Los Organos is a more sleepy and quiet beach town. The water is a little colder than in Mancora, but the sun is just as hot! One of the best aspects of the area is its proximity to Pacifico Adventures, a whale watching company run and operated by biologists. The area also attracts a lot of marine life, particularly sea turtles, which regularly visit the fishermen's dock in search of food.

You can take long walks along the beach, swim in the clear ocean waters, and eat leisurely at local restaurants in the plaza because there are no tourist restaurants in town. And why not try a refreshing Peruvian Pisco Sour at one of the local bars? This is something you can expect during your stay in this picturesque coastal town.

Fresh fish is plentiful, so if you like fish and seafood, try the local Ceviche. Ceviche is highly addictive. It's deliciously tangy and scrumptious, made of raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices with several spices thrown in for good measure and served with cilantro, finely chopped onions, and occasionally some diced fresh tomatoes. Forget about TV and the internet because they are unnecessary and waste valuable time. Instead, appreciate what you have while in Los Organos, especially as you may never be back.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5

Location: Organos, Peru

Lobitos, an abandoned ghost town in Peru's far north, is hidden in the middle of the Peruvian desert. The sheer quantity of world-class waves in Peru is absolutely mind-blowing and Lobitos is no exception to the rule. Lobitos was once an oil boom town and is now a rejuvenating surf town and fishing village.

Here in Lobitos, a small tight-knit community of local surfers and fishermen are slowly rebuilding the town out of the literal ruins of a once booming oil town and a Peruvian military base. The landscape of Lobitos is truly astounding as a new town emerges inside the ruins of these old abandoned Victorian and military buildings. The town is also surrounded by a scattered assortment of oil pumps and a multitude of oil rigs sitting off the rugged coastline, a clear testament to its rich oil history.

Wandering through the dusty dirt streets of Lobitos is an unforgettable experience. As you meander past the abandoned plazas, derelict and decaying buildings, and admire the few old Victorian houses that have been thankfully saved and restored, you will be filled with intrigue. The setting feels more like it belongs in the Wild West or on the set of an apocalyptic film. To truly understand the current state of Lobitos, one should learn about its fascinating history and delve into the past.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Location: Talara, Piura, Peru

Chicama is a small town in Northern Peru near the Pan-American Highway. It is about 370 miles (600 kilometers) northwest of Lima, Peru's capital. This is also a historically significant region of Peru. Chicama would be largely unknown to the rest of the world if it didn't have the world's longest wave. This long surf breaks along a beautiful beach, all the way to the end of an old pier.

When it's firing, you can see waves for miles from the top of the cliff. If you aren't a surfer, the town doesn't have much else to offer. Surfers, on the other hand, may consider it paradise. The cold water will make you desire something, and you can’t complain about the waves or all the surf hotel options in the area.

On a good day, one can ride this wave for a length of around 3 kilometers or 1.9 miles. But remember that while the wave is in a remote location, it can get rather crowded when the conditions for surfing are the best.

If visiting here, consider taking an excursion to the ancient Pre-Inca ruins of Chan Chan. Chan Chan was at the center of an advanced and powerful kingdom long before the Incas appeared on the scene - it is the second biggest mud citadel in the world. Other nearby sites of interest include Huaca Del Brujo and Huacas of the Sun and The Moon.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Location: Ascope, La Libertad, Peru

Paracas, a small coastal town of fewer than 5,000 people, is located 150 miles from Lima and is known regionally as the "Hamptons of Peru." Every weekend, hundreds of Limeños, lured by the promise of sun, sea and surf, travel to the town to indulge in a beachside getaway.

The town, which is an odd mix of high-end hotels, backpacker hostels, luxury homes, and run-down storefronts, is one of the country's most enticing and undiscovered destinations. With its wildlife, stark desert landscapes, beautiful beaches, and fascinating history, Paracas is a must-see on any Peruvian itinerary.

The Islas Ballestas are without a doubt the main reason people visit Paracas. These islands are home to a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, and even penguins! Boat tours cost about $15 and depart early each morning.

Tambo Colorado is an Incan archaeological site that can be visited as a day trip from Paracas. The site was known as Pukatampu in the 15th century. The extremely dry climate in the area did an excellent job of preserving a remarkable amount of original paint at the site, which may have originally been painted in horizontal stripes of yellow, red, and white. Because of its position between the coast and the highlands, experts believe the site may have been used as an administrative center by the Inca.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Location: Paracas, Peru

This picturesque town is at the edge of the fertile valley formed by the Cañete River and is graced with a long pier, an extensive stretch of fine sand, and great hospitality. Known as a popular destination among families, Cerro Azul’s charming fishing village also attracts visitors to hang out near the beach and enjoy fresh ceviche.

Surrounded by desert, the little fishing port is one of the best surf spots on the southern coast of Peru. To the left of the main pier, you’ll find the only break in the area. With long lefts and a good swell, the area can get crowded but it’s worth visiting for its quality waves. The best times to surf are early in the morning (6 to 9 am) and late afternoons (4 to 6 pm) when the winds are the calmest.

If you’re feeling adventurous, rent some 4x4s and explore the entirety of the beach. The areas around the pier are usually crowded with chairs and umbrellas, but if you drive out away from the populated spots, the rest of the beach is uncharted and perfect for an adventure.

