Av Retamayoc L-10, San Sebastián 08002
- +51 940 809 144
- Travel Blog
- About Us
- Contact Us
Secure your spot on the Inca Trail 2026. Journey beyond the ordinary Secure your spot today
Av Retamayoc L-10, San Sebastián 08002
Chat to a Andean Road Peru
Peru is known for its impressive Andes and ancient Incas, but the coast has an equally beautiful gem, just begging to be explored. The coastline is over 2,400 kilometers of the Pacific Ocean, with golden sand beaches, craggy cliffs and hidden coves that are stunning and inviting for every kind of traveler. There are peaceful getaways meant for repose, to bustling surf spots exuberant with energy, the Peruvian coast has something for every traveler. This guide highlights the 15 best beaches of Peru; where unspoiled natural beauty is intertwined with adventure, culture, and incredible sunsets your next trip to the beach starts here.
Northern Peru is well known for being sunny year-round with warm waters and an easy-going coastline. This region is an incredible destination for beach enthusiasts, boasting some of the best beaches in Peru for surfing, swimming and laying out in the sun usually with a cocktail in hand! Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
You might be interested in reading: Inca Agriculture: Legacy of the Incas
Máncora is the crown jewel of the northern coast of Peru, famous for its seemingly endless summer and upbeat vibe. The temperature of the water is usually around 24–27 °C (75–80 °F) because of the warm Equatorial Current. This means, in short, swimming and surfing are usually fantastic every day of the year. It’s a traveler hotspot because of the consistent left hand waves, energetic beach bars and the colorful nightlife that keeps travelers awake way past sun down. The tropical vibe has led many locals and travelers to refer to Máncora as “the Peruvian Bali” because of its easy-going charm and tropical energy.
Recognized as the most opulent beach in Peru, Punta Sal, is characterized by smooth, white sand and placid water that remains a pleasant temperature of around 25 °C (77 °F), appealing for families with children and couples on a romantic getaway. Residents note that the sunsets here are some of the most beautiful along the coast, casting shades of orange and pink onto the horizon. Visitors are drawn for the calm and tranquility as well as the quality of seafood and resorts that successfully combine luxury and nature.
Located a quick car ride south of Máncora, Vichayito offers a more restrained beach experience. Its gentle and warm turquoise waters remain an average of 24 °C (75 °F) with activities such as paddle boarding, kite surfing, or simply floating in the water under the sun. Travelers typically label Vichayito as “the quieter sibling of Mancora” given that you are still able to enjoy golden sand beaches just without the crowds of Máncora. Boutique eco-lodges and glamping sites complete the cute and rustic ambience making the area popular to honeymooners and nature enthusiasts alike.
Recognized as a real surfer’s paradise, Lobitos is known for its mythical left-hand breaks and somewhat rougher chop. The temperature of the ocean is in the 22–24 °C (72–75 °F), and although the temperature is slightly cooler than Máncora, the waves are more impressive and will bring professionals and dedicated surfers from all corners of the world. Lobitos was once an oil town, but it has a sense of mystery due to the abandoned buildings along the picturesque but somewhat rough shore. Locals say the combination of quiet streets and haunting sunsets provide an experience that feels unique almost cinematic, and left for those who are adventurous at heart and seek areas off the beaten path.
With dependable sunshine, the warm Pacific current, and an array of beaches that range from busy to lifeless, the northern coast of Peru is home to some of the most unforgettable experiences you will have on the coast of the country, and best for everyone who is planning a seaside adventure they will not forget.
A short drive from the crowded capital of Peru, the coastline south of Lima features a set of beaches suited for weekend getaways or day trips. If you are looking for exciting surf beaches, family-friendly beaches, or breathtaking ocean vistas, the best beaches nearby offer a nice departure from the urban life. Here are some you might want to visit:
Known for being the surf capital near Lima, Punta Hermosa features powerful swells of water and a lively beach-town vibe. The water temperature is 17–20 °C (63–68 °F), a bit cooler than the north, but fine if you are an experienced surf who wants to ride world-class waves. Many tourists say that Punta Hermosa feels like a small coastal resort because of the number of seafood restaurants and surf schools in the area, as well as an active beach bar and club scene.
