PUERTO CHICAMA

• PEPCH
• Latitude: -7.69373
• Longitude: -79.4394
• West South America
• Port in Peru

Location: Peru

Puerto Chicama, also known as Puerto Malabrigo, is a notable marine port located in the La Libertad region on the northern coast of Peru. It is primarily recognized for its significance to the local fishing industry and its fame among the international surfing community due to the nearby Chicama waves, which are considered some of the longest left-hand waves in the world.

Description:

• Location: Situated approximately 70 kilometers northwest of the city of Trujillo in the region of La Libertad.
• Coordinates: Roughly 7°42' S latitude and 79°27' W longitude.
• Function: Primarily a fishing port with facilities for small-scale and industrial fishing operations. It serves as a crucial hub for the local fishing community.
• Surroundings: The port area is surrounded by arid desert terrain characteristic of the northern Peruvian coastal landscape. The town of Puerto Chicama itself is a small, relatively quiet community.

Specifications:

1. Harbor Type: Small port, mainly used for fishing activities.
2. Facilities:
   • Fishing Dock: Equipped to handle a variety of fishing vessels, from small artisanal boats to larger industrial fishing ships.
   • Warehouse and Storage Facilities: Available for storing fishing equipment and processed catch.
   • Landing Sites: Multiple landing sites where fish can be unloaded and processed.
3. Navigational Aids: Standard navigational aids to ensure safe entry and departure for vessels operating in the area.
4. Accessibility:
   • Road Access: Connects to the Pan-American Highway, facilitating transport to and from the port.
   • Proximity to Major City: Close to Trujillo, which provides additional logistical and commercial support.
5. Environmental Conditions:
   • Weather: Generally mild with minimal rain, consistent with the coastal desert climate.
   • Sea Conditions: Influenced by the Humboldt Current, which brings rich nutrients and supports abundant marine life, critical for the fishing industry.
6. Surfing:
   • Not conventionally part of port specifications, but the proximity to the Chicama waves draws surfers from around the world, adding a unique tourist aspect to the area.

Economic and Social Impact:

• Fishing Industry: Integral to the local economy, providing livelihoods for many residents.
• Tourism: Surf tourism due to the Chicama waves contributes to local business, including hotels, restaurants, and surf shops.
• Development Potential: There is scope for developing more extensive port facilities and enhancing tourism-related infrastructure.

In summary, Puerto Chicama is a vital fishing hub with additional significance due to its world-renowned surf break. Its facilities cater chiefly to the local fishing industry, but its location and natural attractions also make it a focal point for tourism, particularly for surfing enthusiasts.