Beast beaches in Peru beyond sand and sun: Choose your beach today

Ultima actualización en 25 October, 2025 por Waman Adventures

Last Updated on 25 October, 2025 by Waman Adventures

If you’re looking for an ocean adventure, the best beaches in Peru await you with unforgettable landscapes and experiences for all tastes. Among them stand out Máncora, Punta Sal, Paracas, Playa Roja, Punta Hermosa, and Huanchaco, each with its own charm: from perfect waves for surfing to warm waters ideal for relaxing with family or discovering local nature and culture.

Here, we tell you everything you need to know to choose the perfect beach according to your travel style and make the most of the Peruvian coast.

Northern Peru Beaches: Sun, Surf, and Relaxation

Máncora

Máncora is one of the best beaches in Peru.

This is one of the most famous beaches in Peru. It’s located in Piura and is perfect for you if you’re looking for sun, surf, and vibrant nightlife year round. Its waters are warm, you’ll find a wide variety of beachfront accommodations, and you can enjoy a delicious selection of seafood cuisine.

• How to get there: you can do so from Lima by taking a flight to Talara, Piura, or Tumbes; the trip takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, and the bus or taxi ride to Máncora is 1 to 2 hours.
• Cost: entrance is free and you can access it year round.
• Best season to visit: ideally December to April, as the weather is sunnier and drier, perfect for enjoying the sea.

Punta Sal

The tourist enjoys herself at one of the best beaches in Peru.

It’s located in the Tumbes department and is perfect for you if you’re looking for tranquility. It usually has constant sun and a warm sea; many couples or families go to relax during the day, and you can also enjoy the marine biodiversity.

• How to get there: you have the option of taking a flight from Lima to Tumbes, then taking a taxi or bus that will take you to Punta Sal, in a journey of approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
• Cost: no cost; entrance is free.
• Best season to visit: year round has pleasant weather, but from December to April the sun shines more intensely.

Zorritos

Zorritos is a very popular spot among tourists.

It’s just 30 minutes from the city of Tumbes. Zorritos is a less crowded beach, ideal for you if you prefer quiet places and an authentic atmosphere. It’s perfect for families or for those seeking total rest, relaxed walks, kayak rides, or sunset bonfires.

• How to get there: you can arrive in Tumbes on a flight from Lima; upon arrival, take a bus or taxi to Zorritos, with a trip of around 30 minutes.
• Cost: access is free, no entrance fees.
• Best season to visit: December to April, when there are more sunny days and the sea is warm.

Vichayito

Vichayito is known for its outstanding cuisine.

Near Máncora is Vichayito, which stands out for its relaxed atmosphere, its beachfront hotels and bungalows with private terraces, and for offering you the perfect combination between comfort and tranquility.

• How to get there: from Lima, you can fly to Talara, Piura, or Tumbes (1 hour 45 minutes) and then take a taxi or bus to Vichayito (between 1 and 2 hours).
• Cost: no cost; the beach is free access.
• Best season to visit: December to April, for its sunny weather that allows you to enjoy the sea and beachfront terraces.

Los Órganos

It’s perfect for you if you’re looking for a warm sea in a relaxed place with excellent options for surfing and taking boat trips for spotting sea turtles and, in season, humpback whales.

• How to get there: you can fly to Talara or Tumbes (1 hour 45 minutes) and then take a taxi or bus that will take you to Los Órganos in about 50 minutes to 1 hour. There are also direct buses from Lima (18 to 20 hours).
• Cost: access to the beaches is completely free year round.
• Best season to visit: in Peru, summer runs from December to April, when the weather is sunny and hot, ideal for swimming and practicing water sports. Between July and October is whale watching season.

Did you know…?
In the north, the sea is more turquoise and warm, thanks to the El Niño current. In contrast, in the center and south, it’s colder and dark green.

The Best Beaches of the Central Coast

Miraflores Beaches

Some of the best beaches in Peru are located in Lima.

Miraflores is one of Lima’s most emblematic districts, where urban modernity merges with the majesty of the Pacific Ocean. Its beaches, like Waikiki and Makaha, are perfect for surfers with some experience looking for consistent waves year round.

