Huanchaco is Peru’s top surfing destination due to its insanely consistent conditions and increasing amount of other activities to do. Once you get into this little beach town it is very easy to see how people end up staying much longer than anticipated. The bars, restaurants and cafes all add up to create a very nice atmosphere and laid-back vibe that everyone is looking for on a surf trip.
To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!
Surfers from all skill levels will be able to enjoy Huanchaco as the waves remain pretty soft and there are many surf schools willing to introduce beginners to the spot.
The wave itself is a left-hand point break that works day in, day out. Rarely will you find a day without surf in Huanchaco. If it is the case or if the conditions don’t suit you, you can still find many other things to do like going sand boarding on hiking a volcano.
On bigger days, make sure to make the trip to Chicama, the longest wave in the world, located just about an hour drive away from Huanchaco.
When to go
Although waves are good all year, the best time to surf Huanchaco, Peru is probably during the winter months from May to October for slightly bigger waves and better weather. November to April will obviously be warmer, but much rainier as well as having smaller waves.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers
Air temperature 23°C
73°F22°C
72°F20°C
68°F19°C
66°F18°C
64°F20°C
68°F
Water temperature 23°C
73°F22°C
72°F20°C
68°F18°C
64°F18°C
64°F20°C
68°F
Crowd Few people Few people Few people Few people Few people Few people
Swell Consistency 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Swell height 5 ft 6 ft 7 ft 7 ft 6 ft 5 ft
Surf Camps in Huanchaco
6 or 11-day Surf Camp With Professionals in Huanchaco, Peru
Starts at US$275, including:
- 5 surf classes
- 1.5 hours per surf class
- 1 hour video analysis session
- Free surfing – equipment rental during the whole stay
- A “Caballito de totora” tour (traditional fisher boat tour)
- Daily hearty and healthy breakfast
- Tea, coffee, and drinking water
- 5 nights’ accommodation
Where to stay in Huanchaco
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Huanchaco!
Getting there
Huanchaco is less than half an hour drive away from Trujillo, Peru’s third largest city and 8 hours away from Lima. There are buses and flights that connect both cities.
Surf spots in Huanchaco
Punta Huanchaco
A long and accessible left-hander peeling nicely on a S-SW swell. Huanchaco is good for surfers of all skill levels as waves never become too hollow or dumpy.
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SSW
Optimal wind direction : E