Have you ever wanted to chase the endless summer? I know I have!
Growing up I was obsessed with the beach bum surfer life, Kelly Slater posters pulled from Surfer Magazine adorned my walls and although raised in sunny Southern California I didn’t begin my surfing adventure until my 30s. Perhaps making up for lost time, I now find myself planning trips around surf locations and exciting breaks I want to explore.
Here you won’t find advice on beaches in Malibu or the Algarve, this is for the person who wants to surf a break that breaks away from the traditional surf spots everyone knows.
However, if you’re familiar with The Endless Summer you might recognize a few spots. Click on the links below for specialized guides for each location!
A world away from the traditional red letter surf spots, these locations are not to be slouched on. Offering more than just a good wave, they’re picturesque locations a world away from what you know and a way to make local friends while ensuring an unexpected trip you won’t soon forget!
Máncora, Peru
I will admit from the start that due to an attempted coup and subsequent political uprising and violent protests taking place during my time in Peru, I can’t provide a lot of additional suggestions on what to see and do around Máncora (you can read more about that trip here). However, the surf leg of the trip was successful so I can provide some guidance at least.
Máncora is one of the most well-known surf spots in Peru, even boasting a couple of internationally ranked professionals from its humble location. While it’s easily accessible via bus or plane, and is fairly well developed with many restaurants and local shops, this also means it can be crowded. When I visited in summer (mid-December) the beach break was quite packed. Almost too busy with experienced and novice surfers alike. At times this made it feel a bit dangerous as there were a lot of boards and varying skills levels all nestled into a small break dotted with rocks resting just below the surface. There were a couple of times during my week there where I left the water earlier than I’d hoped as the small waves became too crammed and treacherous for my taste.
Littered with surf shops, there are plenty of options for lessons and boards, even for a longboarder like myself. Prices are often negotiable and a couple of the surf huts also offer the option to buy tasty acai bowls or local beers when you want to take a breather from the breaks.
If you’re traveling around Peru and want to try your hand at surfing then Máncora is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re also heading to Ecuador as Guayaquil is easily accessible via the bus and only a few hour’s ride away. If you’re a more experienced surfer, there are some better options throughout Peru that would probably be more of the desired wave height and challenge. The only issue is that, as far as I know, a lot of the other surf locales around the country are more deserted beaches and don’t have board rentals close by. No worries if you’re traveling with a board, but if not then you might want to stay closer to the busier locations.
How to get there
If you have the time and are venturing around the country then the buses are the easiest and most economic transport. Even during the upheaval the buses were safe and comfortable. I used the Cruz Del Sur bus from Paracas to Máncora.
It took about 22 hours and there were some light snacks provided, but you were able to bring your own food. The route does not seem to be available anymore, however there are other bus options to and around the area with different companies. I paid a little extra to have a bigger seat that reclined almost completely and on the website there is a seating chart so you can book your specific spot. As I was traveling alone I booked in the bottom carriage (it’s a double decker) as I could get a single seat on my own and not have to sit next to a stranger. The bus was overnight so on top of being affordable I also saved the cost of a night in a hotel. It was win-win in my book!
If you don’t have the time to spend then there is an airport in Tumbes. Most likely your hotel in Máncora has a connection to a driver that can pick up from the airport and transport you to the city for an additional cost. I did this drive on the way back as I flew from Máncora to Cusco and it was very smooth sailing with paved roads and not too much traffic.
Where to stay
I had planned to spend Christmas in Máncora so I splurged on a slightly more luxurious location while still in a socially shared vibe where we could hopefully plan something together to celebrate the holidays.
La Maison is a beautiful oasis a mere 250 meters from the main beach and nestled in the palm trees along a sandy path. With a private pool, garden-facing rooms, and private terraces on some rooms, it feels like an open Moroccan riad in the middle of northern Peru. There is an included breakfast and varying sizes of rooms, perfect for whether you’re a solo traveler like me or bringing the whole squad along. The lodge doesn’t have a board rental or lessons, but with so many options along the beach, it’s hardly necessary. One unique feature though is their association with a windsurfing school. So if the waves are too crowded and you want to escape to a more secluded location, they will gladly introduce you to a windsurfing instructor and provide a discount on lessons.
