A metropolitan city located in the south of the nation, Peru’s capital offers a bit of everything. A wonderful mix of great food, things to do and accommodation options for all budgets. It’s an awesome base for exploring elsewhere in South America and best of all, has some incredibly fun waves around its coastline. Today, we dive into everything you need to know about surfing in Lima, Peru. From when to surf, where to surf and some tips for navigating the place. We have a lot to get through, so let’s jump in.
Overview
- Consistency
- Modern and convenient city
- Wave variety
- Crowds
- Cold water
- Miserable weather in winter
Table of Contents
Best Time of Year to Surf in Lima
Lima has waves all year round, but the best and biggest waves happen during winter (April – October). This is when large south swells send long swell lines to the Peruvian coast and when the best breaks turn on. In summer, waves can be mushy, but still rideable!
Best Surf Spots in Lima Peru
Playa Waikiki
The go-to surf spot in Lima. Located in the Miraflores area of the city, Waikiki comprises a series of rock jetties on stoney beaches. What you surf will depend on which section you’re surfing. But generally, the inside of these “beaches” is great for beginners (low-tide) while out the back has punchy and powerful peaks for advanced surfers.
- Crowds: Busy
- Best Swell: Mid W
- Best Wind: Offshore (East)
- Wave Type: Boulders
- Consistency: 90%
- Hazards: Rocks, other surfers
La Herradura
Just outside of Miraflores is Herradura. The best break in Lima. Herradura is a long left point break with powerful walls, offering sections for turns and tubes on the right day. Because of its quality, and proximity to a huge city like Lima, it gets crowded here, so as always, respect the locals.
- Crowds: Busy
- Best Swell: Large W
- Best Wind: Offshore (East)
- Wave Type: Left point
- Consistency: 70%
- Hazards: Rocks, other surfers
Pico Alto
When huge south swells hit Peru between April and October, the country’s premier big wave soot comes to life. Pico Alto meaning “high peak” in English is exactly that, A towering a-frame peak (predominant right) breaking out in the Ocean. Hard-charging maniacs only.
- Crowds: Empty
- Best Swell: Massive W
- Best Wind: Offshore (East)
- Wave Type: Big--wave Bommie
- Consistency: 10%
- Hazards: Large waves
Punta Rocas
One of the most high-performance waves is just south of Lima. Punta Rocas is a super fun, wally, right, and the odd left, breaking down a cobble-strewn shoreline. Epic for advanced surfers who want to focus on technique and sharpen their rail game.
- Crowds: Moderate - Busy
- Best Swell: Mid W
- Best Wind: Offshore (East)
- Wave Type: Right point
- Consistency: 80%
- Hazards: Rocks, other surfers
For more information on other top surf destinations in Peru, check out my complete guide to surfing in Peru. Or my guide to other surf towns such as Chicama and Lobitos.
How to Get to Lima?
Getting to Lima is straightforward. You can fly directly to Lima from most major cities across North America and find connecting flights from anywhere in the world. Lima is a large city and many travelers pass through it, so as you’d expect there are many international routes serving this demand.
Getting Around
Lima is a modern and convenient city, meaning getting around is a breeze. As a budget surf traveler, take advantage of the frequent bus systems that operate in the city. For local buses, check out bus routes on Rome 2 Rio, and for longer ones (outside of Lima) check out BusBud.
Where to Stay?
By far the best area to stay for surfing in Lima is Miraflores. The Miraflores area of Lima is a safe, modern, clean, and wicked place to stay in the city. Perched atop beautiful black cliffs, staying in Miraflores will put you in (just a hike down the cliffs) away from fun peaks, and a handful of other breaks in the area.
- Dorm Price: $10 per night
- Distance from Surf: 15 minute walk down the cliff to surf
- Wifi: Excellent
- Type: Dorms & Privates
Rainbow Hostel is a wicked, and super affordable place to stay, within walking distance from the surf in Lima. Dorm rooms start at $10 per night, and you’ll be close to everything you need! Learn more about Rainbow Hostel here.
- Dorm Price: See Website
- Distance from Surf: 15 minute walk down the cliff to surf
- Wifi: Excellent
- Type: Dorms & Privates
Like most top South American surf towns, there is a Selina in Miraflores. A wicked place to meet people, get work done, and enjoy a comfortable room. Privates and dorm rooms are available and Selina puts you in an epic working/surfing environment close to the surf in Lima. Learn more about Selina Miraflores.
Best Surf Camp Packages in Lima
If you’re looking for an all-in-one package (you’re surf trip to Lima) including your accommodation, food, airport, transfers, and surf coaching in one easy booking, check out Book Surf Camps, They have some wicked packages for all abilities.
Tips for Surfing in Lima
Weather
Between April and October, the weather gets pretty dreary across all of Peru. This is due to the Humboldt current that brings cold water, rain, and ever-present low-hanging grey mist to the shores. In winter, this happens like clockwork and gets pretty depressing!
Crowds
As you’d expect for somewhere as populated as Lima, most Lima surf spots are crowded, especially the best breaks like Herradura and Waikiki and it has a mix of beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers looking to get a few waves between work shifts.
Best Surf Schools in Lima
Non-surfing Activities in Lima
Lima is a wicked city, with epic bars, restaurants, and cafes, you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to eat or sink a few beers in the evening. Other than seeing the sights in Lima, I thought Lima is a great place to live or base yourself for a few weeks or months to explore all the amazing things to see elsewhere in Peru. Discover more about what to see in Peru here.
Digital Nomad Surfing in Lima
Lima is one of the best digital nomad cities in the world, with an affordable cost of living, convenience, and heaps of places to stay, co-working spaces, and cafes, it’s no surprise. So if you are living a surfing digital nomad lifestyle, renting a place in Miraflores is an excellent option to sample some Lima living.
Final Words
Lima doesn’t have the world-class waves of some of Peru’s best surf spots or waves to rival the best surf destinations in South America. The place offers consistency, spot variety, convenience, surf, and modern living. Meaning if you’re looking for somewhere to base yourself for a while, it’s a great option. For any questions about surfing in Lima, please comment down below, I’d love to help you!