• How to get there: from downtown Lima, you can get there by taxi or bus in about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Cost: entrance to the beaches is completely free.
• Best season to visit: normally during December to April, the sky is clear and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

Punta Hermosa

Many tourists come to appreciate the tranquility of the sea.

Punta Hermosa is paradise for you if you’re a surf lover. Its beaches, like Punta Rocas and Señoritas, are internationally recognized for their professional quality waves and have hosted important competitions.

• How to get there: from Lima, you easily arrive via the Panamericana Sur highway in a private car or interprovincial bus, in a journey of approximately 1 hour.
• Access cost: no cost; access to the beaches is free.
• Best season to visit: December to April, for the sunny weather, although surfing is practiced year round.

Santa María del Mar

One of the most attractive resorts on the Peruvian coast.

It’s the perfect choice for you if you’re looking for tranquility and a safe place to enjoy with family. Located south of Lima, this beach stands out for its calm waters, an orderly atmosphere, and complete services that guarantee you a comfortable day by the sea.

• How to get there: you can take the Panamericana Sur highway by car or bus; the trip takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Cost: beach access is free.
• Best season to visit: summer months run from December to April, when the weather is sunnier and perfect for swimming or enjoying long hours on the sand.

San Bartolo

It’s a beach town known for its good waves, perfect for you if you’re a surfer, regardless of your level. It has a relaxed atmosphere but with an active surf community, restaurants and bars facing the sea, so it’s also excellent for groups of friends or couples who enjoy a young and sporty environment.

• How to get there: from Lima, you easily access by car or bus via the Panamericana Sur, with a trip of approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Cost: no cost; entrance to the beaches is free.
• Best season to visit: summer in Peru runs from December to March, when the weather is warmer and sunnier, perfect for surfing or spending long hours on the sand. During the rest of the year, the sea remains attractive for surfing, but with lower temperatures and frequently cloudy days.
• Southern Beaches: nature and Adventure.

Paracas

They are famous for their incredible biodiversity.

Paracas is the perfect destination for you if you’re looking for a balance between nature, history, and adventure. It’s ideal if you enjoy biodiversity and culture, in an active yet relaxing atmosphere.

• How to get there: from the capital, Lima, you can arrive by bus or car in a journey of 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours via the Panamericana Sur. There are also direct tourist services.
• Access cost: to enter the Paracas National Reserve you pay an entrance fee of approximately $0.80 (S/3) per adult. Boat tours to the Ballestas Islands have an additional cost that varies depending on the agency.
• Best season to visit: between December and April, when the weather is sunnier and warmer. The rest of the year is slightly cooler.

Playa Roja

Its main attraction is its reddish sand, the result of the erosion of igneous rocks.

Located within the Paracas National Reserve, Playa Roja is unique for the intense color of its sand, a product of erosion of igneous rocks that stain the coast with a spectacular reddish tone.

• How to get there: from Lima, travel to Paracas (3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours by bus or car). Once there, enter the reserve and continue on a guided tour or in an authorized vehicle to Playa Roja (about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Paracas).
• Access cost: it’s included with the entrance to the Paracas National Reserve, which has an approximate cost of $0.80 (S/3) per adult.
• Best season to visit: between December and April, for clear skies and the sea in intense tones that enhance the contrast with the red sand.

Activities You Can Do at the Beach: Surf, Wildlife, and Culture

Surf

In Peru, waves are within everyone’s reach, regardless of your experience level. If you’re a surf lover, here are some destinations you can’t miss:

• Máncora: located on the country’s northern coast, Máncora offers you consistent waves and warm waters year round. It’s perfect whether you’re just starting out or already have experience, although many professional surfers prefer it for its excellent conditions. The best season for surfing here runs from October to April.
• Punta Hermosa: located south of Lima, it’s one of the most outstanding spots for surfing on the central coast. If you’re looking for challenging waves, here you’ll find Pico Alto, considered one of the biggest waves in South America. It’s an ideal place if you already have experience and are seeking adrenaline.

Wildlife Watching

If you’re passionate about wildlife, you can’t miss visiting the Ballestas Islands, located off the coast of Paracas. Known as the “Galápagos of Peru”, they’ll surprise you with their marine biodiversity.

