Northern Coast & Surf, Peru

Northern Peru's coast strings Máncora's Pacific surf town, Chiclayo's Lord of Sipán Moche tomb museum, Trujillo's Chimú citadel of Chan Chan (the world's largest mud-brick city), and the Pacific cevicherías between.

Highlights

When to Visit

Dec-Apr

Northern Peru's warmest swimming window with Máncora at high season, Chan Chan walking pleasant, and the Lord of Sipán museum at Lambayeque comfortably navigable.

May-Nov

Cooler Pacific season with Máncora surf at peak swell, Chiclayo and Trujillo accessible without coastal fog issues, and the Moche pyramid trail uncluttered.

Jun-Aug

Sea cooler but surf at peak, Chan Chan walks pleasant, and the Marinera Festival in Trujillo late January aside, winter is the inland archaeological window.

Jan-Feb

Marinera National Festival in Trujillo last week of January fills the Plaza de Armas with the country's defining traditional dance competition.