Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
Pico Alto is Peru's premier big wave—a deepwater reef 1.5km offshore from Punta Hermosa that produces some of South America's largest rideable waves. The unique geography means the wave almost never closes out, offering clean faces in the 40-60 foot range about 10 days per year. The 30-minute paddle out is challenging, but the reward is one of the most user-friendly big waves on the planet. Peru's consistent S-SW swells and cold upwelling water create ideal big wave conditions.
🇵🇪 Peru's giant • Never closes out • 30-min paddle
This is a big wave break, breaking both.
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-225°.
Ideal size: 7.9m. Too small below 3.7m, too big (closeout) above 12.2m.
Needs at least 12s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: morning.
Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
Chicama is officially the world's longest wave—a left-hand point break in Peru that can deliver rides of 2+ kilometers when all four sections connect. The wave peels along the desert coastline with mechanical precision, passing through sections named Malpaso, Keys, Point, and Outer Point. Full connections are rare but possible during optimal SW swells. The setting is stark and beautiful: Peruvian desert, cold Humboldt Current water, and endless walls of surf. This is surfing's marathon.
📏 World's longest wave • 2km+ possible • Four connecting sections
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 200°-220°.
Ideal size: 2.1m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 18s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 0° (N). Offshore range: 315°-45°. Best window: morning.
La Herradura is Lima's premier pointbreak—a long left-hander that breaks in a horseshoe-shaped bay in the Chorrillos district. When solid South swells hit, the wave connects through three distinct hollow sections, offering rides of several hundred meters. It's one of the few quality waves accessible from Peru's capital city, though it needs significant swell size to wake up. The setting is urban but the wave is world-class, and Lima's surf culture was largely born here.
🇵🇪 Lima's best point • Three hollow sections • Capital city waves
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 175°-225°.
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 3.7m.
Needs at least 14s period. Ideal: 17s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 337° (NNW). Offshore range: 292°-22°. Best window: morning.
Punta Rocas is Peru's most famous competition venue—a powerful reef break that has hosted national championships for decades. The wave produces thick, hollow barrels reminiscent of Hawaii's Rocky Point, breaking over a shallow reef shelf that demands respect. Located just south of Lima in San Bartolo, it's accessible but no less dangerous. The Peruvian surf scene cut its teeth here, and the wave continues to serve as the ultimate testing ground for local talent.
🏆 Peru's Rocky Point • Championship venue • Thick powerful tubes
Ideal size: 2.8m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 4.6m.
Needs at least 13s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
⚠️ Shallow, 😮‍💨 Hold-downs, 🪨 Rocks, 🪸 Sharp reef
Lobitos is Peru's raw, untamed left point break paradise—a collection of world-class waves strung along a desolate coastline backed by the rusting infrastructure of abandoned oil operations. The main left peels endlessly, while surrounding points offer variety from playful to punishing. The town itself is wonderfully sparse: dusty streets, basic accommodations, and a small community of dedicated surfers who've chosen this remote stretch of coast over comfort. Long-period Southern Ocean groundswells march into Lobitos throughout the year, creating opportunities for those willing to embrace the frontier surf lifestyle.
🛢️ Desert point paradise • Multiple world-class lefts • Frontier living
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 200°-260°.
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 16s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 120° (ESE). Offshore range: 80°-160°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. March-October bigger swells from Southern Ocean.
Pacasmayo is Chicama's slightly shorter but equally sublime cousin—a left point break that can offer rides of over a kilometer when the conditions conspire. Located just south of the world's longest wave, Pacasmayo provides an alternative when Chicama is too crowded or not quite connecting. The wave peels along a sandy point with remarkable consistency, offering endless walls for carving and the occasional hollow section. The pier provides both a landmark and wind shelter. For those chasing the Peruvian point break dream, Pacasmayo delivers the same infinite sensation with a fraction of the fanfare.
📐 Chicama's sibling • Kilometer-long potential • Empty perfection
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 190°-240°.
Offshore wind from 100° (E). Offshore range: 60°-140°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Biggest swells March-October.