During a boat ride, you’ll be able to observe:

• Sea lions, resting on the rocks.
• Humboldt penguins, a vulnerable species.
• Seabirds like boobies, pelicans, and cormorants, which are part of the guano ecosystem.
• This tour is ideal for connecting with nature and enjoying an unforgettable spectacle.

Cultural Experiences

They are small traditional boats made from totora reeds.

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in local traditions, visit Huanchaco, a beach located in the La Libertad region. This place is famous for its traditional totora reed boats, vessels made from reed used for more than 3,000 years.

Today, local fishermen still use them for fishing, and you can learn about this living heritage. You may even, in some cases, be able to sail in one of these ancestral boats and experience a unique cultural experience.

Did you know…?
In Huanchaco you can surf very long waves, but the record goes to Puerto Chicama, where the wave can extend up to 1.6 miles (2.5 km).

Accommodation: Beachfront Stays and Amenities

Lima

If you visit Lima, the Miraflores district is an excellent option for lodging. Its famous boardwalk gives you spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, ideal for relaxing or taking sunset walks. Here you’ll find accommodations like the JW Marriott Hotel, which offers you rooms with ocean views and easy access to urban beaches. Additionally, there’s a wide variety of hotels, hostels, and temporary apartments with prices that fit different budgets.

The beaches of Lima offer a variety of landscapes and activities for all tastes.

Máncora

If your thing is sun and a relaxed atmosphere, Máncora, in northern Peru, is the perfect place. This destination is famous for its warm weather year round and for its beaches ideal for surfing and relaxation. Here you can choose between beachfront boutique hotels, bungalows with private pools, or comfortable budget hostels. Most accommodations are just steps from the beach, allowing you to enjoy the sea from sunrise to sunset.

Paracas

Paracas is ideal if you’re looking for a balance between comfort, adventure, and contact with nature. This destination offers you a wide range of hotels and resorts, many with direct views of the bay. You can enjoy luxury services while being close to the main natural attractions of the area, such as the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands. Additionally, several accommodations offer packages that include boat tours, water activities, and seaside dining experiences.

Practical Tips: What to Pack and Travel Considerations

• Packing List
• Broad spectrum sunscreen
• Light and comfortable clothing
• Swimsuit
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Sandals or water shoes
• Insect repellent
• Light jacket for evenings
• Transportation

Remember to bring the beach essentials.

If you plan to travel from Lima to destinations like Tumbes or Piura, you can take direct flights with airlines like LATAM, among other available options. Once you land, you have the possibility of taking a taxi or bus to reach Máncora, which is located a few hours away. This is a very common and convenient route to enjoy the beaches of northern Peru.

When to Visit: Seasons and Climate on the Peruvian Coast

The best season to enjoy beaches Peru is during the austral summer, which runs from December through March. During these months, temperatures are warmer and conditions ideal for water activities like swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing by the sea. During this period, the weather ranges between 77°F and 90°F (25°C and 32°C), with clear skies and lower humidity levels, which makes the beach experience much more pleasant.

Many tourists enjoy a sunny day at the beach

If you visit the northern part of the country, especially the Piura region, you’ll find temperatures that can exceed 95°F (35°C), making its beaches the perfect place to cool off and escape the heat.

During autumn (April and May), temperatures begin to gradually decrease, offering you cooler weather. This time is ideal if you prefer to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and comfortable experience.

In winter (from June to September), the Peruvian coast is characterized by lower temperatures, cloudy skies, and frequent fog. Humidity tends to increase, which can generate a greater sensation of cold, especially in Lima and its surroundings.

Finally, in spring (October and November), temperatures start to rise little by little, fog decreases, and days become sunnier. It’s an excellent time to visit the beaches if you’re looking for a balance between good weather and lower tourist influx.

Local Customs

People in Peru are very friendly and hospitable, but it’s important that you keep in mind some local courtesy norms. These customs may vary slightly depending on the region, but in general, Peruvians value kindness, respect, and good manners in everyday interactions.

The best beaches in Lima Peru and throughout the country, like Máncora, Punta Sal, Paracas, and Punta Hermosa, offer you sun, sea, and unforgettable moments. Enjoy them with Waman Adventures and experience a unique adventure on the Peruvian coast.

Frequently Asked Questions