Puemape is a long left that sits between the super-points of Pacasmayo and Chicama, and it leans more reefbreak than classic point. The exposed shelf out front of a rocky tongue of land catches south and west swell readily, and on small days it often runs a bit bigger than Pacasmayo. The drop is sharp with rocks scattered through the periphery of your vision, and the wave starts fast and steep with some cover-up potential before bending into the sandy bay, where it fattens out but keeps plenty of push down the tapered, slopey shoulders. The setting is an eerie ghost town of dilapidated shacks with only a handful of fishermen still in residence.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from south through southwest, with south the best match, and it breaks over a mix of uneven reef and sand. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft. Consistency is excellent, so there are waves on offer far more often than not. Winter souths are the ones to target, since summer swells tend to disturb the sand.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast offshore wind, and get there early. Puemape blows out easily and northeast winds rarely hold all day, so it is a dawn session or nothing. It works on low and mid tide, with a rising tide the better call.
Local Tips
This one is for experts. Between the sharp drop, the surrounding rocks, and the arm-burning rips running north, it asks for real confidence in the water. Urchins are a factor too. The lineup stays fairly quiet when it is on.
Access
Camping is fine here, but you are a long way from help, and the road in has claimed a few rental cars in the soft sand.
