Peru’s Best Beaches - A Local’s Favorites
Despite boasting a long coastline of over 1,900 miles (3,000km), Peru isn’t exactly known as a dreamy beach holiday destination. The reasons for this extend beyond the fact that Incan archaeological sites hog all the tourist limelight.
The country's complex topography has created an insanely arid coastline, and for most of the year a dense fog called garúa* (more on this in the sections below) blankets the coast. The Pacific is also notoriously cold and rough - not exactly ideal for a tranquil beach holiday.
While all of this creates less-than-idyllic beach conditions, certain times of year do offer good weather, and there are still fantastic beaches. You just have to know where to find them and when to go. And for surfers, with some of the world’s longest waves and hundreds of miles of beaches perfect for surfing, you may have found the perfect spot.
The beaches here may not be little slices of paradise like in the Caribbean, but as long as you come with the right expectations, they are very much worth visiting.
We wouldn’t suggest flying halfway around the world for a Peruvian beach vacation here, but if you want to add in a few days of sun, sand, and relaxation to your whirlwind sightseeing itinerary, you’ve got some great options.
More Peru travel info:
For more info on travel in Peru, check out our comprehensive Peru travel guide and this list of 19 beautiful places.
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Table of Contents
Map of Peru’s beaches
Overview of Peru’s beaches
Best time to visit the beaches
How to get to the beaches
Our 7 favorite beaches in Peru
1. Punta Sal
2. Punta Negra, Punta Rocas, & Punta Hermosa
3. Mancora
4. Playa los Organos
5. Huanchaco
6. Playa Roja
7. Playa Tortuga
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Map of Peru’s Beaches
As we said above, Peru is big and its beaches are spread throughout the country. The far north is where you’ll find the nicest beaches and the best weather, but there are also pleasant coastal towns and swimming spots to the south of Lima, and between Lima and Piura in the far north.
Overview of Peru’s beaches
In general, Peru’s beaches can be split up into two regions:
Southern & Central Peru: from Paracas in the south to Huaraz in the center, the beaches are mostly rocky, but with plenty of sandy sections. There’s often seaweed and the sea is perennially cold. If you’re not used to ocean swimming, it can be pretty harsh.
Northern Peru: heading north from Trujillo, you have an excellent stretch of beaches for surfing. Even further north, starting in Mancora, this is the closest that you’ll get in Peru to white sand and a tropical feel. The beaches of this far northern coast are sandy, with warmer seas and calmer waves. These are the most pristine beaches in Peru.
Over the years, an eclectic mix of beach scenes has spawned all over the coast. You’ll find luxury all-inclusive beach resorts, remote fishing villages with just a couple of surfing huts and a ceviche stand, and everything in between.
Whatever type of beach scene you're into, you can find it in Peru.
Generally, surfing in Peru is excellent all over the coast, with calmer waves that are better for beginners in the south and center, and wilder, longer, and more expert-level waves in the north. The stretch between Mancora and Trujillo is home to the best surfing beaches in Peru.
The entire coast is littered with small, crescent-shaped protected coves that, in theory, should make for brilliant swimming. Unfortunately, water temperatures along the southern coast are usually too low to be comfortable for most beach goers. In the far north, however, there are warm currents that heat up the water and make swimming in the hotter months of the year quite pleasant.
Head even farther north, between Mancora and Tumbes – right by the border with Ecuador – and you'll find beautiful beaches and perfect swimming conditions. Up here, water temps remain an outright balmy 75°F (24°C) all year round – not Mediterranean-summer-warm, but within the absolute top-temperature ranges for the South Pacific. Perfect for swimming on a hot day.
*What is garúa…and what does that mean for Peru’s beaches?
Peru is a long, narrow country sandwiched between the frigid Pacific and the high Andes Mountains. This unique topography has dramatically affected the formation of the country’s coast. Peru boasts a fascinating coastal desert from south to north –technically an extension of Chile's Atacama.
Competing hot and cold air currents create a dense mist that has no escape (because of those high peaks on the east), so it just hangs around the coast. This cool, low-lying fog is called garúa – a mist which blankets the coast for much of the year.
