Surfing Guide to Chicama, Peru

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Surf Camps

• Getting there

• Safety/Things to know

• Surf spots

Summary

In the northern Peruvian desert, a bit more than 50 miles away from Trujillo, stands nothing less than the longest wave in the world. Chicama’s reputation is uncontested and it attracts surfers from around the world ever since it was discovered a few decades ago.

 
This gentle wave is very accessible even for beginners as it never really gets too heavy. It stays a long, smooth peeling wave that’s very pleasant to ride. There are a few sections that only connect on bigger swells but even when they don’t, the rides remain very long.

 

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 
The big downside to surfing Chicama is having to paddle all the way back to the peak as well as fighting currents. Locals didn’t take long to figure out there was a demand for boat-lifts taking you from the end of the wave back to the take-off zone. It is up to you  to decide if you enjoy that kind of surfing or if you rather stick to paddling.

 

 

When to go

Although swells are pretty consistent throughout the year, the best time to surf Chicama is from April to November as it takes a fairly solid SW swell to wrap around the point and line-up nicely.
 

 

 

Where to stay in Chicama

Delfines de Chicama and Chicama Boutique Hotel are two great hotels very well located in Chicama.

 

Browse our interactive map to find your dream place to stay on a surf trip to Chicama!

 

 

 

 

Surf Camps in Chicama

7-day Full Surfing Camp in Barranca, Peru
US$1,100, including:

• Daily surfing sessions
• Use of surfboard and wetsuits
• Certified surf guides and professional drivers
• Daily delicious Peruvian meals
• Transportation within the trip
• 6 nights accommodation
• Airport transfers

 

 

Getting there

The big international airport is in Lima from where you can transfer by bus or plane to Trujillo. Chicama is about an hour drive away from Trujillo.

 

 

Safety/things to know

-For more information, visit the tourism department official website.

-This part of Peru is one of the driest place on Earth. Do not expect much rain 🙂

 

 

Surf spots in Chicama

Chicama (Puerto Malabrigo)

Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : E