The Best Surf Spots in Lima, Peru

Waves
Waves | © RogerMosley / Pixabay
Brandon Dupre

Many people come to Lima each year looking to score some of the best surf in the world, but they don’t always know where to go to find it. If that’s you, here is a list of the best places to surf in Lima and the Lima district. You’re guaranteed to find a break that’s perfect for you.

Cerro Azul

About an hour and a half from Lima, in the Cañete province, is one of Peru‘s most fun and punchiest lefts. It is a point break that begins off a cliffside and runs to the pier, where on big days you can shoot it (ride through the pier). When there is a significant amount of north swell in the water, a right forms on the other side of the pier.

La Herradura

This is the best wave located close to the city of Lima. It is in the district of Chorrillos, about a 15- to 20-minute drive from Miraflores. It is a point break off a cliffside that offers one of the best waves in all of Peru. When it gets big, the beach will produce some of the longest lefts in the country, which is saying a lot considering that the world’s longest rideable left is in Peru. Because the break is so close to the city of Lima, it can get crowded on big days.

Pico Alto

You’d better have brought your gun (a big wave board), because this is the biggest wave in Peru. On the right day it can be the biggest wave in South America, breaking to 20 to 30 feet (six to nine meters) high. They hold world-class big-wave competitions here every year. It is located in the surfing-rich district of Punta Hermosa.

Punta Rocas

This break might be the biggest swell magnet in all of Peru. You’ll find waves here all year round and in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find both rights and lefts, and it’s your best bet for waves in the area.

Caballeros

Regular footers rejoice: Caballeros is one of the only right point breaks in all of Peru, and it’s a good one, too. With year-round swell and consistent surf, regular footers in Peru will want to spend all their time here. It can get big, holding swells of up to 20 feet (six meters), but it’s also ridable during the smaller swells.

Señoritas

When this wave gets good, you’ll have barrels for days – but it’s only for the experienced surfer. The wave can be powerful and dangerous and produces one of the best barrels in Peru. There’s usually always a wave here, and it’s fast, so get ready to pump. Like most waves in Peru, it is also a point break.

Playa Waikiki

This is not the best wave in Peru for experienced surfers – far from it, really – but this break is without a doubt one of the best for learners. Located conveniently below the Miraflores cliff, you can walk here if you’re staying in Miraflores. There are always surf schools lining the beach and offering lessons, boards, and wetsuits. If you’re an experienced surfer you can look elsewhere, but for the beginner, this is the place to go.

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