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Best surfing destinations in South America

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Máncora
Sun‑kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife
7.4
October to March brings northerly swells and warm water to Peru's north coast. The left reef break fronting the main beach works best at high tide and is popular with beginners. Punta Ballenas just south is less crowded. Surf schools and board rentals line the sand.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Experience sunset cocktails at a beachside bar
  • 🍤 Savor fresh ceviche beside the Pacific shoreline
  • 🏄‍♂️ Ride waves on Playa Máncora's world‑class surf spots
Florianopolis
Beaches, lagoons and island adventure
6.8
Spread across an island with at least 42 beaches, the city offers a break for every mood. Praia Mole has consistent waves and lively beach bars. Joaquina adds massive dunes where sandboarders race down the slopes. Some island breaks work year round, though June to August turns cold and rainy.
Highlights:
  • 🦐 Eat fresh seafood at sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa
  • 🌅 Walk the wooden trails above the Lagoa da Conceição dunes
  • 🏄‍♀️ Swim and surf at Praia Mole’s scenic coastline
Chile
Land of dramatic climate contrasts
8.3
Punta de Lobos near Pichilemu is a left point break that can top 30 feet on big winter days. The Ceremonial Punta de Lobos contest draws top big wave riders. The Humboldt Current rarely lets water rise above 62°F, so a 4/3 mm wetsuit is standard. Santiago is about 130 miles away.
Highlights:
  • 🗿 Visit the iconic Easter Island moai statues
  • 🌋 Hike to the summit of the active Villarrica Volcano
  • 🏜️ Explore the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
8.1
Few spots in Rio match Arpoador, where surfers ride a left off the rocks and even under floodlights at night. Beginners fill the lineup most mornings. Saquarema, about two hours northeast, has hosted Brazil's World Surf League stop and is nicknamed the Brazilian Hawaii. Winter from April to October brings the biggest swells.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic sands of Copacabana Beach
  • ✝️ Stand before Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain
  • 🚠 Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views
Peru
Ancient wonders meet diverse landscapes
7.6
Limeños paddle out beneath the Miraflores boardwalk, renting boards at Playa Waikiki before riding Punta Roquitas. La Herradura in Chorrillos is the city's best point break. Fog hangs over Lima for most of the year. The water is cold, so a wetsuit is essential in every season.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Discover the ancient ruins of Cusco’s Sacred Valley
  • 🛶 Take a boat tour on Lake Titicaca’s floating islands
  • ⛰️ Hike the Inca Trail to the majestic Machu Picchu
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
6.6
Warm water means no wetsuit at Mendihuaca Beach, where Caribbean waves arrive agitated and lively. On the Pacific side, a fast boat reaches Pico de Loro near Nuquí. Its strong waves suit intermediate surfers. Pacific swells grow bigger from about May while Caribbean breaks work best from December to March.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Enjoy Colombian coffee at plantations in Salento
  • 🥾 Hike to the Lost City deep in the Sierra Nevada
  • 🏰 Wander the colonial streets of Cartagena’s walled city
Ecuador
Compact country, immense biodiversity
6.5
Montañita's right point break is the wave that put Ecuador on the surfing map. It holds up to about 10 feet and stays fun when small. December to April is prime time, when northwest swells from North Pacific storms bring glassy conditions. Mompiche offers a left point that wakes on big swells.
Highlights:
  • 🌍 Stand at the Equator at Mitad del Mundo
  • 🛍️ Visit the iconic Otavalo Market for local crafts
  • 🥾 Hike the stunning trails of Cajas National Park
Chicama (Puerto Malabrigo)
Endless dunes meet turquoise waves here
The left point break at Malabrigo can peel for up to 2.5 miles. It is widely called the longest left in the world. A perfect ride can last about four minutes. Roaring Forties swells arrive from April to October. Water runs 62 to 70°F, so bring a wetsuit.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic trails around Chicama Valley
  • 🍽️ Taste regional trout in a traditional Andean kitchen
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient ruins of Chavín de Huantar
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