Peru is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Its beaches extend along little more than 3000 km of coastal strip. There are white and fine sand beaches, thicker particles, stones, beaches partly sand and partly fences formed by huge rocks. In this Guide of Beaches of Peru you will know the best destinations to enjoy the sun, the sea, adventure sports and exquisite gastronomy.   

1- Northern Beaches

The northern provinces of the Peruvian coast are Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque and La Libertad. Here you will find white sand beaches, warm and transparent waters, huge waves and other quiet ones. There are many beaches along the coast and each of them has its own characteristics that will make your experience an adventure. What prevails in the beaches of northern Peru is that, in their great majority, they are ideal for surfing. In fact, some of them host international championships of this fantastic sport. You will also be able to visit cultural and historical attractions of the pre-Inca period in the different tours we have for you. Below we name some of the most representative beaches of this region of Peru.   
The northern beaches are ideal for surfing and receive thousands of tourists every year / Photo: Canva Pro
  Travel tip: Although the summer months, from December to March, are the best time to enjoy the sea, the Peruvian north is characterized by its warm waters all year round. Its coldest temperature does not go below 21 degrees Celsius.  

- Pimentel

The most representative and beautiful spa and tourist center of Lambayeque. Located at Km 766 of the Panamericana Norte, it is characterized by its Caballitos de Totora, pre-Inca boats used for fishing until today. Spend a day of adventure and relaxation on its paradisiacal beaches and then visit Chiclayo, only 11 km away by Route 6. Enjoy the beauty of the city, characterized by its beautiful parks and gardens. Visit the Archaeological Complex and Museum of Royal Tombs of Huaca Rajada-Sipan, where the tomb of the Lord of Sipan was discovered, ruler of the ancient Moche culture among other royal tombs of great importance in the pre-Inca era. Or go hiking at Cerro Reque, where you can also visit other archaeological complexes such as "Siete Techos" or "Cuarto de los Gentiles".  

- Las Pocitas

This beach located at Km 1162 is a beautiful beach with calm and transparent waters. One of its characteristics is to be surrounded by palm trees and its rocky conformation makes that when the tide goes down, pools are formed where swimmers usually go. Hence its name Las Pocitas. It is the perfect destination to rest the mind and relax the body.  

- Chicama

It is located an hour and a half from the city of Trujillo, at the 614th km of the Panamericana Norte. It is a fishing port also called Malabrigo. Beautiful beach famous for having the longest left wave in the world and a place where Hawaiian surfing championships are held. In this port they are in the habit of celebrating sports and cultural events honoring the pre-Incan culture, the Moches.  

- Huanchaco

It is, among all, the most representative spa of Trujillo due to its millenary history and competition waves. This is where the international Longboard Pro Peru championship is held every summer bringing together surfers from all over the world and it is one of the five beaches internationally recognized as a World Surfing Reserve. Besides its beaches and championships, Huanchaco is where you will taste the best ceviches. A few kilometers away is the archaeological ruins of Chan Chan, a fantastic fortress of the Moche culture. Another place that I highly recommend and I assure you that you will fully enjoy are the ruins of the Temple of the Sun and the Moon.  

2- Central Beaches

The beaches in the center of the Peruvian coast are colder due to the Humboldt Current but not because of this less beautiful.  
Pucusana, located in the center of the Peruvian coast, has beaches so peaceful that they look like enormous lakes of transparent water / Photo: Canva Pro
 

- Balneario de Tuquillo

It is located in the province of Huarmey, Ancash. It is a circuit of beaches that begins in Puerto Culebras up to the same resort of Tuquillo. This circuit is called the Swimming pool of the Pacific Ocean for its calm waters and for being one of the most beautiful beaches that Peru possesses. The best time to visit it is from December to March. A relevant fact is that the infrastructure of its houses and premises are built with reusable materials, and for this reason, and for the hard work put into preserving it intact, it received the Ecoplayas Award.  

