CHICAMA TRAVEL GUIDE
HOW TO GET THERE?
Nowadays travelling within Peru means you can find modern airports and airlines of international prestige which are supervised by the airline transport authority to comply with security and consumer standards.
There are many weekly and daily frequencies from Europe and the USA to Peru as well as efficient intraregional connections from Chile, Brazil and Ecuador that get you to Lima ́s international airport.
Getting to Chicama from Lima
By Plane: There are 2 airlines that operate flights from Lima to Trujillo; these are LAN and STAR Peru. Both airlines do charge extras for surfboards. Safari Surf Adventures provides a transfer from the airport to the hotel (1 hour car ride) and vice versa included in your package.
Here you will find approximate rates and you can even access to a website to make your own flight reservation.
LAN Peru
LAN Peru Offer daily departures 3 times a day and offer a special fare for round trips at about US$ 380-, though lower prices may be found subjected to availability. If you want to book a flight just click here
By Bus: There are several bus companies providing shuttle service from Lima to Trujillo. We recommend you take Cruz del Sur, which has 3 daily departures, though we recommend you take departures at 22hrs as you will be arriving in Trujillo early in the morning the next day after a 9 hrs drive. Rates are vary from approx. US$31,- Bed seat and US$ 40,- for the VIP Class Crucero. Bus companies charge an extra for each surf board that may vary from S/.10 to S/.20 per board.
If you want to book a seat in Cruz del Sur, please click here
PASSPORT & EMERGENCY CONTACT
Visa and Embarkation Card
Citizens of most countries in the Americas and Western Europe do not require a visa to travel to Peru. When entering Peru you will be asked to fill out an embarkation card. This piece of paper is very important since it has to be given to the migratory authority when you leave the country, do not loose it. We recommend you make various copies of your passport and embarkation card in case the originals are lost.
Visa
EU passport holders do not require a visa to enter Peru for tourist purposes. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your date of entry. If you hold a passport from outside the European Union we strongly recommend that you check with your nearest Peruvian Embassy.
Emergency Contact Info
Main Emergency Numbers (Peru): Police (105), Ambulance (117), Fire (116)
Safari Surf Adventures office (California): +1-800-433-3355
Safari Surf Adventures Skype: safarisurf
Safari Surf Adventures Email: tim@safarisurfadventures.com
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Although Peru is in the tropics, its weather is variable due to the geographical diversity (coast, highlands and Amazon) and to the cold-water current of Humboldt in winter and the warm water current of El Niño in the summer.
In Chicama the water is cool (17-22 °C), like much of Peru, due to cold currents from the south. Climate is warm and spring like (15-28 °C), however wind chill is a factor, created by the venturi effects from the headland. A 2-3 mm wetsuit is recommended.
WHAT TO BRING?
Surfing items:
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Cold water surf wax
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3mm/2mm full wetsuit
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Water sport sunscreen – minimum SPF 30+
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Beach Towel
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Extra fins, leash and repair resin (recommended)
Non-Surfing items:
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Hat
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Sun glasses
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Warm and cool weather clothing
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Copy of your passport
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Visa card or M/C debit card for ATM (if cash is needed)
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Camera
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Mosquito repellent
CULTURAL HINTS
Peru’s civilization is the oldest in South America. Neighbouring countries have been created from ancient Peruvian territory and empire.
Peru was the political and productive centre of the region with a privileged and special geographical location.
Modern Peru boasts entrepreneurs who have rediscovered their capacity to create new wealth, businesses and services. The country has overcome difficult political and economic crises. Although Peru is still undergoing the consolidation of its institutions, the country has now seen over two decades of democracy.
There are various celebrations and festivals in Peru, including patron saint feasts, processions, carnivals and rituals, encompassing the expression of belief in God, respect for nature and the celebration of freedom. Peruvian festivals have a mystical side to them; most of them are the result of a fusion between Catholicism and pre-Hispanic religious traditions. Repaying the earth is part of the main celebrations in all regions, and is about rewarding and recognizing the Pachamama (Mother Earth) for her endless generosity.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Internet Access
Our partner hotel provides free internet WiFi and even 2 Laptops at the bar. If you are bringing your own laptop, just ask at the hotel ́s reception for the access code and you can have free internet access in all areas of the hotel.
Water
We recommend you to drink only bottled or previously boiled water and to bring a water bottle, especially if you will be travelling outside of the larger cities. To prevent dehydration, especially during summer, it is recommended to drink three litters of liquids daily – water, tea or sodas. We provide bottled water at the hotel and even include one bottle every day at your room per person.
Money
The local currency is called Sol
1 USD = ~ 3.3 Sol
1 Euro = ~ 3.6 Sol
1 GBP = ~ 4.2 Sol
You can check online prior to your visit for up to date exchange information.
Electrical
220-240-volt electricity, the same as the EU.
Plugs are typically the 2-pronged round type so EU travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.
SOME WORDS
Questions
| SPANISH | ENGLISH |
|---|---|
| Buenos días | Good morning |
| ¿Puedo…? | ¿Can I…? |
| Buenas tardes | Good afternoon |
| Buenas noches | Good evening (greeting) |
| Hola, me llamo Juan | Hello, my name is John |
| ¿Cómo se llama usted? | What is your name? |
| ¿Cómo está usted? | How are you? |
| Estoy bien | I am fine |
| Mucho gusto | Nice to meet you |
| Adiós | Goodbye |
| Hasta luego | See you later |
| Estoy perdido ¿Dónde está el baño? | I am lost Where is the restroom? |
| Con permiso OR Perdóname | Excuse me |
| Por favor | Please |
| Gracías | Thank you |
| Lo siento | I’m sorry |
| Salud | Bless you |
| De nada | You are welcome (it was nothing) |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? |
| ¿Cuántos hay? | How many are there? |
| Hay muchos | There are many |
| ¿Quiere comprarlo usted? | Do you want to buy this? |
| ¿Qué hora es? | What time is it? |
| ¿Cómo se dice maybe en Español? | How do you say maybe in Spanish? |
| Sí | Yes |
| No | No |
| Yo no comprendo | I do not understand |
| Por favor, habla mas despacio | Would you speak slower, please |
| ¿Quièn? | Who? |
| ¿Por què? | Why? |
Surfing words
| SPANISH | ENGLISH |
|---|---|
| surfear | surf |
| surfo, surfista | surfer |
| giro fluido | carve |
| giro abajo | bottom turn |
| bajar (yo bajé en la ola – I dropped on the wave) | drop in |
| caer (me caî – I fell) | fall |
| azotar (yo azoté – I wiped out ) | wipeout |
| una caida espectacular | wipeout 2 |
| recortar | cutback |
| correr | riding |
| agarrar | catch (grab) a wave |
| flotador | floater |
| maniobras | manuevers |
| trucos | tricks |
| aéreo | aerial |
| estilio | style |
| fluido | fluid |
| de espalda | backside |
| de frente | frontside |
| goofy (pie derecho adelante) | goofy foot |
| regular (pie izquierdo adelante) | regular foot |
