Huanchaco, Peru is one of eight World Surf Reserves, protecting it from the possibility of future development. Photo: Vargas/Save The Waves
It doesn’t take much shopping to find a flight from DC to Lima for roughly $650, or even less. That means you can escape the East Coast misery of ice storms and “freezing” cold waves for a taste of culture, coast, and a completely different cultural experience. The water temps will still call for a wetsuit (but at least you’re getting away), but leave your surfboard at home to avoid the travel nightmare.
First thing’s first, here are your packing essentials:
-Water proof sunblock is a must
-Durable sandals, like Chacos
-Board shorts or bikinis for lounging
-A 3/2 wetsuit or long sleeve rash guard
-Water bottles with a filter to save on some money
-A “going out” outfit of clean jeans and a nice shirt
Peru offers an extensive bus system that allows optimal time to see several a diverse collection of surf spots in about two weeks’ time. A visit to each wave comes with a different splash of the local culture, its food and experiences. Peruvians are friendly and will help point you in the right direction during your trip. They never back down from a challenge. The weather is warm and the beach scene is in full force, but many Peruvians don’t surf. This trip is on the “gringo” side of surf trips, but it is so effective.
Day 1
February and March provide ideal conditions in Northern Peru. You’ll fly into Lima, the main hub for all travel. Flights arrive at night so book a hostel ahead of time and you’ll get a good night’s sleep to start off your trip (Hostelbookers or Hostelworld are good sources). Look into the Lima neighborhood of Miraflores. The closer to the beach, the better. And arrange night two transportation from Lima to Trujillo with a secure bus line like Linea or Oltursa.
Day 2
Wake up to the sounds of Lima. Walk to Agara Arte y Café and enjoy the flavor of a Peruvian coffee. Take your time, the waves will be there all day.
Walk 20 minutes to the beach. Follow the concrete steps down the cliff side. Rental tents line the beach every day and offer surf boards for cheap. There’s no need for reservations.
The waves here are friendly rights and lefts with a long swim out. Soak in the city view of Lima on the cliffs.
Grab a late lunch, pack your bags and explore the tourist sites of Lima. The Monastery of San Francisco spooks guests with a basement of catacombs. Get a good night’s rest on the bus, it’s as much as a 10 hour ride to Trujillo.
Days 3 – 6
Arrive in Trujillo. Gather your belongings and jump on the sunset colored bus for Huancahco. This stop on the Gringo trail is a safe and secure surf scene. For the surf and party, make Frog’s Hostel your base camp. A friendly left and right breaks out front. If you want to read, relax and enjoy the company of the owners, stay at McCallum’s Lodging House. Every hostel is within walking distance of the waves. Grab a hearty breakfast and rent a surfboard at Merci’s Surf Hostel. Carefully walk over the rock lined coast to the left shore break that offers clean, long rides. At the other end of the beach, Big Ben’s offers both lefts and rights. If this were California these waves would be packed with surfers. Instead, you’ll get to soak in the friendly vibe and share the waves with the local Peruvians as well as European, Australian and American tourists.
Surf early in the morning for waves to yourself and don’t miss the beautiful sunset for a second session. Fill your afternoons with Peruvian culture by visiting Chan Chan or Luna de Sol and tour the sites with an English speaking guide. Head to Trujillo and visit the Plaza de Armas and enjoy a plate of Arroz con Cubrito (Goat on rice) and ceviche, or relax on the beach. Frog’s hostel offers yoga Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. to open up those shoulders.
Day 5 (A Recommended Side Trip)
Arrange a day trip to Chicama, the world’s longest left. Explore surf shops in Huanchaco for upcoming trips.
Day 6
Use Emtrafesa, VIP service for a direct ride to Chiclayo. Be on guard of your belongings in Chiclayo, but do not skip this vibrant Peruvian city. Stash your bag in a secure hostel like Hostel Amigos or Hostel Luisas, which are both close to the action and affordable. Walk to the bus stop for Pimentel. Message Buenas Olas Pimentel on Facebook to arrange board rental and aim for surfing before sunset.
If the waves are in the head high range, pay to jump off the pier and catch lefts back to shore. Wash, rinse and repeat. If the waves are smaller, rent a longboard and catch waves with the locals from Chiclayo. After two to three hours of surf, return to Chiclayo for the food, visit the Plaza de Armas, and get your dance on at one of the discotecas. Chiclayo provides an opportunity to connect with the culture in a bustling Peruvian city.
Days 7 – 11
Book a ticket north to Piura, then Talara, then a combi to Playa Lobitios for a rustic and real surf experience. The services are minimal, but this trip is about surf. Book a room at Los Muelles Surf Camp or Lobitios Lodge and surf your brains out. On Day 10, head to Mancora for your final visit to a touristy beach town. Enjoy your last waves on the main beach. Grab some ceviche and a Cristal while you soak in the what Peru’s coast has to offer.
Day 12
Book an overnight bus or flight back to Lima and reminisce on the bounty of waves surfed, your sore shoulders, the Spanish you picked up, and the coastal Peruvian culture you absorbed.
Fly back to the misery on the East Coast.
