Chicama

The spot

Chicama holds the title of the longest left in the world, a seemingly endless point break on Peru's arid northern coast that can offer rides exceeding a kilometre when the stars align. The wave peels along a uniform sandy bay backed by desert cliffs, with four connecting sections: El Cape, El Point, Keys, and El Hombre. The landscape is stark and beautiful, utterly dry and wind-sculpted, and the wave has an almost meditative quality as it reels endlessly down the line.

When it works

The prime season runs from March through October when south-westerly groundswells generated in the Southern Ocean push up the Peruvian coast. April and May often deliver the most consistent large swells before the winter fog sets in. The wave needs at least 4-6ft of swell to connect through all four sections. South-easterly winds blow offshore and are most reliable in the early morning. By midday, the onshore thermal usually compromises conditions.

Where to sit

El Point is the most popular take-off zone, offering the longest connected rides when the swell is adequate. On smaller days, only Keys and El Hombre on the inside work properly. On larger swells, El Cape on the far outside activates and the potential for a ride connecting all the way through becomes real. Position yourself at the top of whichever section is breaking cleanest and commit to riding as far down the line as your legs allow.

Hazards

The main hazard is exhaustion. Rides can last several minutes, demanding continuous leg work and concentration. The walk back up the point after each wave takes 15-20 minutes over rocky ground. Sea urchins inhabit the rocks near the take-off zones. The current can be strong on bigger days, sweeping riders further down the point than intended. The desert sun is intense and dehydration is a real risk during extended sessions.

Parking and access

The town of Puerto Malabrigo sits at the end of the point. A rough dirt road leads to informal parking areas near the various take-off spots. Access to the water requires scrambling over rocks at most sections. There are no formal facilities at the surf spots themselves. The town has basic accommodation and a handful of restaurants.

The crowd

Chicama receives far fewer visitors than its reputation might suggest, largely because of its remote location and the physical demands of surfing it. On a good day, expect 10-20 surfers spread across the four sections. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, with a small but welcoming local crew. The length of the point naturally disperses surfers along the line.

Local tips

Bring a mid-length board or a longboard. The wave does not demand aggressive shortboarding; it rewards smooth, flowing surfing with drawn-out turns. Your legs will burn. Stretch thoroughly and bring glucose supplements. The walk back is the limiting factor in your wave count, so some surfers hire a local tuk-tuk driver to ferry them back up the point between rides. The water is cold year-round due to the Humboldt Current, hovering around 16-18C, so a 3/2mm wetsuit is essential despite the desert heat.