Pacasmayo
Pacasmayo is Chicama's slightly shorter but equally sublime cousin—a left point break that can offer rides of over a kilometer when the conditions conspire. Located just south of the world's longest wave, Pacasmayo provides an alternative when Chicama is too crowded or not quite connecting. The wave peels along a sandy point with remarkable consistency, offering endless walls for carving and the occasional hollow section. The pier provides both a landmark and wind shelter. For those chasing the Peruvian point break dream, Pacasmayo delivers the same infinite sensation with a fraction of the fanfare.
Pacasmayo surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 240°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (100°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 140°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.8m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Access from pier area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Pacasmayo?
Pacasmayo is a point break in La Libertad, Peru, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Pacasmayo?
Pacasmayo picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Pacasmayo?
An E wind is dead offshore at Pacasmayo, and anything from the ENE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Pacasmayo?
Pacasmayo has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.5m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Pacasmayo?
The most reliable run of swell at Pacasmayo comes Mar to Oct. There's a second window in Nov to Feb too. Year-round. Biggest swells March-October.
How cold is the water at Pacasmayo?
The water at Pacasmayo averages around 18°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Pacasmayo good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Rocky point. Long paddle back.
How do I get to Pacasmayo?
The nearest airport on our list is TRU, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Access from pier area.
What other surf spots are near Pacasmayo?
The closest breaks we track are La Boca (1.3 km), Puemape (21 km) and Punta Prieta (23 km), handy when Pacasmayo isn't working. We track 4 spots around La Libertad in total.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round. Biggest swells March-October.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
La Boca
🌊 Pacasmayo inside section • Forgiving waves • Learn to point surf
Puemape
🌊 Hidden gem • Between the famous spots • Less crowded
Punta Prieta
🌑 Dark Point • Volcanic rock • Empty waves
Chicama
📏 World's longest left • 2km to the pier • First legally protected wave
El Faro
🗼 Chicama starting point • Connects to main wave • Part of longest ride
Chicama - El Point
🌍 World longest left • 2km+ rides • Bucket list wave
Plan a trip around Pacasmayo
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