- Punta Rocas

At Km 45 of the Panamericana Sur. This is the beach where surfers from all over the world gather to enjoy and compete. It is on this sandy beach that waves of up to 5 meters high run left and right and it is where the international Hawaiian board championships are held in February. It's a much more urbanized destination with sophisticated restaurants, trendy clubs and a place chosen for big rock concerts.  

- Punta Hermosa

This spa is known as "the 4 kilometers of gold" due to its 12 breakers, which are considered among the best and most diverse waves in the world. At Punta Hermosa, the waves are strong and right-handed, fast and with tubular sections. You can find impressive waves like the world famous Pico Alto that reaches 11 meters high. So it ends up being a paradise for surfers who go out to sea to practice and give us the spectacular views of this fabulous sport. Playa Negra and Isla, along with Punta Hermosa are the most sought after by surfers, and Playa Blanca is one of the quietest in the resort. Don't forget to try their delicious gastronomy. The night is also very lively with trendy bars and clubs. From Lima, take the Panamericana Sur road and take the detour at Km 35 where you can choose one of the beaches of this beautiful resort.  

- Pucusana

It is a beautiful open bay on one side and with an island in front of it, the Galapagos Island, which can be reached by boat or swimming. A peculiar characteristic is that Pucusana has beaches so peaceful that they look like enormous lakes of transparent water. The color of the fishing boats, the beautiful houses that surround it, the incomparable view of the place, turns it the place of relaxation par excellence. It is only 45 minutes away from Lima, at km 58 of the Panamericana Sur. You can enjoy various activities such as diving, water skiing, sailing, rowing or simply take a boat ride along the different beaches that make up the area. Another attraction that you will undoubtedly enjoy is the Pelícanos Regatta that takes place in February. Among the attractions you can enjoy are: El Boquerón, also known as El Corte de la Viuda; a 50 mts. opening in the coastal hill that looks south of the city, where you can appreciate the high and low tides and where with great strength and noise, the waves cross, continuing their journey to El Boquerón beach. Behind this hill is El Rostro de Cristo, a rocky structure that simulates the profile of Christ. There is also a local museum; the Casa Barco or Casa Buque, an eye-catching construction that in past decades was a restaurant, currently uninhabited.  

- Asian Beaches

Located at Km 97.5 of the Panamericana Sur, it is one hour from Lima. This district of the province of Cañete in Lima, is made up of 30 beaches, many of them urbanized. It's fine white sand, its extensive crystalline blue sea, the enormous variety of services, exclusive restaurants and fantastic waves for surfing are 'paradise on earth'. As far as gastronomy is concerned, although seafood is its specialty, ceviche, carapulca and dry soup, which is served as a garnish, stand out as typical dishes. It is a preparation based on pasta, basil and other spices. On the beaches of Asia you have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. And as if that weren't enough, it has its own 18-hole golf course. Also, for those who like to run, it has a Professional Kartódromo. You will really have a great time here.  

- Cerro Azul

This beautiful resort is located in the province of Cañete, which belongs to the Department of Lima, at the height of km 131 of the South Pan-American Highway. Its name derives from the blue color of its hills in certain seasons of the year. Its beautiful blue waters and white sand call for relaxation and adventure. When you arrive at your destination, you can walk around Central Square with its beautiful gazebo and clock from the time it was founded, around the middle of the 1920?s. It is also possible to see the Humboldt dolphins that usually visit the coast in the afternoon. If you like to surf or kayak, you should go a little further south to Puerto Viejo beach. History is also present in Cerro Azul. Don't miss visiting the Archaeological Complex El Huarco or the Inca Fortress ordered to be built by the Inca Pachacútec after the conquest of the Huarco people. The entrance is free.   Travel tip: One thing to note is that to enter the beaches within the Paracas National Reserve, you must pay an entrance fee. The classic tour takes you to the Ballestas Islands but Paracas has other treasures that are rarely visited.  

