Located in South America, facing the Pacific Ocean, is the Republic of Peru. The country is known as a place that is “megadiverse” when it comes to the land, with spaces in the country that are arid dry land, to the shores of the sea, to the peaks of the Andes Mountains and finally the Amazon Rainforest in the East. Peru is also home to some of the oldest civilizations in the Americas, and although the primary language is Spanish, a significant portion of the people speak a native dialect as well. Peru has been gaining notoriety lately as an affordable vacation destination and with its proximity to the ocean, people into surfing have started realizing that Peru has some pretty amazing spots. If you’re heading to South America for surfing, check out our list below of some of the best surf spots in Peru.
1. Mancora
Mancora is located right on the beach and it is primarily a beach resort type of town. The area thrives on beaches and beach culture so if you’re into surfing, you’ll feel right at home. With over 30 different beachside resorts here, Mancora has pretty much become the Peruvian hotspot for surfers coming from all over South America. The local population is only around 10,000 people, but with tourists coming in from all over, the area is the place to be for surfing in Peru.
Mancora
Address: Mancora, Talara Province
2. Cabo Blanco
Cabo Blanco is a small village that has made a big name for itself. It is one of those places that is popular but still very low-key and off the beaten path. Cabo Blanco is primarily a small idyllic fishing village but in 1979, a local Peruvian surfer discovered a powerful wave when he visited the village. Now that wave is known as the “Peruvian Pipeline” and the story goes that if you want to know when the wave is coming, you need to call Hawaii. The town has also made its name in the literary world as Ernest Hemingway stayed here and caught a huge marlin while filming the movie based on his novel “The Old Man and The Sea”.
Cabo Blanco
Address: Cabo Blanco, Talara, Piura
3. Lobitos Beach
Lobitos Beach is one of Peru’s best-kept surfing spots. The beach has a bit of a sordid past. The area was originally home to an oil company which gave the town a boom but after the oil dried up, many people left and now the area around Lobitos Beach is a little bit of a ghost town. But that adds to its charm. The area is a little hard to find but the waves are amazing and it is a perfect place for the surfer looking to avoid crowds. The town is sleepy and quiet but the beach is well maintained and the waves break in at varying swell sizes and styles. The people who stayed behind are primarily other surfers and fishermen rebuilding this tight-knit community.
Lobitos Beach
Address: Lobitos, Piura, Peru 20820
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4. Punta Hermosa
Punta Hermosa is the place for the surfer out there who likes a little more excitement and people around. Unlike Lobitos Beach, Punta Hermosa is located in the Lima province of Peru and it is actually located about 26 miles (43 km) south of the capital city. The area is mostly beaches and resorts that are filled with both locals and visitors coming to surf and hang out by the water. After a day out on the beach, head into town and enjoy the nightlife.
Punta Hermosa
Address: Punta Hermosa, Lima Province
Peru Tour Guide
Mauricio Gamboa Rondón
5. Pico Alto
Located in the north of the Punta Hermosa region, Pico Alto is filled with world-class waves and great beaches. Bringing in surfers from all over the world, Pico Alto is the place where more professional surfers tend to head to. Surfing competitions and events take place here because the waves can get as big as 40 feet high (12 meters) and can deliver a crushing blow if you don’t know how to ride well. Even if you’re not into riding waves that big, just checking them out from the beach is still quite a sight to behold.
Pico Alto
Address: Picoalto 18, Punta Hermosa 15846, Peru
Website: Pico Alto
6. La Herradura Beach
Located in the central part of the country and in the Chorrillos district of Lima, La Herradura Beach is another popular spot for locals and surfing pros alike. The beach is frequented by locals hanging out, watching the surfers or people spending time on the nearby boardwalk, but if you’re here for the surf, you had better know what you’re doing. The waves here can get pretty big and they aren’t for amateurs, similar to what you’ll find at Pico Alto.
La Herradura Beach
Address: La Herradura Beach, Chorrilos, Lima Province, Peru
7. Playa Chicama
Located in the Northeastern part of the county, Playa Chicama is part of a small coastal town near the city of Trujillo. The area is a small town but the news of good surfing waves has quickly brought tourism to Playa Chicama with surfers from around the country and around the world coming by to surf these waves. The area has a few resorts and hotels catering to surf tourism and the waves here can accommodate people who aren’t necessarily pros, making it nice for amateurs and the more experienced alike.
Playa Chicama
Address: Playa Chicama, La Liberdad, Ascope, Peru
8. Punta Sal
Punta Sal is actually considered one of the longest beaches in Peru. It is so long in fact, that it has to be divided into sections. The area is located in the very northern tip of the country where the beaches are sandy and the water is warmer, making it a good place for people who both are into surfing and for those who just love a good beach. The waters are relatively calmer here, making the area a nice option for those looking for more relaxing waves and for those who may be a little more inexperienced. If you wipe out on your board, at least the water is warm.
Punta Sal
Address: Punta Sal, Contralmirante Villar Province, Peru
9. Punta Roquitas
Punta Roquitas is located in the Miraflores district of Lima. The immediate area surrounding the beach is relatively upscale and one of the more affluent districts in the city. That being said, the beaches here are beautiful and known as the “Costa Verde” (or Green Coast). The area has several beaches that are popular with tourists and because of the wind in the area, surfing, paragliding, and windsurfing are popular here.
Punta Roquitas
Address: Cto. de Playas de la Costa Verde, Miraflores 15074, Peru
10. Cerro Azul
Cerro Azul is one of the more popular surfing destinations in the Southern part of the country. The area is actually pretty steeped in history with pre-Columbian civilizations that have lived here. Although the area was once a fishing port, surfing tourism has revamped the area with people coming from all over to surf the waves here. The Beach Boys even mentioned it in their 1962 song “Surfin’ Safari”.
Cerro Azul
Address: Cerro Azul, Canete, Lima, Peru
A destination for surfing lovers
Peru is a destination for the surfing lovers out there. The country is perfectly located along the Pacific coast that allows for tons of great waves and winds to make it a surfing paradise. The many beaches along with the coastline range from places where both pros and amateurs can enjoy themselves and ride the waves.
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