The most garúa-intense months are during the southern hemisphere winter, between July and September when the air and sea are colder.
Meanwhile, at sea, the Humboldt keeps waters cool to cold all year – except in the far north, where warmer currents mitigate these effects. As much as you can cool off and frolic on a hot day, longer swims off Peru’s southern and central beaches typically require wetsuits.
Despite the lack of genuinely perfect beach conditions, there is a considerable upside. Peru is one of the most revered surfing destinations on earth – not only due to the incredible waves that brake all along the coast but also because swimmers don't besiege beaches. Surfers have an absolute field day in Peru.
Best time to visit the beaches in Peru
Peruvians love to spend time on the coast during the peak summer season, which runs from the end of November until March. They’re used to the cold water, surfing is hugely popular, and hanging around and relaxing on a sandy beach is nice enough even if you don’t go swimming!
At the height of the summer, the water is reasonably warm for swimming, skies are mostly clear and consistently sunny, and daytime temperatures of around 78˚F (26˚C) in Lima make for delightful beach days. It also gets progressively warmer the further north you go. As expected, both crowds and prices increase significantly during this period, so book your trip ahead of time.
From April to October, the coast gets cloudy and is heavily blanketed by the garúa fog, which is worst from June to August. These are definitely not pleasant beach conditions. However, the middle of the year is the whale migration season, which takes place just off the coast of Mancora where the cold Humboldt current meets the warmer El Niño current. For marine wildlife enthusiasts, a whale-watching boat trip in the north of Peru can be a compelling reason to hit the beach even in off-season. More on this stellar highlight below.
How to get to the beaches in Peru
Taking the bus
The Carretera Panamericana traces the country's narrow coast from south to north, and several reputable bus companies run routes all along the coastal highway. There are also local buses, but they’re often uncomfortable, kept in terrible condition, and driven at breakneck speeds. Not safe and not pleasant.
Coach rides on the major bus companies, Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and MovilBus, are safe, reliable, and comfortable on the other hand. They cost a little more than their public counterparts, but as far as we're concerned, road safety is a non-negotiable in Peru. Always take the coach buses when crossing regions and traveling long distances, and then hop on local buses and minivans for getting around town.
Remember that Peru is big and distances are considerable. From Lima, it’s an 8-hour ride to Huaraz (for Chimbote), and a 15-19-hour ride to Mancora.
Domestic flights
If you’re not looking to beach hop your way along the coast, it might make more sense to fly directly to your primary destination. If you choose to fly, keep in mind that regional flights always make a stop in the capital, so if you’re not starting or ending in Lima, your flight will have a layover and be relatively time-consuming and expensive.
The most popular flights from Lima are to Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura, and Mancora. Flights during high season book out fast, so always plan ahead and buy your tickets in advance.
Renting a car
Renting a car is relatively expensive in Peru and both driving conditions and driver etiquette are not always the best. It’s perfectly doable though, and the Peruvian coast is often pleasantly deserted and delightful to explore by car. Road-tripping to the north is a fantastic adventure, with tons to see and do.
If you decide to rent a car, you will almost certainly be looking at a one-way rental, which of course costs a considerable amount. As mentioned above, the drive from Lima to Mancora is 15-20 hours, so a round-trip journey doesn’t make much sense. If you have travel companions to share the costs or have a healthy budget, renting a car is a great option though.
Our 7 favorite beaches in Peru
When it comes to Peruvian beaches, we heavily favor the far northern coast. The water is warmer, the sand’s finer, and the beaches are beautiful. The garúa also isn't as pronounced in the far north, so there are still plenty of sunny days even in winter. If you’re lucky enough to make it to the coastal north, you'll understand why it’s our preferred area.
Aside from the better beaches and warmer seas, the beach season is also longer the further north you travel. Up near the border with Ecuador, you can experience lovely beach conditions from October to May. In central Peru, on the other hand, the season really funs from November to March.
With all of that out of the way, let’s take a look at our favorite beaches in Peru!
1. Punta Sal
Photo credit: iStock.com/piccaya
Punta Sal is the closest you’ll get to a picture-perfect tropical beach in Peru. The sand is white-ish, the sea a deep sapphire blue, and palm trees sway in the pleasantly cool breeze. This is one of Peru’s longest beaches, stretching for over four miles (6.5km) and is divided into two distinct sections: Sal Chica and Sal Grande. Just off the shore are the warmest and calmest seas on the Peruvian coast.
