Chicama

The wave at Puerto Malabrigo, universally called Chicama, breaks left along a headland and sandbar for a distance that on the best days runs over two kilometres, in a series of linked sections that a strong surfer can ride for several minutes on a single wave - it is widely accepted as the longest rideable left in the world, and the reason surfers come from everywhere to a small fishing port with almost nothing else in it. It is a point break, not a beach break: consistent, mechanical, rarely large, and forgiving enough that intermediate surfers ride it, though the paddle back is so long that most people take the boat lifts local operators run up the point. In 2013 Peru passed a law protecting the wave from coastal works that could alter it, making it among the first waves anywhere given legal protection. The town is basic, the water is cold and a wetsuit is needed year-round.

The landscape

• The wave - a left point break running over two kilometres on the best days.
• The boat lifts - operators running surfers back up the point rather than paddling.
• The legal protection - the 2013 law shielding the wave from coastal works.
• The town - a small fishing port with little beyond surf infrastructure.

When to go

April to October, when the southern swells run. The water is cold year-round and a wetsuit is necessary. Two to five days to get enough sessions.

What to expect

The full-length wave only happens on the right swell - most days give shorter rides. Cold water, wetsuit needed year-round. Puerto Malabrigo is small and basic with limited food and accommodation. The paddle back is long enough that boat lifts are effectively necessary.

Nearby

Trujillo, Chan Chan and Huanchaco are south-east.

Key facts