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There is strong evidence that the Peruvians were the first people in the world to surf waves in their reed caballitos or “little reed horses” for the pure joy of it. It is still strongly contested if these same peoples brought surfing to Polynesia, but what is certain is that Peruvians were riding waves in their reed canoes hundreds of years before the Polynesian islands were inhabited.
With the huge abundance of surf and perfectly groomed left point breaks it is not hard to imagine how these ancient civilizations would become fascinated by these natural wonders. Peru boasts two of the longest left breaking waves in the world and those are just the ones we know about. There are still hundreds of miles of isolated beaches that may be hiding the next Chicama.
Peru’s coast is mostly an empty dirt desert except in the very northern parts near Ecuador where there is a bit more vegetation. This fact coupled with the cold winter water and hazy skies may explain the lack of crowds and development along most of the coast. Mancora in the northern part of the country and Punta Hermosa an hour south of Lima are the epicenters of the surf culture in Peru. These spots offer great waves and lively nightlife. However the best waves are located in more remote regions where sometimes camping is the only option.
Health: Most of the coastline in Peru is desert so mosquitoes carrying disease are not much of a threat, although they can still be problematic near water sources and in the north. Many of the best waves in the country are very remote so it is essential to bring enough supplies including plenty of purified water.
Crime: Be careful and aware of your possessions in tourist areas or on isolated beaches when parking your car.
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