Ancash
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Positives
- No crowds
- Great swell exposure
- Close to Lima
- Landscapes & Andes
Negatives
- Lack of beachbreaks
- Mostly lefthanders
- Foggy days
- Petty theft
- Cool water temps
Ancash surf travel guide
Ancash is a Quechua word meaning blue and this region is where the first Peruvian civilization, known as Chavín, originated and flourished in 600BC. It is a land of contrasts, with the 6,768m (22,204ft) white summit of the Andes mountains lying only 100km (62mi) from the deep blue Pacific coast. From Chimbote to Lima, much of the coast is a monotonous and inhospitable stretch of vast sand deserts, except along the green rivers valleys, cultivated with sugarcane, rice and cotton. Despite being blessed by highly consistent swells and a bunch of quality spots, this area is usually missed by travelling surfers who focus on the incredible waves further north, or the easily accessible breaks of Lima and Punta Hermosa. As crowd levels increase everywhere, this rich, empty surf region is definitely one worth checking out.
Surf spots in Ancash
Research the 8 surf breaks in Ancash and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 8 breaks in Ancash.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Ancash
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Ancash.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 4,419,000
- Population
- 32,971,854
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PEN
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 3.18 PEN PEN
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +51
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish, Quechua
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ac
Visas
Visa free travel for nearly all nationalities for stays of up to 183 days. EU countries get 90 days.
Getting There
Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima has plenty of international flights, but Peru has no proper international airline. Airport is 30min from Lima’s historic centre by taxi – go for a regular cab company. Huacho is 150kms north of Lima.
Getting Around
For a guided tour, check the Norte Chico tour from Surfvantrips or Local Tours. If travelling alone on a longer trip, go for the bus (safe and reliable), or rent a car for a shorter trip. Rentals at airport from $236/wk (Budget, Hertz - 1400 mileage limits usually apply). Pan American Highway runs along the coast, providing easy access to most spots.
Accommodation
Owned by US surfer Tato Debernardis, Fundo Centinela has spacious bungalows up to 5pax (approx $55/night) or tent site ($5), plus onsite restaurant and bar in front of the point. Cheap accommodation in Barranca (Hotel Chavin $30/dble, hostel Emilio $15/dble). In Huacho, 25mins drive from the point is Hotel Centenario ($73/dble). Try the ceviche del pato, picante de cuy, jaca-casqui, pecan-caldo and humitas de chochoca.
Activities
Huascarán National Park counts 663 glaciers and the snow-covered peak of Huascarán, highest summit of Peru and second of the Americas (6,768m/22,205ft). Lots of ancient archaeological sites of Chavin de Huantar & Caral cultures, plus Paramonga pyramids. Check the Rataquenua view-point and Ancash Regional Museum in Huaraz.
Hazards & hassles
Hidden rocks, currents, sea urchins and the shallow reef at Playa Grande constitute the main dangers while surfing. Avoid driving at night, heavy traffic and thefts in Lima, don’t get lost near Paraiso. The 1970 Ancash earthquake was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Peru, killing more than 50,000 people and damaging 186,000 houses.
Handy Hints
No surf shops in Ancash region, boards & gear must be rented or bought in Lima (Klimax, Wayo Whilar, Sofia Mulanovich surf shop). Bring a 6’6” to 7’4” thick board for heavy waves. Booties & helmet are a plus (few hospitals). Due to petty theft even from taxis, leave a copy of your passport or ID card with your consulate in Lima. Free camping possible but not recommended.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.