Huanchaco is where surfing's ancient and modern worlds collide—a charming Peruvian fishing village where local fishermen still paddle out on caballitos de totora, the reed watercraft that represent 3,000 years of wave riding history. The beach break itself is mellow and forgiving, perfect for beginners and longboarders, but the real magic is watching the caballito fishermen work the same waves their ancestors did. The colorful waterfront, excellent ceviche, and proximity to the archaeological wonders of Chan Chan make Huanchaco a cultural surf destination unlike any other on Earth.
🛶 3,000 years of wave riding • Caballito heritage • Cultural immersion
Works best with swells from 200° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-230°.
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Needs at least 10s period. Ideal: 14s+ (long-period groundswell).
Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 50°-130°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Historic surf town - caballitos de totora.
Punta Sal is Peru's northernmost surf destination, offering warm tropical waters near the Ecuador border. The mellow left point is perfect for beginners and longboarders seeking a tropical experience without the cold Humboldt Current.
🌴 Peru tropical surf • Warmest water • Beginner paradise
Ideal size: 1.3m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
Offshore wind from 110° (ESE). Offshore range: 70°-150°. Best window: morning.
Year-round. Warmest water in Peru. Near Ecuador border.
Mancora is Peru's premier beach party destination with quality surf. The long left point offers forgiving waves in warm water, making it popular with beginners and the backpacker crowd.
🎉 Party surf town • Warm water lefts • Backpacker scene
Works best with swells from 215° (SW). Workable range: 195°-245°.
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.6m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Year-round. Party town vibes. Warm water.
Cabo Blanco is Peru's heaviest wave - a powerful left point that produces thick, hollow barrels when solid SW swells hit. Made famous as Hemingway's marlin fishing spot, it now attracts barrel hunters seeking some of South America's gnarliest tubes.
🎣 Peru's Pipeline • Hemingway heritage • Heavy tubes
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 200°-250°.
Ideal size: 2.5m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 4m.
Best March-October. Needs solid swell. Historic big wave spot.
Rocky bottom. Occasional shark sightings.
Panic Point is the heavier member of the Lobitos wave family - a powerful left that produces hollow barrels over a rocky bottom. The name says it all: this is a step up from the main Lobitos point.
😱 Lobitos heavy section • Hollow lefts • Expert territory
Works best with swells from 220° (SW). Workable range: 200°-255°.
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
Best March-October. Part of Lobitos wave complex.
Punta Nunura is a remote left point break in the vast Sechura desert region. The isolation means empty waves for those willing to make the journey through barren landscapes.
🏜️ Desert isolation • Empty perfection • Adventure required
Ideal size: 1.6m. Too small below 0.8m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
Pimentel is a charming surf town with a historic wooden pier dating back to the late 1800s. The beach break offers consistent waves for beginners and intermediates, with the pier providing an iconic backdrop.
🏛️ Historic pier town • Consistent beach break • Gateway to Chiclayo
Works best with swells from 205° (SSW). Workable range: 185°-235°.
Offshore wind from 95° (E). Offshore range: 55°-135°. Best window: morning.
Crowded weekends. Pier creates currents.
Beach town with historic pier. Near Chiclayo.
Eten offers a left point break alternative to nearby Pimentel, with fewer crowds and a more authentic fishing village atmosphere. The wave is consistent and workable for intermediate surfers.
🎣 Quiet point alternative • Fishing village vibes • Fewer crowds
El Faro is the starting section of the legendary Chicama wave complex - when conditions align, you can catch waves here and ride all the way through to the inner sections for the world's longest ride.
🗼 Chicama starting point • Connects to main wave • Part of longest ride
Works best with swells from 210° (SSW). Workable range: 195°-230°.
Part of Chicama wave complex. First section.
Cerro Azul is a classic Peruvian left point in a small fishing port south of Lima. The wave offers consistent, workable walls that make it a favorite weekend escape for Lima surfers.
🏘️ Lima weekend escape • Consistent left point • Fishing port charm
Pico Alto 2 is the everyday surf spot at Punta Hermosa, distinct from the famous big wave spot offshore. This left point offers consistent waves accessible to intermediate surfers.