Among the most established beach towns in the country, Punta Sal hosts luxurious all-inclusive resorts, an array of watersport outfitters, and fantastic seafood restaurants. An excellent spot for families and anyone who's not into surfing – calm seas, after all, means smaller waves – Punta Sal is a crowd favourite that never disappoints.
Punta Sal is just a 20-minute taxi ride from Máncora, but there are many accommodation options right in town if you prefer to base yourself there.
Whale watching: Punta Sal is the southernmost beach area that enjoys the confluence of warm and cold currents, leading to warmer waters than further in the south. While sea temperatures may be too cold for a July swim, they are ideal for a pregnant humpback whale seeking refuge from the frigid southern waters. Killer whales and dolphins usually follow suit, heading up this way and making for amazing wildlife watching boat trips. Whale sharks occasionally trawl the coast as well. Many tour agencies operate from kiosks along Mancora's boardwalk.
Best for: swimming, family trips, relaxing
Region of Peru: Tumbes - northern Peru
Nearest city: Mancora, 14mi (23km) south
2. Punta Negra, Punta Rocas, & Punta Hermosa
Photo credit: iStock.com/jasalgado66
Only an hour's drive south of Lima, sprawled along a 6mi (10km) stretch of the Carretera Panamericana, is a collection of crescent-shaped beaches. Among them Punta Negra, Rocas and Hermosa, which are a mecca for people learning to surf. The beaches host a smattering of good surf camps.
These are the best Peruvian beaches for beginner surfers – even absolute beginners. The sea is a little too rough and cold for swimming (although local Lima residents don’t seem to mind), but the swells aren't very big, which makes them approachable for beginner surfers. This part of the Peruvian coast doesn't see the kind of huge, hair-raising waves that you find in the north, and which are favored by pro surfers.
For the best swimming conditions, head to Playa Pocitas. For bodysurfing, check out Playa el Perto.
All of the towns along this stretch are laid-back, and accommodation is often basic, which usually suits the surfing crowd. Given that you can reach the areas in an hour from Lima, these beaches offer a convenient way to add some surfing/beach time into your Peru itinerary.
Best for: beginner surf classes, yoga
Region of Peru: Lima - Central Peru
Nearest city: Lima, 32mi (53km) south
3. Máncora
Photo credit: iStock.com/xeni4ka
Máncora has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last decade, evolving from a tranquil fishing village into a vibrant beach and surfing destination. Máncora is a magnet for budget backpackers, surfers, and a more alternative crowd in general, who are mostly looking to spend their days surfing and their nights partying. Conditions are ideal for kite surfing too, so expect plenty of wind.
If the description above sounds like you, you’ll no doubt love Máncora. For others, whether you’re a bit older, appreciate comfort and more refinement, or just aren’t looking to party, you might want to stay a little ways out of town. The party scene here is robust and evenings run late. Anyone can still enjoy the fantastic surf here, but the town has a very defined atmosphere which is not for everyone.
Máncora is about 680mi (1,100km) from Lima. Even if the town itself doesn’t sound like the right option for you, this area hosts the country’s best beaches and beach conditions, so you should still plan to visit the general area.
Best for: surfing, partying, and chilling out
Region of Peru: Piura - Northern Peru
Nearest city: Sullana, 14mi (23km) south
4. Playa los Órganos
Photo credit: iStock.com/ChristianVinces
Órganos’ long stretch of beach is just south of Máncora, but the atmosphere is completely different. Even at the height of beach season in Órganos, it feels like you have the whole place to yourself. Services here are basic, except for a few great eateries and a handful of shops.
Swimming and sunbathing are delightful on this sublimely long stretch of sandy beach, and there are barely any waves to contend with. Stroll to the pier and you’ll see green turtles and pelicans congregating en masse when the fishermen return to shore.
Note that outside of peak season, the beach loses some of its charm, as it can get a bit dirty. This is a countrywide issue in Peru though, and you'll need to deal with it everywhere along the coast if traveling outside of the Christmas period.
