Imagine floating in the ocean, far from the noise, connected only to the sea and your board. Time seems to stand still, but at the same time you’ve never felt so attentive, so present. Surfing is one of those sports that has a deep connection with nature.
Situated between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Caribbean Sea, with over 32,000 kilometres of coastline, Latin America boasts some incredible and iconic surfing destinations. Whether you’re a beginner, an amateur or a professional, as well as offering incredible waves, the waters of these beaches boast heavenly landscapes and climates that make every session, all year round, an unforgettable experience.
Nosara, Costa Rica
- Level: beginner → advanced
- Best season: green season (June-November) with a constant swell; dry season (December to May) with smaller waves but guaranteed sunshine.
- Average waves: 0.6 – 2.5 m
- Access: Liberia International Airport (LIR), 2 hrs 30 mins drive
Recognised by National Geographic as one of the best surfing destinations in the world, Nosara boasts several beaches, each with its own unique characteristics, making it an ideal destination for surfers of all levels.
Guiones beach has gentle lines for beginners, then deepens at high tide for intermediates. At high tide too, the waves can be more powerful and deeper, attracting intermediate and advanced surfers. On the other hand, Nosara beach is more popular with experienced surfers, as its waves are the highest in Costa Rica!
La Paz, El Salvador
- Level: all levels
- Best season: April-October (South Pacific swell)
- Average waves: 1 – 3.5 m
- Access: San Salvador airport (SAL), 45 min drive
This beach has a privileged geography with coves and rock formations, which favours the formation of regular, good-sized waves. At the same time, its proximity to other well-known spots such as Punta Roca gives experienced surfers access to more powerful and technical waves: the destination has become the spot for international events and championships (WSL).
The destination not only boasts a first-class team of surf instructors, but also long, smooth, consistent waves, making it easy to learn and practice surfing safely and at all levels.
Florianópolis, Brazil
- Level: beginner → expert
- Best season: April-September (austral winter)
- Medium waves: 1 – 4 m
- Access: Hercílio Luz airport (FLN)
Known as the surfing capital of Brazil, the city has a strong surfing culture with several surf schools, camps and specialist shops. Its beach breaks and powerful waves at places like Praia Mole and Joaquina have made this destination the centre of international championships and the birthplace of world-famous surfers.
Also known as “Floripa“, it boasts over 42 beaches! It’s interesting to note that Joaquina has lighting so you can surf at night, making it a spot where you can surf 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
- Level: intermediate / expert (beginners at La Punta & Carrizalillo)
- Best season: April-October
- Average waves: 1.5 – 6 m (up to 8 m at Zicatela)
- Access: Puerto Escondido (PXM) or Huatulco (HUX) airport 1 h 30 mins
With its golden sandy beaches, Puerto Escondido is one of Latin America’s most legendary surf spots. Nicknamed the ‘Mexican pipeline’, its most famous beach, Zicatela, is known for its powerful waves and ideal barrels! It hosts international competitions and offers a challenge to experienced surfers in search of new challenges.
But this paradise in the Oaxaca region is not just for professionals: those taking their first steps in surfing will find gentler, more regular waves at La Punta or Carrizalillo, so they can enjoy the sea in complete safety. All this, combined with the relaxed atmosphere, cultural offering and local gastronomy: a destination with a well-deserved reputation.
Chicama, Peru
- Level: experienced longboarders & shortboarders
- Best season: March-November
- Average waves: 0.8 – 2.5 m (up to 4 km of ride)
- Access: Trujillo airport (TRU) then 1hr 15min drive
Near the port of Malabrigo stretches one of the absolute legends of surfing: Chicama. Spotted in the 1960s by an American pilot fascinated by the perfect regularity of the lines seen from his cockpit, this wave rolls out over more than a kilometre – and can exceed 4 km in big swells – earning it the title of the longest left in the world. With a headwind, the wall of water deepens even further, making the ride almost endless – a dream come true for fans of long rides and noseriding.
Accessible all year round, the spot is divided into several sections: perfect for longboarders in search of muffled curves as well as seasoned shortboarders: a must for any surfing odyssey in Latin America.
Pichilemu, Chile
- Level: beginner → expert (depending on the spot)
- Best season: April-October (austral winter, regular swells)
- Average waves: 1 – 5 m + on the biggest sets at Punta de Lobos
- Access: Santiago airport (SCL), then a 3.5-hour drive or direct bus service
Pichilemu, which means ‘little forest’ in the Mapuche language, boasts long beaches fringed by rocks and cliffs, making it one of Chile’s richest seaside and nature resorts. The beaches of Puntilla and Terrazas offer gentle, safe lefts, ideal for learning.
At the southern end, Punta de Lobos offers a muscular challenge: a rocky launch, a rough channel, then hills to climb before hurtling over powerful walls that can exceed five metres. On lucky days, sea lions bask on the famous granite stacks – a sight that reminds us that here, we share the wave with the wilderness.
From the gentle lines of Nosara to the giant rollers of Zicatela, to the endless sections of Chicama, Latin America offers a catalogue of spots 365 days a year. For travel professionals, it’s the assurance of flexible itineraries combining sport, culture and nature. For every rider, the promise of a moment when, on the crest of a wave, time truly stands still.
Photos: Chile Travel | El Salvador Travel | DR | Visit Brazil | Onmywaysoon
