Puerto Malabrigo Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and naturally beautiful town of Puerto Malabrigo in Peru with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top places to visit, things to do, places to stay, and more.


Puerto Malabrigo, also known as Puerto Chicama, is a small town located in the Northern Coast of Peru, South America. This hidden gem is packed with cultural and natural treasures waiting for travelers to discover. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey to explore Puerto Malabrigo’s top places to visit, things to do, places to stay, and more.

Introduction to Puerto Malabrigo

Puerto Malabrigo is a charming town with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. The town is famous for its long, consistent waves perfect for surfing, making it one of the best surf spots in Peru. Despite being a small town, Puerto Malabrigo has a lot to offer in terms of cultural and natural attractions, pristine beaches, and outdoor adventure activities.

List of Places to Visit in Puerto Malabrigo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo de Sitio Huaca de la Luna: This museum is located near the Moche archaeological site and displays pottery, textiles, ceramics, and other artifacts from the Moche culture.

  • Plaza de Armas de Trujillo: The main square of the nearby city of Trujillo features colonial architecture and a vibrant atmosphere.

  • Huaca del Sol: This pyramid is one of the largest adobe structures in the world and was once the site of the ancient Moche capital.

Natural Attractions of Puerto Malabrigo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Puerto Malabrigo Beach: This long and secluded beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing while enjoying breathtaking views of the sunset.

  • Cerro del Medio Mundo: This hill offers stunning panoramic views of the town of Chicama, Trujillo and the surrounding countryside.

  • El Balcon de Chicama: This viewpoint offers amazing scenic views of the Chicama Beach and town.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Puerto Malabrigo

  • Cerro del Medio Mundo Trail: This hiking trail takes you on a journey through the beautiful countryside of Puerto Malabrigo to the top of Cerro del Medio Mundo.

  • Chicama Beach Trail: This walking and biking trail follows the coastline, offering stunning views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean.

Best Things to Do in Puerto Malabrigo: Activities and Tours

  • Surfing Lessons: Take a surfing lesson and ride the long and consistent waves of Chicama.

  • Sandboarding: Experience the thrill of sandboarding down the dunes of Huacachina.

  • Horse Riding: Go on a horse-riding adventure through the beautiful countryside of Puerto Malabrigo.

Week-Long Itinerary for Puerto Malabrigo

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at a hotel or guesthouse

Day 2: Visit Huaca del Sol and Museo de Sitio Huaca de la Luna

Day 3: Surfing lessons at Chicama Beach

Day 4: Hiking at Cerro del Medio Mundo

Day 5: Sandboarding at Huacachina

Day 6: Horse Riding in the countryside

Day 7: Departure from Puerto Malabrigo

Food and Drink Scene of Puerto Malabrigo

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ceviche: The fresh seafood is marinated in lime juice and served with corn, sweet potato and onion.

  • Lomo Saltado: This Peruvian-Chinese fusion dish features sliced beef, onions and tomatoes, served over rice.

Local Beverages

  • Pisco Sour: This iconic Peruvian cocktail features Pisco, lime juice, egg white and a dash of bitters.

  • Chicha Morada: This traditional Peruvian drink is made from purple corn, cinnamon and cloves.

Where to Stay in Puerto Malabrigo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Surf House Chicama: This guesthouse is located just a few steps away from the beach and offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

  • Hotel Agua Dulce: This hotel offers spacious and elegant rooms with amazing views of the beach and the ocean.

  • Chicama Surf Hostel: This hostel is perfect for budget travelers who want to be close to the beach and in the heart of Puerto Malabrigo’s surfing scene.

What to Buy in Puerto Malabrigo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Alpaca Wool: Puerto Malabrigo is known for its high-quality alpaca wool products, including sweaters, hats, and scarves.

  • Handmade Pottery: The town is famous for its ceramics and pottery, which make great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Puerto Malabrigo

Puerto Malabrigo is a friendly and welcoming community that values its traditions and customs. Visitors should be respectful of the local culture and customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and ask for permission before taking pictures.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Malabrigo

The best time to visit Puerto Malabrigo is between December and March when the weather is sunny and dry, and the waves are at their best for surfing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Puerto Malabrigo

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases.

  • Try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public areas.

  • Drink tap water.

  • Leave your valuable belongings unattended in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Puerto Malabrigo

Puerto Malabrigo is generally a safe place for travelers. However, visitors should be cautious when walking alone at night and not leave their belongings unattended on the beach.

Health in Puerto Malabrigo

Travelers should be up to date on routine vaccines (e.g. measles, mumps, and rubella). It is also recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever.

Getting to Puerto Malabrigo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Puerto Malabrigo

The nearest international airport is Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, which is approximately 600km away from Puerto Malabrigo.

Bus Stations Near Puerto Malabrigo

Chicama Bus Terminal is the closest bus station to Puerto Malabrigo and offers frequent buses to Trujillo and other nearby towns.

Other Options

Another option is to hire a private car or taxi from Trujillo to Puerto Malabrigo.

How to Get Around in Puerto Malabrigo

Puerto Malabrigo is a small town that can be easily explored on foot or by renting a bicycle from one of the many rental shops around town.

Where to Go Next from Puerto Malabrigo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Trujillo: This nearby city is home to colonial architecture, historic sites, and a vibrant atmosphere.

  • Huanchaco: A charming beach town located just 20km from Trujillo that is famous for its traditional reed boats and seafood.

Conclusion

Puerto Malabrigo is a hidden gem that should not be missed by any traveler visiting Peru. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and wealth of outdoor activities and attractions, Puerto Malabrigo is sure to delight and inspire.