Punta Huanchaco became a World Surfing Reserve in October last year due to the two thousand year old wave riding and seafaring history. The wave riding reed boats of Huanchaco, called Caballito de totora, have been used here for fishing since around 100AD. The coast receives so much swell that it was necessary for the early fisherman to create a surf craft that allowed them launch from the beach then ride the waves back to shore with the catch. Today, local fisherman still paddle out daily on there reed boats and there is a thriving local surf community.
The point at Huanchco does not have the
quality of the nearby points at Pacasmayo and Chicama, but it picks
up more swell and always has some fun waves; even when they are too
small. On the other hand, Pacasmayo and Chicama are quite bleak but
Huanchaco is one of the most interesting and nicest places to stop on
the the North coast of Peru. So, it is a good place to recharge and
chill out when the other points are not quite doing their thing.
There is a lot of history and culture to explore around here too,
such as the Moche
Sol
Y Luna temples or the ruins from the ancient Chimu
city of Chan_Chan.
Huanchaco also has great places to eat and is home to Peru's national
dish of Ceviche.
Whilst in Huanchaco we stayed at Casa
Amelia. For about £12 a night we had a split level thatched roof
room with our own private bathroom. The whole place is stylish,
unique and charming. There is a garden, two sun terraces, a communal
kitchen and a lounge. It is one of the best value places I have ever
stayed. It is Peruvian owned and run by a Dutch couple, Paul and
Renee. They work really hard to keep the place nice and do everything
they can to help. Paul is a surfer too and can help arrange trips up
the coast. He also loves to go for a surf with anyone staying there.
Photography by Alexa Poppe, http://www.alexapoppephotography.co.uk/ http://www.alexapoppeweddingphotography.com/
Here is a couple of videos shorts Paul made.
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