HUANCHACO: THE MAGIC OF SURFING AND COASTAL CULTURE

If you’re looking for an adventure filled with perfect waves, rich culture, and culinary delights, look no further than Huanchaco, Peru. This seaside town is a surfer’s paradise and offers a variety of authentic experiences that will captivate you.. 

How to get to Huanchaco from Trujillo

Huanchaco is about a 30-minute drive from Trujillo, the closest city and the third largest in Peru. You can take a taxi, a colectivo or one of the orange B or H buses from Trujillo to Huanchaco. If you arrive by plane, the Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport in Trujillo is the closest.

Where to Stay: Urcia Surf House

If you are looking for an authentic surf experience, Urcia Surf House is an excellent option to stay. Located near the beach, this surf house offers comfort and quick access to the waves. In addition, there is a variety of hotels and hostels in Huanchaco that adapt to different budgets and preferences.

Enjoy Surfing in Huanchaco

Huanchaco is known as one of the best surf spots in Peru. Its smooth and consistent waves are ideal for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experts. If you are new to surfing, there are surf schools on the beach that offer lessons and equipment rental. The best you could find is Urcia Surf School. If you are already an experienced surfer, take advantage of the excellent conditions and long waves to improve your skills.

Places of Interest in Huanchaco

  • Huanchaco Pier: An icon of the city, this old wooden pier offers a panoramic view of the ocean and is a perfect place to walk and enjoy the sunset.

  • Caballitos de Totora: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the local fishermen sailing their traditional reed rafts, known as “caballitos de totora”. It is a unique show that reflects the ancestral culture of Huanchaco.

  • Museo de Sitio de Huanchaco: Immerse yourself in the history of the region and learn about the Moche culture that inhabited this area thousands of years ago. The museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts.

Water and Land Activities

  • Paseos en Bote de Totora: Join local fishermen for a unique experience on a caballito de totora. Paddle on the waters and learn about traditional artisanal fishing.

  • Paseos en Bicicleta: Explore Huanchaco by bike and explore its cobbled streets. Rent a bike and discover the coastal beauty and the surroundings.

  • Surf spots: Huanchaco is where surfing was born in Peru. Famous for its long left headland (like nearby Chicama or Máncora further north), surfers of all levels will find excellent year-round surf conditions here. Consult all the surf spots in the city
 

Gastronomic Options to Delight the Palate

Huanchaco offers an incredible variety of dining options, from street food stalls to fine dining. You cannot stop trying the fresh ceviche, the iconic dish of the region, and other marine delicacies. Visit the local market for an authentic Peruvian food experience. You will find a wide variety of restaurants on the beach. For a tasty and cheaper menu del dia, feel free to venture into the narrow streets near the market.

Useful Tips for your Trip to Huanchaco

  1. Protect yourself from the sun: The weather in Huanchaco can be sunny and hot. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun while you enjoy the beach.

  2. Respect for Culture: By interacting with locals and participating in cultural activities, you show respect for local customs and traditions.

  3. Learn Some Spanish: Although many locals speak some English, learning some basic Spanish phrases can make communication easier and enrich your experience.

  4. Explore the Surroundings: Take advantage of your time in Huanchaco to explore other nearby places, such as the ancient mud cities of Chan Chan and the Huacas del Sol y la Luna.

  5. Enjoy the Moment: Huanchaco is a place to relax and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Take your time to savor every moment and create unforgettable memories.

Huanchaco awaits you with its waves, its culture and its hospitality. Whether you’re looking for exciting water adventures, enriching cultural experiences, or just relaxing on the beach, this enchanting destination has it all. Get ready to live an unforgettable experience in Huanchaco, Peru!

If you want to learn to surf safely, do not hesitate to join us in Huanchaco, Peru. The Urcia Surf School team awaits you to take you out to sea.

Caballito tour

For thousands of years local fishermen have been using Caballitos de Totora (reed surfboard-like boats) to navigate the ocean and surf the waves. It’s how surfing in Peru started! During our Caballito tour, Santos Urcia – father of Juninho – will show you how a caballito is made and will explain about this tradition that is still very much alive today. Of course you will have plenty of opportunity to try riding one yourself and catch some fish! Afterwards we will have a traditional Peruvian Ceviche lunch where we will prepare the catch of the day together. The tour takes about half a day in total.

Caballito de totora tour by Urcia Surf School in Huanchaco

Massage

After some days of intense surfing a massage can pep you up again! Massages last 1 hour and take place at our masseurs. Let your masseur know which muscles you prefer to be treated.

Yoga

Start or end your day with a relaxing yoga session! The sessions take 1 hour and take place at the beach. Your yoga instructor will adapt the exercises to your level.

Breakfast

Our hearty and healthy surfer breakfast includes coffee or tea, yogurt, cereals, fresh fruits, bread, cheese, ham and eggs. 

We cater for vegetarians, vegans and or alergies. Please indicate this in the comment area.

Breakfast at Urcia Surf House

Spanish Lessons

Combining surfing with learning Spanish
If besides surfing you are up for another challenge, we also offer Spanish lessons as an option for all our surf camp packages. It’s not uncommon for the friendly locals of Huanchaco to start a conversation or give you surf tips while waiting for the next set of waves. Thus you can directly put your new Spanish skills to practice. What better and more relaxed way of learning Spanish than doing so while surfing?

Spanish Lessons
For the Spanish lessons we work together with Manuel, a local spanish teacher with a lot of experience. In 1-hour lessons in small groups he will help build your confidence speaking and understanding Spanish, so that in no-time you will be able to chat with the locals, be it in the line-up or at the bar. The first Spanish lesson your current level will be assessed and based on that the focus for the rest of the course will be determined. At the end of every class you will receive some homework to continue learning in between classes at your own pace.