Órganos’ biggest appeal actualy lies a few miles offshore: this section of Peru’s coast is brimming with marine life and offers arguably the best scuba excursions in the country. One of the most impressive dive sites is Muelle de los Organos, an old oil platform turned artificial reef that attracts an extraordinary array of fish. Peru's coast is littered with defunct oil platforms, but this is by far the most impressive to dive to.
Muelle de los Organos averages a depth of 65-98 feet (20-30m) and is known for its stunning corals and natural rock formations, as well as sea stars, crabs, lobsters, sea turtles, and moray eels. The site typically enjoys mild currents but, given the depth, is suitable only for experienced divers.
Best for: peace, quiet, and scuba diving
Region of Peru: Piura - Northern Peru
Nearest city: Mancora, 9mi (14km) north
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5. Huanchaco
Photo credit: iStock.com/barbaraaaa
Cherished for its left-hand breaks and visited by some of the world's most accomplished surfing legends, Huanchaco is in the lesser-visited city of Trujillo – about halfway between Lima and Mancora. It’s famous for its surf, loved for its ceviche, and revered for its fishing traditions and nearby archaeological treasures. Restaurants and surf rental shops abound in town.
The far north of the beach offers a quiet, sandy stretch perfect for sunbathing. Swimming isn’t very pleasantly here, due to the rocky shores and rough seas, so if you want to cool off in the water, head to the sandy stretch near Sunkella restaurant – it offers easier entry to the sea. Despite the subpar swimming, sunsets are to die for in Huanchaco and spending a few hours watching professional surfers catch crazy waves is quite an experience.
Even if you’re not a surfer, we think Huanchaco is still worth visiting for the history and culture: fishermen here use traditional reed ‘horses’ (caballitos de tortora), which they straddle to drag fishing nets over waves. These ‘horses’ have been used on this coast for over 3,000 years and some claim that these were the world's first-ever surfboards.
Additionally, an easy 15-minute bus ride away is Chan Chan, the glorious remains of a pre-Columbian city previously inhabited by the Chimú civilisation - the biggest city of its kind in South America.
Best for: unreal surf, culture, and ruins.
Region of Peru: La Libertad - Northern Peru
Nearest city: Trujillo, 4mi (7km) south
6. Playa Roja
Photo credit: iStock.com/alvaraobueno
While it may seem strange to include a beach that you can’t swim at on our list, the spectacular Playa Roja is a must-visit in our opinion. The beach lies within the expansive Paracas National Reserve, which is an ethereal desert reserve renowned for its incredible color palette.
Playa Roja, or Red Beach, is named for its rust-colored volcanic sand and it’s one of the most photogenic beaches in the country. Although not famous for sunbathing, it offers a beautiful coastal walking trail. In the surrounding national park and the nearby Ballestas Islands, you can spot marine wildlife like sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and cormorants – many visible right from the beach.
Best for: unbelievably impressive landscapes
Region of Peru: Ica - Southern Peru
Nearest city: Paracas 6mi (10km) north
7. Playa Tortuga
Photo credit: iStock.com/ErithJohn
Tortuga is an absolute gem, even more so because of its location. This quirky little town is often overlooked and is still considered a hidden secret along the coast. The beach is gorgeous, rocky in parts and sandy in others, and is fantastic for relaxing, soaking up the rays, and swimming. The beach sits in a beautiful half-moon bay and is mostly protected. Waves aren't huge, so surfers have always bypassed the town, leaving it largely undiscovered.
If you’re looking for a quiet beach with more locals than tourists, Tortuga is a great option.
The town is just north of the turn-off toward Huaraz (the sensational base for hiking trips in the Cordillera Blanca) and next to the Casma regional museum that showcases the archaeological finds at nearby Pampa de la Llamas site. In the other direction, you have the arresting Pañamarca archaeological site, which is one of Peru’s lesser-known but most impressive sits. Discoveries here have recently revealed links between the ancient Moche and Inca civilizations.
Best for: secluded beach days, history, off the beaten path travel
Region of Peru: Ancash - Northern Peru
Nearest city: Chimbote, 27mi (43km) north
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