While it's not too expansive, we would recommend this cozy beach if you like good conditions, clean surfable waves, and a chilled beach experience. At 18 °C (64 °F), water conditions are still a little cooler than the north, but Señoritas feels calm for longboarders and families hoping for conditions a bit more settled than Punta Hermosa. Many locals love the sunsets here, and tell stories of glowing pinks and golds in the sky, as the tide rolls in.
Caballeros, like Señoritas, is also a popular destination for surfers. With fast and fun right-handers, it's a popular spot for surfers of all levels, from beginner to pro. The water remains a cool 18 °C (64 °F), but the thrill of the breaks makes up for the chill of the ocean. Travelers describe Caballeros as “a hidden gem” for the well-meaning, athletic types who don’t want to deal with crowds, but are still looking for everything that surf culture represents.
Located 100 km (62 mi) south of Lima, Asia is the summer getaway for most of Lima’s inhabitants. The water stays cool, ranging from 17–19 °C (63–66 °F), but the long sandy beach is perfect for a number of games (think frisbee, beach volleyball, etc.), laying out and beachcombing in the afternoon, and long walks at sunset. Asia is famed for its lavish beach houses, night life, and al-fresco dining options, lending it to be dubbed “the Peruvian Riviera.”
San Bartolo will offer a good balance between excitement and relaxation. The surf is fairly consistent and the water typically ranges around 18 °C (64 °F), drawing in both swimmers and surfers alike. Visitors also comment on the warm small town charm of being in San Bartolo with its malecón and locals who congregate to watch the waves crash just before sunset.
From high-energy surf breaks to tranquil family-friendly coves, the beaches near Lima provide the perfect getaway for anyone looking to experience the best beaches of Peru without venturing too far from the capital.
In addition to the popular resorts and surf towns of Peru, there are hidden beaches that are just beyond the reach of the standard tourist circuit, offering stunning landscapes and the serene and peaceful adventure you are looking for. These undiscovered beach destinations are ideal for a traveler seeking some solitude, unique scenery, and a taste of nature.
Located within the Paracas National Reserve, La Mina is a little protected cove with calm turquoise water and soft golden sand. The temperature of the ocean sands from 18-20 °C (64-68 °F), cooler than the north of Peru, but inviting on a sunny day. Locals refer to La Mina as a "natural swimming pool," and visitors rave about the contrast of the desert cliffs against the sky blue waters of the Pacific.
Recognized for its remarkable red-colored sand, Playa Roja is a geological rarity created from eroded volcanic rock. Cold Pacific waters around 17 °C (63 °F) make it more of a beach for photography and walking along the coast than swimming. Travelers say the dramatic cliffs and foamy surf make it one of Peru's oddest beaches.
Located just south of lively Máncora, Las Pocitas features natural tidal pools formed from volcanic rock where the waters warm to a comfortable 24–26 °C (75–79 °F) under the sun. Families and couples love this quieter beach paradise, the warmest of the north without the crowds. At low tide, the pools resemble tiny aquariums, with locals referring to the area as "the little Maldives of Peru."
A remote fishing village north of Trujillo, Puemape is noted for its mystical sunsets and tranquil beaches. The water averages 19–21 °C (66–70 °F), and the beach is flanked by dunes and traditional reed fishing boats. Many Peruvians feel the area contains ancient spiritual energy, contributing to its charm as a meditative escape.
Ñuro is a hidden gem where visitors can swim with the gentle sea turtles in the warm, clear waters, which average around 24 °C (75 °F). Fishermen keep the pier tidy, and small fishing boats transport travelers out to see the marine life in a purposeful and respectful manner. People often describe the encounter with the turtles as magical and something that will never be forgotten, experiencing the vibrance of Peru's marine ecosystem firsthand.
Whether you’re drawn to vivid red sands, tranquil tidal pools, or wildlife-rich waters, these hidden coastal gems prove that the best beaches of Peru aren’t always the most famous—they’re the ones where nature still sets the rhythm.
You might be interested in reading: Twelve Angled Stone: Cusco’s Iconic Inca Landmark
The southern coast of Peru presents a vastly distinct coastal experience from the warm, tropical north. Here, the Pacific Ocean combines with impressive desert landforms for coastlines filled with impressive cliffs, unyielding rock formations, and magnificent sunsets. The temperatures of the ocean are colder, generally ranging between 16–19 °C (61–66 °F.), however, they are enjoyable seaside locations for visitors who prefer raw beauty, adventure activities, and wildlife experiences.
