The Best Surf Hostels to Book in Peru

If you want to focus solely on surfing, use Selina, one of the more picturesque hostels in Mancora, as a base. This wellness-focused retreat is right in the heart of the action, but you won’t be distracted here by anything but the ocean. Stay in one of the colorful tee-pee-shaped cabanas, before booking a lesson with the Selina Surf Club. The beachfront hotel also has a pool, yoga shalas and co-working spaces.

Moksha sits in Huanchaco – a town growing in popularity due to its surf breaks, ceviche and traditional fishing village vibes – just steps from the waves of Playa El Elio. This small, charming hostel has an outdoor kitchen, reading room, restaurant and gardens, plus plenty of hammocks and even a half-pipe for skateboarding. After a day of surfing, try the sunset yoga classes the hostel offers.

Set in the trendiest district of Lima – Miraflores – Selina Posada blends traditional Criollismo style with Selina’s signature bohemian look. The micro room and standard-size rooms are colorful and feature bright patterned textiles and murals. The building is home to community rooms, a restaurant, cocktail bar and coworking areas with locally curated interiors. Join a guided bike tour, trek in the Lucumo Hills, or grab a surfboard and head to the nearby waves at Waikiki Beach.

Home to the longest left-breaking wave in the world, Chicama is Peru’s best-kept secret. It’s about an hour from Trujillo – in the northern Peruvian desert – and great for all skill levels but perfect for beginner surfers. Rent one of the bamboo-covered bungalows at Surf House, which have private gardens and a plush bed that guarantee a good night’s rest, to relax before tackling the wave. After a morning session, head back to the hostel for the complimentary breakfast.

Wake up to the sound of the waves at Psygon Surf Camp, just 20m (65ft) from the sea in Mancora. Use this as your base, especially if you want to get lessons – they offer martial arts as well as surfing classes. The instructors can take you to the nearby breaks, which are among the most popular surfing and kite-surfing spots in the country. Booking a bed in a dorm room gives you access to the swimming pool, bar, restaurant and even live events and performances. What’s more, the price includes breakfast.

Loki throws some of the best fiestas in Mancora. This white-washed, beachfront property is ideal for those who want to surf and socialize. Mingle around the pool, which is surrounded by hammocks, thatched umbrellas and a restaurant that blasts music from sunrise. The mixed and female-only dorms are simple, but chances are you won’t be doing much sleeping here anyway.

At first glance, Lobitos may seem like a ghost town but it’s actually home to some of the best surf spots in Peru. La Casona, meaning the big house in Spanish, is a beachfront retreat with mural-covered dorms and private rooms. There’s a game room with a billiards table and table tennis and a wraparound porch to scope out the wave conditions. There are also meditation sessions and both free and donation-based yoga classes on the terrace.

Only known by the most serious surfers, Zorritos in northern Peru is a small fishing village turned surfing destination. If you’re in town, stay at Casa Kresala. Unassuming from the outside, this bamboo building is home to a charming beachfront hostel and cozy communal space. The owners are happy to rent you surfboards, point out the best breaks and cook up delicious vegetarian meals at their restaurant.