A popular pastime in Cerro Azul is to fish from the pier—on any given day, you’ll find the pier lined with enthusiastic fishermen with beers in hand. At the entrance of the pier, vendors sell makeshift fishing poles made of blocks of wood with strings attached and sand crabs as bait.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Location: Cerro Azul, Peru

If you are planning to travel to southern Peru take a few days to stop at the beautiful and calm beach of Puerto Inca. As its name suggests, this quiet beach town was once an important port for the Inca empire. About 3 hours south of Nazca, the beach of town can be visited before or after witnessing the Nazca Lines or on the way to Arequipa or Puno. After relaxing on the beach for a few hours, take a 15-minute walk from Hotel Puerto Inka (it’ll stick out like a sore thumb) to an incredible lookout point of red valleys and clear water.

You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards from the hotel. But Puerto Inca is not only about enjoying the coast. This unique beach is also home to the ruins of the principal port of the Inca Empire, which gives you the possibility to have a little historical experience as well, far from the big crowds of tourists.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Location: Huánuco, Peru

Mancora has gained a reputation in Peru and with backpackers as the beach-party town to go to in the country. There are always people going out and about eight restaurants blaring reggaeton at obnoxious levels every night on the beach.

With a claim of 360 days of sunshine per year, Mancora attracts Lima residents looking to escape that city’s seasonal fog and beach-bound international tourists. And if you get out of the center a bit you’ll find some compelling hotels, lovely beaches, and a few chefs who could be holding their own in Lima but are serving it up in Mancora instead.

While the town of Mancora is unlikely to win any beauty pageants, the beaches surrounding it may. Wide sloping stretches of sand, gentle waves, and plenty of options to please everyone, from those looking for a lounge chair, friends, and easy access to cold beers and surfing lessons to those looking for a seafront stretch all to themselves.

The beach in front of Mancora town is long and sweeping, and it's divided into three sections. To the north of town is the tranquil Playa de Amor, which is usually devoid of beach hawkers and crowds. The middle section of the bay is the most central to town, so it's usually the busiest, with more people and hawkers, but it's also the most convenient for restaurants, bars, and surf lessons. To the south of town, there are secluded stretches of sand ideal for reading a book and relaxing away from crowds.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5

Location: Mancora, Talara, Piura, Peru

Cabo Blanco is a small fishing town along Peru's northern coast. This tiny fishing village and its wonderful beach are famous – it is the spot where Ernest Hemingway was inspired to create his seminal novel The Old Man and the Sea. Hemingway spent a large amount of time in Cabo Blanco, attracted there by big-game fishing that was popular in the area in the 1950s and 60s.

Nowadays, the search for huge fish has been overtaken by the hunt for big waves, as surfers are drawn to the area for its excellent surfing opportunities. Not a spot for beginners, the waves here are epically big.

Cabo Blanco is famous for its “Peruvian Pipeline,” a perfect hollow powerful left wave often likened to Hawaii’s Bonzai Pipeline. The famously large ‘Peruvian Pipe’ is a challenge for the many surfers who descend on the beach and is a spectacle to watch. The beach itself is all soft sands bordered by craggy rocks that reflect in the deep blue of the sea. Experienced surfers from around the world congregate in Cabo Blanco during the months of November to January for a chance to ride this renowned pipeline wave.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
Location: Lima, Peru

Huanchaco, a little more than an hour's flight north of Lima, is a world away from the capital city's noise and pollution. This small coastal fishing village has long been a destination for international surfers due to its year-round surf that caters to all levels. The waves close to shore are gentle enough for beginners, but experienced surfers can venture further out to catch larger swells.

Apart from a few newer apartment buildings and restaurants, the town hasn't changed much over the years. Every morning, fishermen set out to sea in small handcrafted boats made from reeds grown in a nearby protected marsh. It’s not unusual to see them mending their nets in front of their homes during the day.

Even though the town has a population of around 70,000 people, the majority of the activity and businesses are concentrated in the small traditional beachside section of town. This is what tourists and locals think of when they describe Huanchaco. Geographically, the town extends quite far in all directions. It takes about an hour to walk the length of the beach and back to your starting point. And the beach runs parallel to the main road from one end of Huanchaco to the other.

Although the surf appears to spit up a new batch of rocks and pebbles onto the sand in front of the town every morning, there are still vast stretches of pristine smooth sandy beach only a few minutes' drive or walk north or south.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
Location: Huanchaco, Peru

Las Pocitas is located just south of Mancora and much quieter than its big, party town brother. It is set in an incredible and large forest of palm trees that give it an attractiveness without parallel. The surrounding beaches are among the best beaches in Peru in which you will enjoy pleasant tropical weather through out the year. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and does not have the intensity that you find in Mancora.

Therefore, this Peruvian beach is ideal for a romantic getaway without so many distractions or festive noises. And if that’s not enough, Las Pocitas offers an excellent selection of luxury resorts and accommodations where you can enjoy vacations for kids. Pools of oceanfront hotels look out onto a row of picturesque palm trees and a dark turquoise sea. You’re sure to have a peaceful stay in a lounge chair or shaded beach bed listening to the waves.

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
Location: Máncora, Peru