Chicama – the world’s longest left
Here comes another surf destination post. So… Chicama. This is actually a post about a destination I have already surfed. So in case of any questions don’t hesitate to post them!
The picture you can see has actually been taken by me… on a below average day…
Getting to Chicama is fairly easy. It is located in Northern Peru about 100km north of the city of Trujillo. Getting to Trujillo from Lima takes about 9 hours and can be done for 55soles (less than 20USD) in a very comfortable bus. No need to book ahead for Chicama since there are many many hostels right by the beach.
The Chicama Surf Resort is the only place with an online presence I know of. It is by far the most expensive place to stay, too. 50USD a night and per person. European/Northern American prices… you don’t have to pay more than 50Soles (about 17USD) a night and per room. Bargaining always helps, too. About 20-25% of the inicial offer can always be gained. That is – by the way – a good rule of thumb for everything in Peru from taxis to street vendors. Why do I mention the Chicama Surf Resort then you might be tempted to ask me. They have a zodiac! The current in Chicama can be sick and it is a constant battle just to stay in position. After surfing this great wave the zodiac picks you up and gets you back into the lineup. This service is available to non hotel guests, too. It costs about 40USD just ask at the reception. Worth the money if it is pumping because you can surf ten times as many waves as without the zodiac.
It can be hard to find a decent surfboard to rent. The best boards I have found were available at the hostel “Un Sueno” which means “a Dream”. It is located right by the beach and is the very last place in a row of hostels. Marie, the owner, will charge you 20 but with the 20-25% discount (remember my rule) you can get it for 15Soles a day which is more than reasonable compared to Europe or the States.
Other than that… be prepared for the ride of a lifetime. The wave breaks forever and usually is best early in the morning (at around 7). No one around and one of the finest waves on this beautiful planet just for you. If in doubt paddle out, we all know that. And if in doubt of going to Chicama or not, do it. Worth the effort. One more thing. If it is tiny (Chicama is usually 3-4ft smaller than the waves north and south) you can head north to Pacasmayo which takes some hours but this is a worldclass wave, too. But that’s for another post.
What to expect
The Surf of a lifetime. A magical place. “Gringos” from all over the world stoked about surfing this great wave. Not more than 10 Surfers in the Lineup on an average to good day (which already is worldclass). A happy wallet. Good times and no regrets.