Pacasmayo
La Libertad, Peru
Point breakIntermediate
Three hours north of Trujillo, Pacasmayo is home to one of the world's longest left-hand point breaks, a winter wonder that can run for over a kilometer when the massive southern swells of Peru's winter season arrive.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–SSW 2–4m at 14–20s
Wind
SE
Light to E under 15 knots
Tide
Mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
May–Sep for Southern Hemisphere winter swells
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Point break
Bottom
Sand and rock
Shape
Long left-hander, multiple sections for over 1km
Length
300–1000m+
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
- •Why: Big powerful swells and a very long wave that requires managing multiple sections
Hazards
- •Large swells arrive suddenly, respect the ocean
- •Rocks along the point
- •Cold water despite being only 7° south of the equator
Local Tips
- •The left can run for over a kilometer, paddling back is exhausting
- •The old pier at the point is iconic, one of Peru's most photographed surf images
- •Pacasmayo town is charming and relatively untouched by tourism
Location
-7.4029, -79.5685