Notes from a Year of Retreats
Our next retreat is coming up in June, designed around surfing and yoga, with lots of space to shape the experience on the way
Over our three inaugural retreats, we’ve noticed a pattern.
People are called to us because they work hard, care deeply about their communities, the state of the world, and their own well-being. They spend a lot of time connected to friends and family, but mostly to their screens, their work, their feeds, and causes that demand their attention. They think about their kids/nieces/nephews, climate change, AI, art, expression, and humanity as we know it.
They’re deeply entrenched in a mash-up of extremes, they know there is something more out there for them, yet face the times with pragmatism and realism. Holding space for complexity and duality, hopeful but amidst it all, exhausted.
Somewhere within this web is where we meet, on a shared, grounded frequency.
Las Capullanas, Lobitos
In Lobitos, we’re in the desert, bordered by an endless horizon. Our cliffs mark the westernmost edge of Latin America. The coast is lined with dry forest in tones of pink, purple, and sage, bare and expansive, with rolling sand dunes, plunging cliff faces, and untouched beaches with perfect waves. It is a kind of paradise, far beyond civilization as we know it, and for us it’s anchored by surfing and yoga.
Piscinas, Lobitos
In this environment, we hold space for our guests to unplug to whatever degree they desire. We take care of the big decisions; making sure the food is incredible, the rooms have a view, and there is a thoughtful yet suggested map to follow. Then we leave room for curiosity to shape the experience in a personal way.
Customized yoga for surfing and creativity, led by Danielle Harbord
Whatever calls our guests here is honored so it can surface and take form on its own terms. Whether that’s time in the ocean, dancing in abandoned warehouses, joining kids from a local NGO for surf lessons, or sunset walks along the beach with wild horses.
When we asked our alumni what stays with them, they tell us:
A sense of community, real human connection.
A reminder of how good it feels to help each other, to be part of something.
A kind of nourishment that goes beyond the physical, something deeper, steadier, harder to name.
Immersive cultural experiences shared with Capullanas
You can explore all that’s included in our next retreat from June 20-27th here.
Early Bird is now open through April 25.
If you sign up with a friend, you’ll both receive 10% off, even after Early Bird closes.
Look for us and you’ll find a group standing on the edge of a shift, curious, present, and recognizing the value within themselves.
Embodying what really matters, what unites us as human beings, and finding balance in a world of extremes.
We’d love to have you with us.
— La Onza
How to Get to Lobitos, Peru
Getting here
Tucked along Peru’s wave-rich northern coastline, Lobitos is one of the country’s most unique surf towns. While it may feel remote at first glance, getting there is surprisingly straightforward. Whether you’re coming for the long left-hand waves, the desert landscapes, or simply a slower pace of travel, here’s how to make your way to Lobitos.
Where Is Lobitos?
Lobitos sits on Peru’s north coast, colloquially known as El Norte, in the Piura region, just over 1,000 kilometers (750 miles) north of Lima, and just south of the Ecuadorian border. Once an oil town during the early 20th century, Lobitos has evolved into a small but vibrant surf community surrounded by desert cliffs and open coastline.
The town is closest to the city of Talara, which has an airport with regular connections to Lima.
Lobitos Pier
Flying to Northern Peru
The easiest way to reach Lobitos is to fly from Lima to Talara Airport (TYL), located about 25–30 minutes away by car. Flights from Lima typically take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Getting From the Airport to Lobitos
Once you land, the final leg of the journey is by car. We always handle airport transfers for La Onza guests, making the journey to Lobitos smooth and stress-free from the moment you land.
The drive itself is part of the experience, passing through stretches of desert coastline, small fishing towns, and wide open landscapes.
When to Visit Lobitos
Lobitos can be visited year-round, but conditions vary depending on the season.
The main surf season runs from April through October, when south swells bring larger and more consistent waves to the north coast. During these months, Lobitos often sees long, clean lines wrapping around its point breaks.
From November through March, swells are generally smaller but still fun, with warmer weather and quieter lineups.
For the full surfing guide, check out Best Time of Year to Surf Lobitos, Peru
Pink sky during sunset
Why Lobitos Is Worth the Journey
Part of Lobitos’ appeal is that it still feels off the beaten path. Travelers who make the trip north are rewarded with long surf rides, dramatic desert landscapes, and a tight-knit local community that gives the town its character.
Life moves a little slower here. Days revolve around the tides, the swell, and the rhythm of the ocean. Between surf sessions, visitors often spend their time exploring the coastline, watching the sunset from the cliffs, or sharing meals with friends after a day in the water.
For many people, that combination is exactly what makes Lobitos special.