🏄 Punta Hermosa everyday wave • Consistent lefts • Easy access
Works best with swells from 195° (SSW). Workable range: 175°-220°.
Year-round. More accessible than Pico Alto.
Caballeros is the premier wave at Punta Hermosa - a reliable right reef that produces quality walls and barrels when solid S swells arrive. Competition venue for local events.
🏆 Punta Hermosa righthander • Competition venue • Reliable reef
Senoritas is the mellow, beginner-friendly wave at Punta Hermosa. The protected beach break offers gentle waves perfect for learning, with numerous surf schools operating here.
🌊 Beginner paradise • Protected beach • Surf school central
Ideal size: 1.1m. Too small below 0.5m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Kon Tiki is one of Peru's premier right-hand waves, named after Thor Heyerdahl's famous raft expedition that departed from nearby Callao. The wave offers powerful, hollow rights over a rock reef.
⛵ Heyerdahl heritage • Quality rights • Powerful reef break
Works best with swells from 190° (S). Workable range: 170°-215°.
Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Needs solid swell. Named after Thor Heyerdahl expedition.
Playa Norte is San Bartolo's main beach break, offering consistent waves in a popular Lima beach resort setting. Good for intermediate surfers looking for uncomplicated waves.
🏖️ Beach resort waves • Consistent peaks • Lima summer escape
Makaha is the closest quality wave to central Lima, breaking below the cliffs of upscale Miraflores district. Urban surfing at its finest - grab a post-surf pisco sour within walking distance.
🌆 Urban surf • Miraflores cliffs • City surfing
Below Miraflores cliffs. Stairway access.
Redondo is the higher-quality alternative to nearby Makaha, producing longer and more shapely lefts when decent swell arrives. Still urban Lima surfing but with better wave potential.
🌊 Better urban wave • Longer rides • Lima quality option
Year-round. Better with more swell than Makaha.
Puerto Inca offers the unique experience of surfing beside ancient Inca ruins - a remote left point at what was once a major Inca fishing port. The isolation and archaeological setting make it one of Peru's most memorable surf spots.
🏛️ Ancient Inca port • Archaeological waves • Desert isolation
Remote Inca archaeological site. Basic camping.
Camana is the beach escape for Peru's second city Arequipa. Consistent beach break waves and good tourist infrastructure make it the most accessible surf in southern Peru.
🏔️ Arequipa's beach • Southern Peru gateway • Consistent waves
Year-round. Popular Arequipa beach destination.
Main beach resort for Arequipa. Good infrastructure.
Mollendo is a historic Peruvian port town with several quality surf spots. The main left point offers consistent waves with a charming old-town backdrop.
⚓ Historic port waves • Multiple spots • Southern charm
Mejia offers the unique combination of surf and birdwatching - the beach break sits adjacent to Lagunas de Mejia, Peru's most important wetland sanctuary with over 200 bird species.
🦩 Wildlife sanctuary waves • Birdwatcher surf • Natural beauty
Near Lagunas de Mejia wetland sanctuary.
Ilo is a southern Peruvian mining port with surprisingly good surf. The left point picks up consistent swell and sees few surfers due to its industrial setting.
⛏️ Mining port surf • Empty waves • Industrial backdrop
Port pollution concerns. Rocky sections.
Mining port. Limited tourist infrastructure.
Boca del Rio is Tacna's main beach resort, located near the Chilean border. The river mouth beach break offers consistent waves in Peru's southernmost surfable region.
🇵🇪 Southern border waves • River mouth • Last Peru surf
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 205°-260°.
Tacna's beach resort. Near Chilean border.
Los Palos is Peru's southernmost quality surf spot - a remote left point in the desert just north of the Chilean border. Complete isolation and consistent waves reward the adventurous.
🏜️ Peru southernmost point • Desert isolation • Border country
Works best with swells from 230° (SW). Workable range: 210°-260°.
Best March-October. Remote desert point.
Remote point near Chile border. 4WD recommended.
La Boca is the inside, more forgiving section of the Pacasmayo wave system. Perfect for intermediate surfers or when the main point is too intense.
