Spot · tier 2 · Peru
Pacasmayo
Home to 'El Faro', a long, mechanical left-hand point break next to the old pier that has been called one of the longest rideable waves in the world - a pilgrimage spot for surfers, windsurfers and wave-riding kiters on Peru's north coast. Wind is strong and fairly consistent, but the powerful point-break wave and rocky sections make it better suited to experienced riders than beginners.
wavesintermediate
Wind
| best months |
|
|---|---|
| season notes | Some wind blows year-round, but it is strongest and most reliable September-April. |
| avg knots | 18-20 |
| wind name | trade-thermal |
| direction to shore | cross-shore |
| quality | strong, fairly steady |
| typical kite sizes | 8-11m |
Water
| type | waves |
|---|---|
| wetsuit | wetsuit recommended - Humboldt current keeps water cool |
| currents | current near the pier/point |
Levels
| beginner | no |
|---|---|
| intermediate | yes |
| advanced | yes |
| notes | A powerful, fast left point break; sources describe it as too challenging for beginners and best suited to experienced wave riders. |
Launch & crowd
| description | Launch from the sandy beach adjacent to the point, clear of the surf lineup |
|---|---|
| busy months |
|
| vibe | surf pilgrimage town centered on the El Faro wave, mixed surf/kite/windsurf crowd |
Monthly wind statistics
Station: WeatherSpark modeled climatology at Pacasmayo, La Libertad, Peru (WeatherSpark (NASA MERRA-2 reanalysis, 30-yr modeled 'typical year'), ~0 km) — Windfinder's Pacasmayo spot page explicitly states 'No statistical weather data available' (confirmed live: coordinates -7.40,-79.57 match the spot, current obs only). No usable nearby windfinder station table found. Used WeatherSpark modeled reanalysis climatology instead — note the source list's known_best_months (Sep-Apr, the long-wave surf season) does not match the wind-speed-only pattern here (WeatherSpark shows steadier, slightly stronger wind Jun-Sep); this is a southerly trade-wind pattern typical of the Peru coast, treat prob_ge_4bft_pct as unavailable (null).
| Month | Wind ≥4 Bft | Avg kn | Dir | Air °C | Water °C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | —% | 6.4 | S | 22.2 | 20.6 |
| Feb | —% | 6.2 | S | 23.9 | 22.2 |
| Mar | —% | 6.3 | S | 23.3 | 22.2 |
| Apr | —% | 7 | S | 21.7 | 20.6 |
| May | —% | 7.6 | S | 20.6 | 19.4 |
| Jun | —% | 8 | S | 19.4 | 18.9 |
| Jul | —% | 8.3 | S | 18.3 | 17.8 |
| Aug | —% | 8.3 | S | 17.8 | 17.2 |
| Sep | —% | 8.1 | S | 17.8 | 17.2 |
| Oct | —% | 7.6 | S | 17.8 | 17.2 |
| Nov | —% | 7.1 | S | 18.9 | 17.8 |
| Dec | —% | 6.9 | S | 20.6 | 19.4 |
Hazards
- rocky point/reef sections
- current near the pier
- crowded surfer lineup at El Faro - kite etiquette essential
Tips
- Best wave quality lines up with the southern-hemisphere winter swell season (Jun-Aug), per regional surf forecasts
- Respect the surfer-heavy lineup at the El Faro point break
Travel basics
| airport | Trujillo (TRU), roughly 1.5-2 hours' drive |
|---|---|
| cost level | budget |
| no wind | visit Trujillo's Chan Chan ruins, explore the historic Notre-Dame of Guadalupe church |
Nearby: Chicama
Sources: surf-forecast.com · en.wikipedia.org · rove.me