South America is home to some fantastic surf. With plenty of shoreline exposed to the Pacific Ocean, there’s surf up and down the continent. While some spots shine for their powerful barrels or beautiful bowly sections, there are many spots worth checking out for longboarders. In fact, some of the best longboard waves in South America are considered some of the top ones in the world.

Chicama, Perú

Every list of longboard waves in South America should start with the wave at Chicama. Located between Trujillo and Pacasmayo, Chicama is perhaps the most famous wave in Perú. It’s known as the longest left in the world, breaking for up to 4km. Yes, that’s correct. It’s not a typo. You can catch rides on this left with the right conditions that last about two minutes!

The town itself is a mellow little surf town, catering to international travelers coming to see the beauty of the wave. You have to take a domestic flight to Trujillo to get here, but it’s only about an hour or so from the Trujillo airport. The wave length means there are usually plenty of boats around to take you back to the takeoff point, which is a major plus given the currents and length. The wave is super longboard-friendly, especially on fatter and slower days.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the area, you can check out WB Surf Camp. Located right in Chicama, they have tons of experience surfing and guiding in the area. You also can check out Waves Surf Camp and their traveling surf camp! They will take you to various breaks up and down the coast, of course including Chicama.

Montañita, Ecuador

Up north a bit on the coast of Ecuador, Montañita is another great surf spot in general. The best longboard break is known simply as La Punta (the point). It’s a solid right-hand point that offers great longboard waves with remarkable consistency. The swell will get overhead in the North American summer months (April-September), and stay in the chest or head height range the rest of the year. Regardless of when you go, there will almost always be a wave here.

At low tide, La Punta can hollow out a bit. So for longboarders, it may be best to surf any time other than low tide. When the NW swells come in and the soft eastern offshore wind blows, you’ll get a lovely peeler that is perfect for logging. It doesn’t get too crowded, and there are also plenty of more peaky waves on the main beach.

For surf camps, there are a ton of options in the area. We recommend checking out Brothers of the Wave Surf School for 3 day, 6 day, or 7 day surf camps. Three day camps start at around $200, while the 6 day camps are $400 and 7 day camps are $600. We also have heard great things about Tres Palmas, who offer tons of different surf camps in the area.

Huanchaco, Perú

Huanchaco is somewhere every surfer should visit at one point in their lives. Using reeds, the people here have been “surfing” waves for over 3,000 years on their caballito de totora. The culture of connection with the waves and riding the waves here predates modern surfing by literally thousands of years! You’ll find a small town that is deeply deeply rooted in surf culture, unlike anywhere else on the planet.

The waves themselves offer quite a bit of opportunity. The left-hand breaks have something for everyone, and there’s plenty of room on the beach with no shortage of ways. It’s incredibly reliable and consistent, sand-bottomed, and home to beginner and intermediate waves. The months from November to April will offer more consistency, but waves can also pump to double overhead with the right conditions.

Indigan Surf Hostel works together with Urcia Surf School to offer our favorite surf camp in the area. It’s a solid option for surf camps with plenty of offerings. Three day camps run around $100, while 6 day camps are only $200. They also have 11 day camps for $450, 6 day private camps for $500, and a full monthlong surf and Spanish camp for $800.

Jericoacoara, Brazil

Jericoacoara, Brazil is another one that absolutely belongs on any list of longboard waves. Known as Jeri, this spot provides fairly mellow waves that draw beginners and longboarders from all over. The glassy mornings give super soft and slow-breaking waves that really work well for longboarders. The main season is the North American winter, but you’ll also find smaller and more accessible waves in April and May.

It’s an awesome place to surf. Jeri has a rich surf culture, and the chilled out vibes are accompanied by beautiful lagoons, sand dunes, and warm water. It’s relatively uncrowded, one of the prettiest places in the Americas we’ve surfed, and gives some seriously long rides. We definitely recommend this spot for more beginner-oriented longboarders, especially in the shoulder seasons.

We recommend checking out Perfect Day Surf right there in Jeri. They speak English, offer classes for beginners and intermediates, have plenty of rentals, and can help you either learn to surf or get up on the waves. They have a bunch of beautiful longboards for rent too if you don’t want a class and just want a board!

Pichilemu, Chile

Pichilemu is simply one of the best surf spots in Chile in general. The waves over at Punta de Lobos are world-renowned, but not the best for longboarders. Here we’ll talk about the left-hand point break at La Puntilla. Although the beginning can be a bit punchy and steep, it mellows out quickly in the bay.

La Puntilla is a great surf spot for basically anyone. The more advanced surfers can take the steep takeoffs, while longboarders and more beginner surfers can catch the rolling waves on the inside. On some days it can get pumping and hollow, but it generally stays nice and slow and peeling. There are a bunch of schools and camps here, so it can get some crowds in the summer months.

Punta de Lobos Surf Camp offers 4 day beginner camps for about $400, and 7 day camps for $750 right there. You can also check out SuperFun Chile for similarly priced 3 day and 5 day camps!