🌊 Pacasmayo inside section • Forgiving waves • Learn to point surf
Year-round. Inside section of Pacasmayo.
Inside section of Pacasmayo point system.
Punta Negra is a quality left reef break between the more famous Punta Hermosa and San Bartolo. When solid S swells arrive, it produces hollow barrels over a rock and coral reef.
🪨 Black point barrels • Quality reef • Lima corridor gem
Chicama - El Point is the iconic main section of the world's longest left-hand wave. On perfect days, riders connect from El Point through El Hombre, Malpaso, and Keys for rides exceeding 2 kilometers. This is the wave that put Peru on the global surfing map.
🌍 World longest left • 2km+ rides • Bucket list wave
Works best with swells from 202° (SSW). Workable range: 180°-225°.
Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 110°-160°. Best window: morning.
Best March-November with S-SW groundswells.
Main section of Chicama. Can connect with El Hombre.
El Hombre is the power section of Chicama - where the wave gains momentum after El Point and produces the longest, most perfect walls. Named 'The Man' for its size and power, this is where Chicama shows its true character.
💪 Power section • Connects the wave • Where Chicama gets real
Ideal size: 2.4m. Too small below 1.8m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Malpaso is Chicama's barrel section - where the wave hits a shallower reef and throws perfect tubes at low tide. The name means 'bad pass' in Spanish, referring to the challenging shallow section that rewards those who commit.
🛢️ Barrel section • Low tide tubes • Chicama hollow
Chicama Keys is the final inside section near the old pier, where perfect walls peel to their conclusion. Many surfers paddle out here for the more workable waves when the outer sections are too challenging.
🔑 Inside section • Near the pier • Perfect walls
Ideal size: 1.9m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 2.4m.
Lobitos Main Point is the centerpiece of this dusty oil-town-turned-surf-camp - a long, mechanical left that offers 200+ meter rides on good days. The wave has hosted international contests and draws surfers willing to rough it for world-class waves.
⛽ Oil town perfection • Long mechanical lefts • Contest venue
Works best with swells from 225° (SW). Workable range: 200°-250°.
Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1.5m, too big (closeout) above 3m.
Offshore wind from 112° (ESE). Offshore range: 90°-135°. Best window: morning.
Best March-October with SW groundswells.
El Hueco ("The Hole") is the hollow reef section of Lobitos - a slab-like left that throws barrels over a shallow rock shelf. When pure S swells hit, this is one of the most challenging waves in the Lobitos complex.
🕳️ The Hole • Shallow slab • Lobitos barrel
Works best with swells from 180° (S). Workable range: 165°-200°.
La Frontera is the connecting section between the main Lobitos points, where waves link up on bigger swells to create extended rides through the complex. A stepping stone between El Hueco and the main point.
🔗 Connector wave • Links the points • Extended rides
Baterias is a consistent left point break south of the main Lobitos wave, offering all-tide surfing with fewer crowds. Named after old military batteries, the wave provides a reliable alternative when other spots are too crowded or challenging.
🎯 All-tide option • Consistent left • Fewer crowds
Offshore wind from 112° (ESE). Offshore range: 90°-135°. Best window: both.
Piscinas ("Swimming Pools") is the mellow member of the Lobitos family - a forgiving left point perfect for intermediate surfers or when the main break is too powerful. Named for the tide pools that form along the rocks.
🏊 Tide pool point • Beginner-friendly • Lobitos mellow option
Ideal size: 1.4m. Too small below 0.9m, too big (closeout) above 1.8m.
Penascal is a quality left reef break within the Punta Hermosa complex, offering an alternative to the more crowded main breaks. The wave produces hollow sections over a rock reef when SW swells light up the Lima coast.
🪨 Punta Hermosa reef • Quality left • Less crowded option
La Isla is a left reef break near a distinctive rock formation at Punta Hermosa. The wave offers consistent walls when SW swells hit, with an easier paddle-out than some neighboring breaks.
