Surfing in Peru
Peru is located in South America and its known for having the longest left hander wave in the world: Chicama. Besides Chicama, Peru has many other world class waves to be explored. The country is also known for having well preserved archaeological sites that thousands of tourist come to see every year. The most famous one is Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city, high in the Andes mountains. There are also many other ruins in the Sacred Valley and on the Inca Trail, including the colonial city of Cusco.
Peru’s pacific coast is very dry and arid but it’s still possible to find beauty in the desert scenery. There is a huge variety of waves scattered all over the coastline and a lot of them are extremely long left handers.
Most surfers coming to Peru are seeking the longest rides of their lives, unforgettable adventures and to explore the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. If you haven’t been to this amazing country yet, you have to add it to your list!
Climate in Peru
Peru has many types of climate. Although the coast is situated in the tropical zone, the weather in Peru is very mild. The coast has a semi arid weather with very little rainfall. On the mountains of the Andes you will find a colder climate with very dry winters and rainy summers. The average temperature in the country during summer time is in between 20-25 degrees Celsius (December to March). This season is warmer but also wetter. The winter (May to September) is very dry in the whole country with an average temperature in between 10-20 degrees Celsius.
Best surf spots in Peru
The best waves in Peru are Chicama, Pacasmayo, Lobito, Mancora, Cabo Blanco, Centinela, Playa Grande, Caballeros, Senoritas, La Herradura, Pico Alto and Punta Rocas.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Simple meals start at $3 USD. Mid-range meals start at $10 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $20-45 USD.
Equipment rental
You can find surfboards to rent in the most popular surf spots for 5-10 USD per day.
Prepaid SIM cards
Claro or Movistar. 5 USD for the sim card and 7-10 USD for credit.
Public transport
Peru has reliable and comfortable bus services to travel in between cities.
You can also rent a car for 15-105 USD/day in Lima. Go to Rentalcars.com and book through there. We strongly recommend you to hire a driver if you are not familiar with the city. Don’t drive at night outside of Lima, it can be dangerous.
Gas prices
$1.USD a liter.
Types of risks
Peru is an active earthquake zone, so be aware that minor shakes might occur frequently.
How to prepare
Visa
Australians, Americans and Western European countries citizens don’t need a visa to enter the country. All they need is a valid visa and a return ticket, and then it’s possible to stay for 183 days as longest (not possible to extend).
Vaccines
It’s not required to have proof of yellow fever when entering the country. Travelers who are just going to areas like Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail do not need yellow fever vaccination. Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.
Things to know
Language & Currency
The country is multilingual, which means that the population uses more than one language, but the official one is Spanish.
The local currency is called Sol.
1 Sol = 0,30 USD.
Best time to go
June to September.
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
Lima is a big city and there are a lot of hospitals that you can call or visit if you have any problems:
Lima:
Saint Bartolome National Hospital
Lima District, Peru
+51 1 2010400
Open 24 hours
BRITISH AMERICAN HOSPITAL SA
Miraflores, Peru
+51 1 6168900
Open 24 hours
Hospital Nacional Dos De Mayo
Lima District, Peru
+51 1 3280028
Open 24 hours
If you go to smaller cities or remote places to surf in Peru, the chances to find hospitals and clinics are obviously smaller.
Here are some hospitals in the bigger cities:
Talara:
Level II Hospital Talara
Panamericana Norte · +51 73 381795
Health Center II Talara
Av Grau · +51 73 382561
Piura:
Support Hospital Santa Rosa II
Av. Grau Esq Av. Chulucanas s/n, Prol Miguel Grau · +51 73 361075
José Cayetano Heredia Hospital
el telefono actual, Avenida Independencia · +51 73 287970
Open 24 hours
University Hospital of the National University of Piura
Esquina Av. Luis Montero y Av. Andrés Avelino Cáceres · +51 73 344748
Open 24 hours
Check surf pictures of Peru at #surfinperu.
