Been looking into winter travel and being a goofy footer Peru has been on my radar due to its abundance of lefts. Seems like south america is quite sketchy though. Has anybody ever been there? Advice, stories any info would be helpful. Thanks in advance!
Spent 6 weeks there two summers ago. Its not sketchy really at all as long as you know how to travel and dont put yourself in any situations. The waves there are pretty damn fun but dont think you will score Chicama or Pacasmayo in our winter....those waves work from mar-oct. However, Lobitos and North of there can get pretty damn sick in our winter....it is not all that consistent though. But if you score Lobitos, Cabo Blanco or Organos pumping you will be very happy. Also, it helps to speak Spanish. Suerte
Be smart when you travel, travel with a smile. that's all- make sure you know when to go, i would check out some swell reports and spots. Be respectful of locals.dont be scuuuurrr and id you are, dont let them know.lol....and bring your gun! i hear Peru and Chile are goofy footers' paradise! and it gets BIG. i just dont know where or when get a hold of a Lonely Planet Peru. check out:chekeandoelmar.blogspot.com
When you going? When exactly are you trying to go? I'm planning a trip right now for late Oct to early Nov. If that's the same as your dates, send me a private message and maybe we can help each other out. It's my first time though, so I don't have any advice (yet). Sorry! I did see in my travel planning that Chile is significantly more expensive than Peru. It also looks like colder water. I've heard very good things about both, however.
I was in Peru in February this past year. Stayed in Lima for a couple of days and then stayed in Punta Hermosa for the rest of my time there. Never felt unsafe, although there are some sketchy areas in and around Lima. There is also a sick point to the southwest of Lima that gets good during their winter. We managed to score some solid days while there, even though it was technically the "offseason" for southern peru. Punta Hermosa is a decent beachside town, don't expect luxury, but it has a great party season (in their summer) and some good waves. As the above poster said, Northern Peru (mancora) picks up more of the NW swells typical of the Nov-March timeframe. It does get very crowded in the north from what I hear though. In between Lima and Chicama you can find heaps of empty points and peaks, just be prepared with 4wd. Be very cautious with the food (as with any Central/Southern American country). 3 out of the 4 of us spend more time on the toilet than in the water for about 3 days. If you do get sick, white rice only and powerade/gatorade will help cure it. Additionally, pack immodium or cruise to the local pharmecia, plenty of gringos get sick down there.
I am looking to go in the beginning of March. Chicama, Pacasmayo stories? 1.62 mile rides? This would equal about 2-4 minutes of surfing on the same wave, and 20 minutes walking back. Let me know. I can't imagine riding a wave that long.
A few things to keep in mind...Pacasmayo and Chicama are a loooong way from Lima, so plan for that if you are going to start from there, it's a full day of driving. There are numerous good waves both south and north of the Lima area, some can get crowded but others are remote. If you are interested in the waves up north toward Ecuador you may want to research flying into Trujillo. Peru is one of the best surf destinations I have ever experienced. Good Luck!
Thanks for your reply! Yeah, I heard it's a decent travel. From Lima it's a hour flight to Trujillo, from Trujillo it's a 50 minute car ride to Chicama. Any stories/experiences you can share?
