Punta Prieta
Punta Prieta ("Dark Point") is a left point break in the La Libertad region, offering uncrowded waves near the more famous Chicama and Pacasmayo. The dark volcanic rock gives the spot its name.
Punta Prieta surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (202°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 225°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 110° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Near Puemape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Punta Prieta?
Punta Prieta is a point break in La Libertad, Peru, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Punta Prieta?
Punta Prieta picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. 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 Punta Prieta?
A SE wind is dead offshore at Punta Prieta, and anything from the ESE round to the SSE 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 Punta Prieta?
Punta Prieta is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.4m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Punta Prieta?
The most reliable run of swell at Punta Prieta comes Apr to Oct. There's a second window in Mar and Nov too. Near Puemape.
How cold is the water at Punta Prieta?
The water at Punta Prieta averages around 17°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 Punta Prieta 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 2/10). Rocky point.
How do I get to Punta Prieta?
The nearest airport on our list is TRU, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. Near Puemape.
What other surf spots are near Punta Prieta?
The closest breaks we track are Puemape (2.9 km), Chicama (14 km) and El Faro (14 km), handy when Punta Prieta isn't working. We track 4 spots around La Libertad in total.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
Near Puemape.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Puemape
🌊 Hidden gem • Between the famous spots • Less crowded
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
Chicama - Keys
🔑 Inside section • Near the pier • Perfect walls
Chicama - Malpaso
🛢️ Barrel section • Low tide tubes • Chicama hollow