Chicama, Peru, is a dream destination for surfers, famous for having the world’s longest left-hand wave. If you’re planning to ride these legendary waves, you’ll need to know the best ways to get there and prepare for the trip. This chicama surf guide will help you navigate the journey with ease.

Getting to Peru

By Air

The closest international airport to Chicama is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru. Most travelers coming from the United States, Europe, or other parts of South America will land here first. Airlines such as LATAM, Avianca, and American Airlines provide direct flights from major cities worldwide.

Once in Lima, you need to travel to Trujillo, the nearest major city to Chicama. There are two primary options:

• Domestic Flight: The quickest way to reach Trujillo is by taking a domestic flight from Lima to Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (TRU). Airlines such as LATAM and Sky Airline operate daily flights, with a flight duration of about one hour.
• Bus Travel: If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, several bus companies operate routes from Lima to Trujillo. The journey takes approximately 9–10 hours, with comfortable overnight options available through companies like Cruz del Sur and Oltursa.

Getting from Trujillo to Chicama

Once you arrive in Trujillo, you still need to travel approximately 70 km (43 miles) northwest to reach Chicama. Here are your options:

By Taxi or Private Transfer

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Chicama from Trujillo is by hiring a private taxi. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and taxis can be arranged at the airport or through your accommodation in advance.

By Bus or Collectivo

For a more affordable option, you can take a local bus or a shared minivan (collectivo) from Trujillo to the town of Puerto Malabrigo, which is the main settlement near the surf break. These are available at the Trujillo bus terminal and cost significantly less than a taxi.

Surfing Tips for Chicama

Best Time to Visit

Chicama delivers waves year-round, but the best swells occur between April and October, when south swells generate long, peeling waves that can last for up to two minutes.

Surfboard Transportation

If you’re bringing your own surfboard, check airline baggage policies ahead of time. Alternatively, many surf lodges in Chicama offer high-quality board rentals.

Accommodations

There are several surf-friendly accommodations in Chicama, ranging from budget hostels to more luxurious surf resorts. Many offer guided boat trips to the best surf spots and equipment rentals.

Essentials to Pack

• A wetsuit (3/2mm is sufficient for most seasons)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Travel insurance that covers surfing injuries
• Local currency (Peruvian Soles) for small expenses

With proper planning, your trip to Chicama will be smooth, allowing you to focus on catching the world’s longest wave. Enjoy the ride!