El Faro
El Faro is the starting section of the legendary Chicama wave complex - when conditions align, you can catch waves here and ride all the way through to the inner sections for the world's longest ride.
El Faro surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to TRU, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when South America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in South America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full El Faro trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 195° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Northern end of Chicama point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Faro?
The El Faro profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at El Faro?
The El Faro profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 45°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at El Faro?
The El Faro scoring profile favors swell from SSW (195° to 230°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf El Faro?
The main season at El Faro is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Mar, Nov. Part of Chicama wave complex. First section.
How do I get to El Faro?
The spot profile lists TRU as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 90 minutes. Northern end of Chicama point.
What kind of wave is El Faro?
El Faro is a point break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
Part of Chicama wave complex. First section.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Chicama
📏 World's longest wave • 2km+ possible • Four connecting sections
Chicama - El Point
🌍 World longest left • 2km+ rides • Bucket list wave
Chicama - Keys
🔑 Inside section • Near the pier • Perfect walls
Chicama - Malpaso
🛢️ Barrel section • Low tide tubes • Chicama hollow
Punta Prieta
🌑 Dark Point • Volcanic rock • Empty waves
Puemape
🌊 Hidden gem • Between the famous spots • Less crowded