🏝️ Island rock landmark • Consistent left • Easy paddle
Playa Waikiki is a historic beach break below the Miraflores cliffs, named in honor of Hawaii. One of Lima's original surf spots, it offers beginner-friendly waves with stunning clifftop views and easy access via the Malecon boardwalk.
🌺 Lima historic beach • Hawaiian namesake • Clifftop views
La Rosa Nautica is a beach break adjacent to the famous pier restaurant of the same name - an iconic Lima landmark. The beginner-friendly waves offer convenient urban surfing with post-session ceviche just steps away.
🦞 Famous restaurant pier • Urban beach break • Ceviche nearby
El Elio is the main left point at Huanchaco, the ancient fishing village famous for its caballitos de totora (reed boats). The wave offers quality walls with a unique cultural backdrop - fishermen still use traditional reed craft here.
🚣 Reed boat heritage • Huanchaco point • Ancient fishing village
El Boqueron is a right-hand beach break at the north end of Huanchaco that lights up during rare N swell events. When the rest of Peru is flat, this protected section can offer fun waves.
🌊 N swell window • Right beach break • When Peru is flat
Works best with swells from 0° (N). Workable range: 330°-30°.
Offshore wind from 135° (SE). Offshore range: 110°-160°. Best window: both.
Sunkella is a left point break near the ancient Chan Chan ruins - the largest adobe city in the pre-Columbian Americas. Surf history meets archaeological history at this unique spot.
🏛️ Near Chan Chan • Archaeological surf • Ancient backdrop
Los Organos is a right reef break in a fishing village famous for whale watching. The north-facing coastline picks up NW swells that miss most of Peru, offering a unique swell window when S swells are absent.
🐋 Whale watching village • NW swell window • Right reef
Works best with swells from 337° (NNW). Workable range: 315°-360°.
Works with N-NW swells. North-facing coast.
Negritos Point is a left point break in an oil industry town south of Lobitos. The wave offers consistent surf with fewer crowds, though the industrial backdrop is less picturesque than neighboring breaks.
⛽ Oil town left • Empty lineup • Industrial backdrop
Organitos is a beginner-friendly beach/reef break near Los Organos that picks up NW swells. The mellow waves make it a good alternative when the main reef is too challenging.
🏖️ Beginner option • NW swells • Near Los Organos
Punta Ballenas ("Whale Point") is a left reef break near Mancora, offering a more challenging alternative to the town wave. The name refers to the humpback whales that migrate through these waters.
🐳 Whale Point • Left reef • Near Mancora
Zorritos is a beach break near Peru's northern border with Ecuador, offering warm tropical waters and consistent waves. The relaxed fishing village provides an off-the-beaten-path surf experience.
🌴 Border town waves • Tropical warmth • Off beaten path
Offshore wind from 157° (SSE). Offshore range: 135°-180°. Best window: both.
Works with N-NW swells. Near Ecuador border.
San Gallan Island is a remote right reef break in the Paracas National Reserve, accessible only by boat. The island is home to sea lions and seabirds, offering a true wilderness surf experience in cold Humboldt Current waters.
🏝️ Island adventure • Boat access • Wildlife sanctuary
Offshore wind from 337° (NNW). Offshore range: 315°-360°. Best window: morning.
Remote island. Sea lions. Boat required.
240 minutes drive from LIM airport. Requires boat access ($200/day).
Puemape is a left point break between the famous Chicama and Pacasmayo waves, offering a less crowded alternative when the main attractions are busy. The wave provides consistent, workable walls.
🌊 Hidden gem • Between the famous spots • Less crowded
Punta Prieta ("Dark Point") is a left point break in the La Libertad region, offering uncrowded waves near the more famous Chicama and Pacasmayo. The dark volcanic rock gives the spot its name.
🌑 Dark Point • Volcanic rock • Empty waves
Puerto Nuevo is a beach and point break near Cerro Azul, offering an alternative when the main break is crowded. The fishing village setting provides an authentic Peruvian coastal experience.
🎣 Fishing village • Near Cerro Azul • Authentic vibes
Offshore wind from 67° (ENE). Offshore range: 45°-90°. Best window: morning.