- La Mina

The drive is about 3 hours from Lima, but it's worth it. The view is indescribable, esmerald colored waters where kayaking is common. A clear blue sky and soft sand just wide enough to camp. This beach has a natural viewpoint from where you can see sea lions scattered around the different islets. Continuing along the route, you will find Raspón and Lagunillas spas, definitely, wonderful creations of nature.  

- Mendieta

This is one of the least visited beaches in the Paracas National Reserve as it is the furthest from the entrance but it is one of the most beautiful beaches in this huge complex. Beach of crystalline and calm waters, sun, sand and, desert. Yes, desert. In fact, in this earthly paradise you can camp, dive and fish. A different activity for a beach is that here you can do trekking in the desert. In Mendieta you can see the huge rock formations with animal shapes like the elephant or the turtle. Travel tip: Another visit I highly recommend is to go to the Julio C. Tello Museum and Research Center. Paracas definitely deserves a separate article.  

3-  Southern Beaches

The beaches of southern Peru are cold waters but very beautiful and very little visited. The best time to visit them is during the summer, from December to March.  
Like the central coast, the south has beaches of singular beauty that are barely inhabited / Photo: Canva Pro
 

- Camaná

It has a good amount of impeccable and quiet beaches. Perfect for adventure sports and sport fishing. Some of the most recommended are La Cueva, Quilca, La Miel, Honoratos, El Chorro, Arantas, La Playuela, Cerrillo, La Punta, among others. This last one is the most visited of all and has hotels, restaurants and discos to complete your experience in the Peruvian south. The beaches of Camaná are one of the most recommended places to visit. Not only will you find sea and excellent cuisine, but also other attractions such as Camaná Water Park, the Inca Citadel of Pillistay, Mirador and Inca trails, Monte Pucor Archaeological Complex and the Pucchún Lagoons.  

- Mollendo

Capital of the province of Islay in Arequipa The trip from the land terminal in the city of Arequipa to Mollendo is 126 km away and takes 2 and a half hours. Mollendo has the widest beaches of the entire Peruvian coast. The main ones among them are: Playa Primera, which also has the Playa Uno Tourist Complex. It is the closest to the city and the busiest. And Playa Segunda, which complements its tourist attraction with exquisite gastronomy, nautical sports, music concerts organized on weekends called "playazos musicales" and a curious architectural construction from the end of the 19th century, the Forga Castle. An imposing castle that brings to mind the medieval castles of Europe. Transport Tip: In front of the Terminal, on Avenida Andrés Avelino Cáceres you will find the well known sprinters minibuses that are more economical and leave constantly.  

- Mejía

Mejia is 11 km from Mollendo. After taking the transport from the city of Arequipa to Mollendo, you must go to the intersection of Tacna Street and Jiron Arequipa. There the buses will leave you in 10 minutes in Mejía. This exclusive resort, clean and tidy, has beautiful colonial and republican buildings that coexist with modern buildings, restaurants and discos. One of its most beautiful beaches is Playa Margarita, a place for total relaxation of all senses.  Travel Tip: Don't forget to visit the Lagunas de Mejia National Sanctuary, with vegetation that forms a large wetland and a great variety of birds, many of them in danger of extinction.  

- Boca del Rio Spa

52 km southwest of Tacna. It is a beautiful beach resort with wide beaches, calm and transparent sea, and shallow waters. Due to its good climate and safety throughout the year, even in the low season, it is the ideal place to go to its beautiful beaches and disconnect from the world. During the summer, the well-known "playazos" take place, offering music in a beach and fun atmosphere. There are also entertaining cultural and sports events. El Planchón and La Lisera are its busiest beaches, but if you want to enjoy peace and quiet, I recommend Los Hornos, Los Yuyales or Playita Brava. So far our Guide of Beaches of Peru. Many other beaches and resorts have been left out and will be the subject of future articles. Dare to travel the Peruvian coast and enjoy the great diversity of its climates, beaches, activities. Take advantage of visiting its incredible archaeological sites and taste its internationally recognized gastronomy.  
By: Jessica Mollá, Peruvian-Argentinean journalist, audiovisual communicator. Editor in Spanish for Daytours4u.