Where is the best surfing in Peru?
Peru's best surfing is along the North Coast. Máncora is something of a fishing mecca, with consistent, left-breaking waves that rarely exceed 10 feet (3 m). This makes it perfect for both beginners and more advanced surfers.
Make your next vacation the best of both worlds — part beach vacation and part adventurous getaway. A Peruvian surf vacation is awaiting you!
Surf getaway destinations
Although the town of Chicama is unexceptional, the beach here has the world's longest-breaking surf, with waves that range from 3–8 feet (1–2.5 m) in height and are reported to run as long as 1.5 miles (2.5 km). The beach of Huanchaco has mellow waves and is a good place to learn the surf.
Punta Hermosa, a half hour south of Lima, is a major surfing destination in Peru. That's because South America's largest wave, Pico Alto, forms here. In May, this wave can reach up to 40 feet (12 m) in height. There are also smaller, less intimidating waves to surf at Punta Hermosa.
Local surfers ride waves in Lima proper, but the water is often polluted, so we don't recommend surfing here. The country's long coastline means that you have no shortage of Peruvian beaches to choose from. It's better to head north or south of Lima to breaks like Punta Rocas, Playa Grande, or La Herradura in Chorrillos. For even more of Peru's best surfing, check out our Peru Surfing Guide.
Prepping for your surf getaway
Peru's entry requirements are fairly simple, so you can pretty much grab your passport and proof of travel, and head for the sun, sand, and waves. Getting to Peru is fairly simple too — if you're short on time, you'll probably fly, but if you want to take the scenic route, buses and boats are an option.
Surprisingly, December to March can be some of the best months to visit Peru's beaches. So, if you're used to winter and early spring being chilly back home, a surf holiday in a warmer locale is a great way to close or start a year. Pack typical beach gear, but you should also read this article about what to bring to Peru, because you will likely go on a few other exciting excursions. One thing you definitely do not need to bring is your own surfboard (unless you really want to) — there will be rentals aplenty.
Related Questions
- Is Peru family friendly?
- Where is the best fishing in Peru?
- What are the top activities in Peru?
- Where are the nicest beaches in Peru?
- When is the best time to go to Peru?
Peru Beach Holidays
If you've got a Peru beach holiday in mind, then you've got plenty of unique beach destinations to choose from. Stretching from Ecuador to Peru, there's a lot of coastline to cover. Start with the beautiful city beaches in Lima to get settled in as soon as you arrive. Peru is a surfer's paradise, with the wild Pacific Ocean gracing its shores, and many of the beach towns reflect this. Mancora is the unofficial surf capital, with bohemian vibes to match, but you can catch a wave almost anywhere on Peru's coast. Despite being famous for its surf, Peru's waves still remain blissfully uncrowded so it is a great place to learn. There's also plenty to do in Peru's beach destinations other than surf, like archeology and architecture tours in coastal cities like Trujillo. And then there are also more laid-back beach towns like Punta Sal where the order of the day is simply relaxing on the golden sand.
Peru Surfing
On top of all the travel gems like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, Peru is also a surfer's paradise. With some of the highest, longest and least crowded waves around, Peru attracts surfers from every corner of the world and still remains a haven for beginners. The best Peru surfing is along the northern coast outside the towns of Trujillo and Máncora. These destinations boast world-class surf breaks and lack large crowds, a perfect combination for both beginning and advanced surfers. With their laid-back vibes and late-night festivities, these destinations have a strong following in the surf crowd. Of course, there are also charming city squares, nearby ancient ruins, and mangrove forests to explore when you need to be on dry land. The beaches outside Lima also have awesome waves, so you can get into the surfing spirit as soon as you arrive. And there's no need to travel with gear or be a pro here — you can rent boards and take lessons in all of these destinations.
Peru Entry Requirements
All travelers need a passport that is valid for at least six months after their departure date to enter Peru. Tourists must also show proof of return or onward travel.
Peru Surfing Guide
Peru is a must-surf destination for pro surfers all over the world. It has 1,500 miles (2,414 km) of coastline and a huge variety of waves and surfing conditions. World championships and smaller competitions take place at beaches near Lima, and Peruvian pro surfers have become recognizable national celebrities. Surfing has become such an important sport in Peru that in 2013, President Ollanta Humalla signed a law specifically designed to protect the beaches in Peru with the best surf.
Getting to Peru
Most people arrive in Peru by plane, but you can also get here by boat or bus. You’ll likely fly into Lima and then take a shuttle to a hotel or else stay at the airport and catch a domestic flight to Cusco or another city. However you choose to arrive, just remeber that your adventure can't really begin until you've met Peruvian entry requirements.
What should I bring to Peru?
What you bring to Peru will largely depend on what you want to do and where you plan to go. The landscape here includes everything from snow-capped mountains to arid deserts to lush rainforests. Pack appropriately.
Adventure Tours in Peru
Peru is a vast and varied country — the landscape includes mighty rivers, dense jungles, and tall mountains. Adventure tours take advantage of these natural features. On one of these tours, you might go mountain biking in the Andes or rafting in the Sacred Valley. Adventure tours are led by professional guides who prioritze safety and minimize risk. These tours are fun and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
When is the best time to go to Peru?
Anytime is a great time to visit Peru! There are all kinds of places to explore and things to do — including...
North Coast
The North Coast of Peru is the Egypt of South America—it has a dry climate and once hosted iconic ancient leaders who built temples, pyramids and empires. This area is now home to spectacular historical sites and large colonial cities. Travelers also enjoy its beautiful beaches, stellar surf sports, and high-quality seafood restaurants.
Lima
The coastal city of Lima is diverse, with colorful parks, friendly locals, tasty cuisine, vibrant markets, and ancient historical attractions. Travelers can tour world-class museums, wander through the colonial architecture of Miraflores, and eat seafood along the Pacific coast.
Mancora
The laid-back beach town of Máncora is a haven for surfers and bohemian-minded travelers. The town’s sunny weather, steady waves, and delicious seafood will make you want to stay for longer than anticipated.
Huanchaco Beach
A beautiful and relaxed beach town close to Trujillo and many historical sites, Huanchaco has enough charm to be a destination of its own: with vibrant boulevards, traditional reed fishing boats, and surfing culture, it’s the perfect choice for an entertaining day at the beach. Now an International Surfing Reserve, one of only five in the world, Huanchaco is a popular vacation spot where visitors and locals share the water and waves for surfing, swimming or fishing.
