Surf: About 30km dusty drive north of Ilo on the coastal track leads to southwest-facing Playa Platanales. Depending on conditions, the place can either spit out quality, sizeable barrels or mushy beginners waves in small swells and onshore winds. Environment: An oasis of sand amongst a rocky, cliffy shoreline that extends for miles, so take all supplies with you to this isolated beach. Popular with the local bodyboarders, but rarely anyone around.