves in Peru. My photos definitely don’t do the waves justice, but that’s because I was spending all my time in the waves! I really miss the fun, friendly left waves in Peru. These are the best surf spots in Peru, but there are many more spots to find if you have the means to explore.

Check out magicseeweed for Peru’s current surf forecast!

If you are exploring more of Peru and South America make sure to check out my related posts below!