Peru is not only a land of mountains and ancient civilizations. It’s also a country of waves, salty wind, and surfboards that ride with purpose. From Lima to the northern coast, Peruvian surf is leaving a mark that transcends sport — a story where connection with the ocean, sustainability, and community intertwine.
Today, surfing has also become a powerful tool for sustainable tourism, blending sport, culture, and environmental awareness. Districts like Miraflores are leading projects that regulate surf schools, certify beaches, and promote a responsible model of coexistence with the sea.
In this context, Olas Perú, founded by Roberto “Muelas” Meza, marks a turning point by being recognized by Green Initiative as the first carbon-neutral surf school in the world.
This achievement resonates deeply with those of us who believe that tourism and sport can serve a greater purpose beyond enjoyment.
At Enigma, we share that vision. As a Certified B Corporation, our decisions integrate social, cultural, and environmental criteria. We are also members of The Long Run, a global community promoting nature-based tourism under the principles of conservation, community, culture, and commerce. With that same spirit, we design journeys that inspire connection with the environment, foster respect for ecosystems, and celebrate the authenticity of each destination.
Where It All Began: The Origins of Peruvian Surf
Although modern surfing was born in Hawaii, many archaeologists and historians claim that the world’s first surfers lived in northern Peru. More than 3,000 years ago, fishermen from pre-Inca cultures — such as the Mochica and Chimú — were already gliding over Pacific waves on their caballitos de totora, small reed boats still used today in Huanchaco, Trujillo.
These men of the sea balanced skillfully as they returned to shore “riding the waves,” just like modern surfers. For many, Peru is thus the ancestral cradle of surfing — a millennia-old tradition that remains alive and has evolved into a movement that unites history, nature, and purpose.
Over time, surfing became an essential part of Peru’s identity. In the 1960s, Peru celebrated the first Latin American world surf champion, who brought the country’s name to international competitions. Decades later, the legacy continued with figures like Sofía Mulanovich, world champion in 2004 and a symbol of female empowerment in sports.
The country solidified its reputation as a global surfing powerhouse, and a new generation of surfers — led by projects like Olas Perú — is redefining the national surf scene: it’s no longer just about conquering waves, but about preserving them.
Surf with Purpose: The Example of Olas Perú
Founded by Roberto “Muelas” Meza in the 1990s, Olas Perú was born with a clear goal: to shape surfers who are conscious of the ocean’s power. From the start, the school focused not only on technique but also on values. Meza understood that every wave could be a life lesson, and that our relationship with the sea should be based on respect, not conquest.
Early this year, Olas Perú reached a historic milestone by obtaining Carbon Neutral certification from Green Initiative, becoming the first surf school in the world to do so.
The process was rigorous: the school measured the environmental impact of all its activities — from instructors’ and students’ daily commutes to energy use and equipment maintenance — to precisely calculate its carbon footprint. This assessment was conducted under ISO 14064 international standards, ensuring transparency and credibility.
Then, emissions were offset through Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) issued by the United Nations, representing one ton of CO₂ avoided through renewable energy projects. This allowed Olas Perú to balance its impact and prove that even a surf school can operate responsibly and climate-positively.
Olas Perú now stands not only as a pioneer in Latin America but also as a global model of how sport can thrive in harmony with the planet.
“We want our students to take away more than just a photo with a surfboard,” says Meza. “We want them to understand that the ocean is a living being we must care for.”
The Ocean as a Classroom: Education and Community
More than just a surf school, Olas Perú is an educational and social platform. Over the years, it has developed programs that bring surfing closer to children and youth from diverse backgrounds, teaching them discipline, teamwork, and respect for nature.
Its new Sustainability Plan to 2028 focuses on five key pillars: climate action, circular economy, ecosystem conservation, environmental education, and community collaboration. Each pillar reinforces a simple yet powerful idea: that surfing can transform lives, regenerate environments, and become a real tool for change.
For Enigma, which promotes authentic and responsible travel experiences, projects like this represent the new face of Peruvian tourism — where adventure and luxury are balanced with purpose, awareness, and respect for the environment.
Miraflores: The Urban Surf Capital
Few places in the world blend city and sea as Lima does. In Miraflores, surfers paddle out while traffic hums above — a poetic contrast reminding us that nature still pulses within the urban heart.
Here, travelers can experience something unique: learning to surf the Pacific, riding perfect waves suited for both beginners and experts, guided by certified instructors and surrounded by the ocean breeze from the cliffs.
After class, there’s nothing better than staying connected to the sea — savoring a fresh ceviche or enjoying a coffee with ocean views. An authentically Limeño experience, where sport, gastronomy, and local lifestyle converge.
Riding the Wave of Change
At Enigma, we believe that travel can also be a way of caring. Stories like Olas Perú remind us that the best experiences are those that connect us with our surroundings and invite us to be part of the change — to discover Peru from within, with purpose, respect, and wonder.
