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Peru, situated in the northwest of the South American continent, is not only the land of the Incas but also a place of glaring contrasts. Travellers can visit parts of the 2400 km long coastline, they can hike trough rainforests in the east or dry deserts in the west.

They even have the possibility to climb summits which are up to 6,800 meters high in the Andes. Peru never gets boring. Machu Pichu is surely the best known place of interest; however, there are many other historical cities from the time of the ancient civilizations.

Who travels to the Andes, should absolutely make a detour to the Lake Titicaca. Peru’s waves can be surfed all year round.

Peru’s climate is totally diversified. Very dry coastal regions in the west contrast strongly with a humid, tropical east and the high alpine Andes. Due to the cool Humboldt Current, from April to November the coast is often very foggy.

During this time, air and water temperature are quite chilly; they only average about 20 °C. The most precipitation falls, apart from permanently humid regions in the east, from December to May.

Peru is known for its long lefts that break on the craggy coast. Wave height in the north is rather seasonal, the best conditions can be found from November to March.

During the rest of the year only small swells hit the reefs and beaches of northern Peru. However, the south is supplied constantly with swell from the Antarctic, which in the winter months from June to October can get very big.

The water in the south is rather cool due to the Humboldt Current, that’s why a good wetsuit is recommended all year round. Always remember when surfing in Peru: The more to the south one travels, the cooler does the water get!

Best season for beginners: All year round
Best season for advanced surfers: From June to October

Crowds: Close to cities waves get rather busy

Most travellers fly to the international airport "Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez" in Lima (LIM). Who likes to visit the north of Peru can also choose Ecuador as destination and can start his trip to the south from there.

Within the country, long distances are best covered by small airplanes. For shorter trips, busses are more convenient though. A rental car is only recommended for shorter distances or for a trip on the Panamericana, but it is quite stressful to drive for hours on end in the South American traffic.

For people with more times on hand, Airpasses like the Mercosur Airpass or the all America Airpass which includes even North America, are very useful.