Lima Surf Guide
Probably not the best surfing Peru has to offer, but still a solid place to catch some solid waves. Plenty of beginner and intermediate spots on offer, and no shortage of other things to do outside the water.
Quick Facts
Plenty of waves for everyone
Super accessible waves
Not the best waves in the country
Friendly crowds at beginner spots
Introduction to Lima
Lima, the capital of Perú, is the second largest cities in the Americas. It’s huge. There are tons of flights into the airport, so even if you’re headed to another spot to surf you can catch some waves here before you move on. Many of the waves are relatively mellow and fat, but you’ll also find fairly uncrowded lineups given the size of the city. Yes, the waves aren’t quite as beautiful as the lefts in Chicama or the plethora of waves in Mancora, but there’s still ample waves to be found. It’s relatively affordable, there are seriously endless things to do, and it’s super easy to rent boards or find classes.
Lima Surf Season
Much like the rest of Peru, the best time to surf Lima is in the North American summer from May to August. This is the dry season here, and you’ll get peak swells rolling in from the south and southwest. However, there are a ton of breaks here and you’ll surely still have things to surf in the winter. The water will be a bit colder in the winter, but still manageable.
Where to Surf in Lima
As mentioned, there are a bunch of breaks in the Lima area. Here we’ll talk about Waikiki. Named after the famous beach on Oahu, Waikiki is the popular spot right in Lima for beginner surfers. The waves come in fairly soft over the pebbles and sand, and you’ll find tons of surf schools and rentals here at the beach. The big downside is the water can be quite polluted after the rains.
Crowds - Often
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE, light
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Can be packed!
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Lima
Bravo Surf Camp - Bravo Surf Camp is a staple in Lima, with almost twenty years as a locally owned and operated business. They have multiple locations for different surfers and conditions, fully equipped kitchens, tons of meal plans, yoga and meditation, and more. the have 4 day camps starting at $270, 5 day budget camps starting at just $200 (!), and 7 day camps starting at $320. They also offer vegan camps, sustainable camps, and beginner-specific camps.
Surfari - Located just at the south end of Lima toward Villas and Punta Rocas, Surfari is a great place for beginner surf camps. They have 4 day beginner camps from $250 and 7 day beginner camps from $575. They also offer private camps! They have daily yoga, transport to various waves in the area, all meals included, and some top-notch legit professional surfers as coaches.
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
Playa Makaha
Another beginner spot near town, Makaha is much less crowded and less polluted. There’s several breaks here and the surfers are often more spread out, leaving room in the lineup!
Crowds - Some
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Point, beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Nada!
Ala Moana
Another one named after the Hawaiian counterpart, Ala Moana is home to several left reef breaks. Some strong rips, but solid waves with a good swell!
Crowds - Some
Surfer Level - Beginner/Interm.
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Strong currents
Redondo
Solid beginner break, often smaller and gentler than the other beginner breaks. Especially good for first-timers who want to catch some whitewater!
Crowds - Not much
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Of nothing!
Villa
With SW facing coast, a solid spot for summer swells. A good place to go when it’s small everywhere else in the city. Can pump and be full of closeouts if it gets too big.
Crowds - Not too bad
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - Light
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 50%
Be Aware: Best on small days
Regatas
Sometimes called La Boca, there’s a rare right here. It’s pretty fast and steep, but good for shortboarders looking for something a little more aggressive.
Crowds - Few
Surfer Level - Intermediate
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N, light
Break Type - Right point
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Bodyboarders
La Herradura
When the bigger swells come in, this lineup gets packed but with good reason. Solid 100+m rides that offer steep takeoffs, bowls, and barrels.
Crowds - On good swells
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - S/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Point
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Crowded
Other Things to Do in Lima
We’re just not going to cover all the things to do in Lima. It’s a huge city. There are so many amazing things to do. Instead, we’ll leave you a couple of links from various travel blogs:
Oops, I Booked Again - My Favourite Things to Do in Lima: Peru
Adventures of A+K - 19+ Best Things to Do in Lima, Peru
The Better Beyond - The 10 Best Things to Do in Lima with Kids
Where to Stay in Lima
There’s simply no shortage of places to stay in Lima. Here are a few options in the neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranca, close enough to the surf!
Budget-Friendly Hotels (~$35-50/night)
Amara Hotel
Reasonable hotel near airport
Amara is close to the international airport, and could make a great hub to get down to the various beaches. Free Wifi, room service, A/C, a bar/restaurant, and super fairly priced.
Casita Libertad
Guesthouse a few km from Waikiki
Located down in Barranco, Casita Libertad is just 4km from the beaches of Waikiki and solid beginner waves. There are TVs, free WiFi, full kitchen, laundry service, and all you need to make this your little surf home!
Private Homes (~$75-150/night)
Casa de Leeuw
Beautiful apartment in unique setting
In the hopping area of Miraflores, Casa Buena Vista is a 3br with incredible views. It’s close to shopping and restaurants, and just a few minutes walk down to the beach!
Casa Buena Vista
Ocean view home in Miraflores
Located right in the heart of Barranco in the yard of an old mansion, Casa de Leeuw is simply dope. It has two bedrooms, private terraces, and you’re walking distance to the most fun parts of Barranco.
Luxurious Stays (~$200-300/night)
Country Club Lima
Elegant colonial hotel
Located near Costa Verde, Souma is a beautiful luxury hotel in Miraflores. They have a great resatuarant, rooftop pool, full spa, gym, and all the amenities you could ask for.
Souma Hotel
Oceanfront luxury hotel
Inside a beautiful colonial building, Country Club Lima is a top-rated hotel with great dining options, impeccable service, a full spa, and views of the neighboring park and golf course.
Getting to Lima
Getting to Lima is fairly straightforward. It’s a huge international airport with flights from all over the world!
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