Canoa

Canoa has a beach that runs for kilometres below sandstone cliffs, with a beach break that works most of the year and gets big enough in the wet season to draw surfers from across the country, and it built a reputation over the years as the relaxed, cheap stop on this coast: hostels, hammocks, board rental and beach bars along a short village grid. The 2016 earthquake destroyed a large part of it and the rebuild has been slow and uneven, so it is less busy than it was. Caves at the cliff base can be walked to at low tide, paragliders use the same cliffs, and horse riding on the sand is common.

What you actually see

• A beach break most of the year - the surf the village is known for.
• Cliffs and low-tide caves - the walk along the base at low water.
• Kilometres of open sand - the length of the beach.
• Paragliders off the cliff - the same lift that works down the coast.

When to go

December to April for sun and the biggest surf; June to November is grey and cooler with smaller waves. A day or two. Weekends bring visitors from inland.

Honest expectations

The 2016 earthquake damage is still obvious and some of the village never came back. Rip currents on the open beach are dangerous and lifeguarding is minimal. Out of season it is very quiet and many places shut.

Nearby

Bahia de Caraquez is south; Mompiche lies north.