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So there is a slim possibility that we could hit up the Galapagos on our trip to Ecuador and Peru. I was wondering if anyone has been and could tell me about their experience. I'm wondering if it might be easier to show up and hitch rides as opposed to getting a package deal. I'm having difficulty getting a straight answer from tour guides.

What are the prices and variety of used boards of mainland Ecuador like. Canoa and Montanita seem like the best bet for used boards; what about Atacames or Quito?

How would you deal with traveling with a board by bus? I was thinking of covering them with cardboard boxes and getting out each time it stops to make sure no one messes with it, but that would seriously suck so if you have a better idea I would like to know.

Has anyone traveled around Central Peru where Chicamas et al are? I understand it is a bit of a frontier like Baja with all the corresponding threats. How did you deal with that as far as getting to waves, leaving your stuff while in the water and finding safe places to stay?

Quito

Que es?

Bring you boards if you can. Sucks to ride shitt board or boards you’re not used to on a sick trip.

If you don't at least bring a day bag for the buses, forget about cardboard unless your break dancing. Rode buses with at least 2-3 boards all over Central America. Those dudes just throw you bag under the bus, literally.

You could also order a board from a local shaper ahead of time and have a freshy waiting? Ecuador is a good source for balsa blanks. As for the surf hear Ecuador’s a bit fickle compared to Peru. Buddy was just in Lima area and said it was epic. To many lefts for my blood though.

Buenos suerte.

Dunno about that particular area but my experiences with boards on a bus have been similar to quad's. Best thing to do is to refuse to give them the board and put it in the cargo area yourself, after everyone else has put their stuff in. Also, daybag is a minimum.

Sounds like a sweet trip, definitely worth having your own board(s).

As for the surf hear Ecuador’s a bit fickle compared to Peru. Buddy was just in Lima area and said it was epic.

Yeah we're trying to hit up some north facing areas until the south's start rolling in nearer June. By then we should be south of Cabo Blanco. We're both goofy. Speaking of goofy; apparently a major problem at Chicama right now is a surf resort offering boat rides back out to the main take off area. They sit in the boat until a set comes so they don't have to paddle against the current. Seems completely contrary to all that is surfing as I understand it.

So the consensus is to just get a board bag for bus travel and load it myself. Airlines charge more than it would cost to get a brand new custom deck. I can't do that out of principle. I don't mind riding janky boards and we've got some time to be picky. Besides three janky boards for the price of bringing one.

What did you guys do when you didn't have a place to leave your stuff while out surfing?

In regards to Chicama, there are a couple of places to stay (hotels) out on the point where it is safe to leave your belongings while surfing. However, I prefered to stay in Pacasamayo, about an hour away, and take a taxi to Chicama when it was breaking. The wave at Pacasamayo, El Faro, is exceptional and picks up much more swell than Chicama. When El Faro is too big to surf then Chicama turns on. The town of Pacasamayo is a traditional Peruvian community, which I found very enjoyable durring my stays there. The food was incredible, the accomodations comfortable and the people friendly.

Thanks, that's some really good to know information.

7 days.....but really, who's counting.....

escondido_vida wrote:7 days.....but really, who's counting.....

so jealous...! have fun you two! (& be safe)

we'll get set up, then you come on down Safety first!

And we're off. Looks like this will be bangbuster season here, hope you all get some.

Have a great time post up some pics.............