Where to surf in Lima: complete guide to spots for all levels

Lima: South America's surf capital

Few capital cities in the world offer what Lima does for surfers: over 20 surf spots within an hour of downtown, consistent waves year-round, and a vibrant surf community. From the Costa Verde cliffs of Miraflores to the reef breaks of Punta Hermosa, there's a wave for every level.

In this guide, we present Lima's main surf spots organized by zone, with information on difficulty level, best tide, wave type, and how to get there.

Costa Verde — Miraflores and Barranco

The most accessible surf zone in Lima. Costa Verde spots sit literally at the base of the Miraflores cliffs, with easy access by public transport and parking available.

Punta Roquitas

Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Wave type: Right-hand point break over rock bottom
Best tide: Mid rising
Best swell: South-southwest (SSW), 1.0-2.5m

Miraflores' most iconic spot and regular host of WSL championships. The wave breaks over a rock platform offering long walls and maneuver sections. Works best with south swell and offshore (east) wind. Watch out for rocks at low tide.

Makaha

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Wave type: Gentle reef break
Best tide: Mid to high
Best swell: South (S), 0.5-1.5m

Ideal for beginners and longboarders. A gentle wave breaking over a rock bottom with enough depth. Several surf schools in the area. The friendliest spot on the Costa Verde.

Waikiki

Level: Beginner
Wave type: Soft beach break
Best tide: Mid
Best swell: South (S), 0.5-1.0m

Next to Makaha, it's the gateway to surfing in Lima. Small, consistent waves perfect for first sessions. The beach has services, board rentals, and schools.

Barranquito

Level: Intermediate
Wave type: Right and left point break
Best tide: Mid rising
Best swell: South to southwest (S-SSW), 1.0-2.0m

Located between Miraflores and Barranco, it offers fun waves with walls for maneuvers. Works better than Punta Roquitas on smaller swells. Great spot for progressing from beginner to intermediate level.

La Pampilla

Level: Intermediate
Wave type: Beach/reef break
Best tide: Mid
Best swell: South (S), 1.0-1.8m

Versatile spot south of Barranco with multiple sections. Less crowded than Punta Roquitas, it's a good alternative when the main spots are packed.

Punta Hermosa — Lima's surf mecca

Just 40 minutes south of Lima on the Panamericana highway, Punta Hermosa concentrates the capital's best high-performance spots. World champions have been shaped here.

Punta Rocas

Level: Advanced to Expert
Wave type: Left-hand point break over reef
Best tide: Mid rising to high
Best swell: South-southwest (SSW), 1.5-3.0m+

One of the most iconic spots in South America. The left at Punta Rocas is tubular, powerful, and consistent. It has hosted ISA World Championships and national competitions. Experienced surfers only. Rocks and currents are a serious factor.

Pico Alto

Level: Expert
Wave type: Big wave reef break
Best tide: Mid to high
Best swell: Strong south-southwest (SSW), 3.0m+

Peru's most famous big wave spot. It breaks 1.5km offshore with waves that can exceed 8 meters. Only surfed on large swells with jet ski support. Exclusively for professionals and big wave riders.

Señoritas

Level: Intermediate
Wave type: Beach/reef break
Best tide: Mid to low
Best swell: South (S), 0.8-2.0m

Versatile spot facing Punta Hermosa's boardwalk. Works across a wide range of conditions and hosts the Señoritas Open Pro (WSL QS). Good spot for intermediates looking to progress.

Caballeros

Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Wave type: Right-hand point break
Best tide: Mid
Best swell: South (S), 1.0-2.5m

Next to Señoritas, it offers a long right over mixed bottom. Less crowded than other spots in the area, ideal for mellower sessions.

Centinela

Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Wave type: Reef break
Best tide: Mid to high
Best swell: South-southwest (SSW), 1.2-2.5m

South of Punta Hermosa, it offers quality waves with less crowd. Good potential for solo sessions when the main spots are packed.

South of Lima — San Bartolo to Cerro Azul

Continuing south on the Panamericana, several spots are worth exploring, especially during big wave season (April-October).

San Bartolo

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Wave type: Beach break
Best tide: Mid to low
Best swell: South (S), 0.5-1.5m

Popular beach with tourist infrastructure. Waves are gentle and consistent, ideal for surf schools. Can be very crowded in summer.

Punta Negra

Level: Intermediate
Wave type: Point break
Best tide: Mid
Best swell: South (S), 1.0-2.0m

Quiet beach town with a point break that works well on moderate swells. Less visited than Punta Hermosa, it offers peaceful weekday sessions.

La Herradura

Level: Advanced to Expert
Wave type: Left-hand point break
Best tide: Mid to high
Best swell: South-southwest (SSW), 2.0m+

Classic left in the Chorrillos bay. When it connects, it offers long, tubular walls. Needs a big swell to work. Historically one of Lima's most respected spots.

Cerro Azul

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Wave type: Right-hand point break
Best tide: Mid
Best swell: South (S), 0.8-2.0m

130 km south of Lima, Cerro Azul offers a long, friendly right-hander. An excellent option to escape Lima's crowds and enjoy a generous wave. Quiet town with budget accommodations.

North of Lima — Pasamayo and beyond

Pasamayo

Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Wave type: Beach break
Best tide: Mid to low
Best swell: Northwest (NW) and south (S)

North of Lima on the Panamericana, it's one of the few spots that picks up northern swell. Works differently from the rest of Lima and can have waves when the south coast is flat.

Practical tips for surfing in Lima

Best season

Lima gets waves year-round, but the best season is April to October, when south swells arrive with more power and consistency. Lima's winter (June-August) brings the biggest waves.

Water temperature

Lima's water is cold year-round thanks to the Humboldt Current: 15-17°C in winter and 19-22°C in summer. A 3/2 wetsuit is essential from April to November. In summer, a shorty or spring suit is enough.

Safety

• Don't leave valuables in your car at beach parking lots
• Respect lineup priorities and local rules at each spot
• Avoid surfing alone at reef spots with rocks
• Rip currents are common, especially at Punta Hermosa

How to get there

• Costa Verde (Miraflores): Metro/bus to Miraflores, walk down any stairway to the boardwalk. Parking available at the Costa Verde descent.
• Punta Hermosa: Panamericana Sur, km 40. Bus from Atocongo terminal or by car (45 min). Shared taxis run from the Panamericana.
• Cerro Azul: Panamericana Sur, km 130. Direct bus from Lima (2.5 hours).

Choose your spot by level

All these spots have forecasts updated every 3 hours on WaveSearch, including wave height, wind, swell, and tide chart. Check conditions before each session and pick the best spot for the day.