Yumaque is a vast stretch of golden-sand beach with wind-eroded dunes and steep desert cliffs surrounding the site. The ocean there is also cool, around 17 °C (63 °F), but the incredible sunrises and sunsets frequently draws photographers due to the vivid orange and purple colors. Visitors say it feels like being on another planet due to the endless horizons with often nothing to break the peaceful quiet.
Mendieta is said to be the most isolated destination in the Paracas Reserve and with its pristine natural setting, and blue water of about 17–18 °C (63–64 °F) deep, older local fishermen still fish here launching small fishing boats here. Travelers say the isolation feels special, and is a great beach for long walks, and wildlife watching!
Catarindo is a small cove right outside the idyllic little port town of Mollendo. It's tucked into some cliffs, allowing the breakers of the ocean, about 18 °C (64 °F), to soften somewhat on a hot summer day. Locals enjoy swimming in it, and the hills that encompass Catarindo serve as a natural amphitheater where pelicans and seabirds soar and glide above your head.
The Mejía National Sanctuary Beaches consist of these beaches created by a hamlet of wetlands, which is a prime spot for migratory birds and other wildlife. The waters are roughly 17 °C (63 °F) and are a crisp contrast to the golden sands and green marshlands. Birders call it one of the best coastal wildlife experiences in southern Peru, especially early in the day to watch sunrise happen with birds all around.
Further south, near Ilo, La Punta is a beautiful contrast to the beaches mentioned above because of its black volcanic rocks and tidepools that shine brightly all around. The water feels colder at about 16 °C (61 °F), but the sea life and the ambiance and activities may outweigh the cooler water. Locals will tell you that the seafood, specifically fresh ceviche, is some of the best in the region even though the weather conditions are a minimal factor.
From the surreal desert beaches of Paracas to the wildlife sanctuaries of Arequipa and the volcanic shores of Moquegua, Southern Peru beaches reward travelers with breathtaking scenery and a sense of remoteness that feels worlds away from the busy tourist routes.
Peru's extensive Pacific coastline provides beaches to enjoy year-round, but the ideal travel time will differ depending on the area. Here’s a breakdown for a successful trip in perfect beach weather and what to pack.
Northern Beaches (Máncora, Punta Sal, Vichayito)
The north enjoys a tropical climate with sun almost year round thanks to the warm Equatorial Current. The high season is from December to April, when temperatures are generally between 28–32 °C (82–89 °F), and the ocean temperature remains between 24–27 °C (75–80 °F) perfect for swimming and surfing.
Central Coast (Lima Area)
Lima and the nearby beaches enjoy a mild desert in general. The sunniest months are also December to March, with atmospheric temperatures between 22–28 °C (72–82 °F), and the ocean being cooler, at approximately 17–20 °C (63–68 °F). Surfing is possible year-round with the recommendation of a wetsuit.
Southern Beaches (Paracas, Arequipa, Moquegua)
The south is also drier and cooler when at the beach, where ocean temperatures dip to be between 16–19 °C (61–66 °F). The best time to visit the south is still December to March when winds are calmer, while the expanding desert landscapes of the south glow with blue skies.
By timing your visit around the regional climates and packing smart, you’ll be ready to enjoy the best beaches of Peru from the warm tropical north to the rugged southern coast comfortably and safely.
You might be interested in reading: Mita System: How it shaped the economy of colonial Peru
From the sun-drenched beaches of Máncora to the spectacular desert cliffs in Paracas and the tranquil coves of Lima, the best beaches of Peru reveal the country's wonderful diversity along the coast. If you are seeking warm tropical water for surfing, secluded spots for a quiet respite, or an unspoiled southern coastline with wildlife, you should be able to find a beach that suits your travel style. When planning your trip, consider the seasons and pack wisely and you will be rewarded with golden sands, colorful sea life, and amazing sunsets all along over 2,400 km of Pacific beauty that you will remember long after the waves have washed away your footprints.
Hi, I'm Kevin, a Peruvian who loves Andean cultures and is proud of my country. On this blog, I share useful and reliable information so you can discover Peru's history, nature, and authentic traditions.
Leave a comment
