Once a major destination for surfers, Peru fell off the radar of the surf media for 20 years, probably because of past political upheaval. The political scene is stable now and Peru continues to get world-class surf. Peru gets waves all year, but January to April is considered prime season. Water temperatures range from 60F in the winter up to 80F in summer. — Ed
Re: Where to surf in S. America?
Date: 1999/01/06
Author: RW
Anyone know a decent place to stay with access (without a car) to surf on the north coast of Peru (and how to get there from Lima)? Also how much rubber will I need to bring? Any travel tips for a solo traveler?
A: After landing at Peru International (is it still called “Chavez”?), take a cab directly to Punta Hermosa, two hours south of Lima on the coast; find accommodations in your price range; and then surf the wide range of point and beach breaks in walking distance (from Pico Alto in the north to Punta Rocas in the south).
I highly recommend the cerviche sold in the local restaurants. Then take a plane from Lima to Trujillo in northern Peru (skip the bus; its a brutal 12 hour ride and gringos are forced to sit on the back). From Trujillo, take a cab (“collectivo”) or bus out to Puerto Chicama and find the accomodations which meet your budget. Then walk directly south to the famed Chicama cape and point – the longest left point in the world. It will be mid winter, so bring your full wetsuit, booties and gloves. Tips: travel solo with respect for the local gente and cultura. You’ll make great friends. — rory
Newsgroups: alt.surfing
Subject: Re: Surfing near Lima, Peru?
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 96
Lima is a lot like LA. LA (downtown) and Lima (downtown) are both about 7 miles inland east from the beaches. I lived in Miroaflores and/or San Isidro which are affluent suburbs on the cliffs west of downtown Lima. There is a huge green golf course and club and I used to live across from it. From there, I could walk (wear sneakers) about 2 miles to the cliff, and then down the hill to the beach. The water in lima is Brown, but its not that it’s polluted, it seems to be just silty/sandy from dust blowing off the shore. There are a few restaurants and surf clubs down near the beach. It is very non-commercialized. There are waves everyday. its cold (55-59) like Santa Cruz, It is the longest paddle out I ever experienced, you can surf inside, middle or go out a mile if you like. Rich kids surf. Many speak English and have cars.
South east of Miraflores, by car or short cab, there is a beach called Herradura, looks like Santa Cruz or Capitola. Bars, babes, lifeguards, vendors. It has a nasty left. South about 30 miles is Punta Rocas, a clear blue water, right break. It is so clear, you feel like you are in Monterey fish tank. So if you are “in” Lima, bring your rubber and wax. Watch out for debris floating around out there. [Logs, dead walrus, whales, etc.]
I have taken buses north to Ecuador, and south to Chile in the 70′s, there are waves everywhere. Don’t surf alone, watch the breaks before you jump in.
