La Libertad
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Positives
- Multiple, quality, lefthand pointbreaks
- Longest rides in the world
- Reliable wind patterns
- Waves for all abilities
- Close to the Andes & historical sites
Negatives
- Strong afternoon winds
- Chilly water and sea fog
- Powerful pointbreak currents
- Expensive zodiac assistance
- Dusty, desert coastal scenery
La Libertad surf travel guide
In the modern surf world, it is almost unbelievable to think that what is generally regarded as the longest, lefthand pointbreak on earth, is probably reeling along right now with very few crowding issues for those bothered to make the trip to this arid, backwater coastline. Despite the fact the beach is now lined with surf camps and multiple speedboats ply the line-up, ferrying wealthier surfers back to the various take-off points against the relentless current, Chicama seems to be able handle large numbers of surfers of varying skill levels, since it breaks mainly on sand, is predictably slopey and is also consistently side or offshore.
There are at least 3 more top quality lefthand points within an hour or two's drive, including powerful Pacasmayo, which probably lines up a bit better than Chicama, or Puemape's shorter but hollower walls that fire on big days. Add in Punta Huanchaco, another 800m of sectiony lefts in the home of the totora reed caballito riders, which is also a popular, tourist party-town, and this La Libertad zone looks like the place to go for all surfers past the early beginner stage. Cooler water, sea fog and strong currents are not enough to detract from one of the quintessential South American surf experiences.
Surf spots in La Libertad
Research the 9 surf breaks in La Libertad and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 9 breaks in La Libertad.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to La Libertad
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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
Fly from Lima to Trujillo (the nearest big centre) in 1hr15min from ±$120 ret, including boards and bags with various low cost carriers like JetSmart. There is a 9hr overnight bus (Cruzero) for $33rt. Stop at Paijan for Malabrigo/Chicama. Chiclayo is 4hrs further north from Trujillo.
Getting Around
Bus is the best way to get around. They're cheap, regular and surfboards don’t present a problem. Journeys can be very long and tiring. If you travel in a group it may be worth hiring a “collectivo” (minibus). Taxis and buses connect Trujillo and Chicama/Puerto Malabrigo. Car rentals, especially 4WD are expensive, but bring a lot of freedom to surf more waves in the area and are great for a group. Try Trujillo Rentacar or Afy at (±$70-90/d) for a large Toyota Fortuner and they can collect from airports in Piura for a reasonable charge. Tuk-tuks and moto-taxis service any trips around towns.
Accommodation
The Chicama Boutique Surf Resort has luxury rooms starting from $100/n/p or $130/n/dbl that includes breakfast, pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, wifi, etc. This large salmon-coloured compound occupies the primo position at the top of town overlooking El Point and has been providing above average services for an international clientele for many years. Good food, comfortable rooms, great hangout poolside or inside, zodiac assist and they even spin-dry your wetsuit after a session! Of course all this luxury comes at a premium, but quality costs and it adds value to the experience of surfing this world-famous wave. Stormrider strongly recommends...
A cheaper and more basic option a couple of doors down is Surf House Chicama with prices starting at $30p/n. El Hombre (fr$7) or Los Delfines from $10/n are among many other cheap and easy options in the town.
Pacasmayo has a growing number of surfer targetted accommodation.
Huanchaco Hostel, facing the consistent left point.
Seafood is excellent value at around $5-10 a meal or some guest houses let you use the kitchen to self cater. In Puerto Malabriga, Sal & Mar does outstanding cerviche (the best seafood is usually sold at lunchtime), plus there is pizza, burgers, Mexican, Chinese and plenty of Peruvian fusion food outlets. The choice is even greater in the bigger towns of Huanchaco and Pacasmayo. Cristal, Pilsen Callao and Cusqueña (who have a variety of lager, wheat and dark beer) are the popular beer brands.
Activities
The Huanchaco Festival with the “Caballitos de Tortora” and some surf contests take place in May. Close by are the remains of Chan-Chan, an old Moche Indian site. For hiking and climbing, go to Huaraz, home of the famous Cordillera Blanca a 6000m high mountain.
Hazards & hassles
Petty thefts and pickpockets are very common, especially in the city centres, around cash machines and on crowded buses. Dont leave belongings unattended on beaches. Peruvian sol has one of the highest counterfeit rates in the world. Smaller restaurants tend to be cash only and cash machines are only found in the bigger towns/cities. Recently, Peru has suffered from political upheaval and across the country, blockades can make movement impossible, including along the Carretera Panamericana.
Handy Hints
There are now many options for Zodiac tow-back service and prices range from $40 per person per 2 hour session (Chicama Boutique Hotel) to $30 pp at Surf House Chicama - but one can find cheaper depending on group size ($120 for 6 with Pedro in Pacasmayo). Rental shops in Huanchaco, Puerto Malabrigo and Pacasmayo are mainly catering to the beginner market, so prices are reasonable and some shops like Zorros have some decent equipment. Take booties for hopping over rocks, a 3/2 fullsuit and an everyday board. A longboard would be ideal for some of the long slow waves. Basic Spanish is essential for independent travellers.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.