Peru's 10 Best Beaches

With 3080 km of coastline, choosing just 10 beaches in Peru has been an unfair task given its enormous, beautiful, and diverse coastal edge. But each of the beaches we present to you below (ordered from north to south) has characteristics that make them unique, and we're confident that more than one person will be motivated to take a dip in their waters.

1. Punta Sal

Punta Sal is one of those beaches that nature itself takes care to protect. The chain of hills around it shields it from the wind, and the arid climate keeps it free from rain with eternally radiant sunshine. Its 6.5 km length is caressed by warm and calm waters that contrast beautifully with the green algarrobo trees and pastures. A paradisiacal beach no matter how you look at it.

How to get there: The main access route to Punta Sal is via an asphalt turnoff at km 1187 of the Pan-American Highway North. There's a bus stop here and a welcome arch with the name: "Balneario turístico Punta Sal".

2. Máncora

Surfing all day, eating the freshest ceviche in the area, and enjoying clear skies year-round. Máncora is a beach paradise and one of the most well-known beaches in northern Peru. In Máncora everything is celebration, and that shows in its vibrant nightlife that doesn't rest until dawn. From the most exclusive resorts to hostels for seasoned backpackers, Máncora welcomes every traveler who has its rolling waves and fun on their mind. Just 4 km south of Máncora is the beach Las Pocitas, known by locals as Máncora Chico, a perfect spot to watch the sunset in the natural pools that form between the rocks.

How to get there: Máncora is located approximately 187 kilometers north of the city of Piura, which in turn is located at km 1035 of the Pan-American Highway North. Various bus companies travel to Máncora from Lima, Tumbes, Piura, Guayaquil (Ecuador), and other cities in Peru, as well as taxis and other transportation from airports near Máncora.

3. Playa Tuquillo

The Tuquillo beach resort is located 7 kilometers north of the city of Huarmey, following the Pan-American Highway North route. This beach is recognized for its calm, intensely blue waters and fine sand. It also has small islands just fifty meters from shore that are natural habitats for guano birds like the booby or cormorant. The resort also has 3 other beaches to the south of Tuquillo: Maracaná, Antivito, and La Posita, the latter being perfect for the little ones.

How to get there: To reach Huarmey, you have to go along the Pan-American Highway North to kilometer 310; the trip takes just over 5 and a half hours from Lima.

4. Playa Caballeros

Located in the Punta Hermosa district in Lima, Playa Caballeros has excellent waves (averaging 7 meters in height) that make it a spectacular destination for national and international surf tournaments. But surfboards aren't the only thing dominating its waters, as the beach is perfect for those who enjoy fishing. Its fertile sea allows for fishing of marine species like chita.

How to get there: To reach Caballeros from Lima, you must travel by vehicle along the Pan-American Highway South until you reach kilometer 35. Then, you continue for another three kilometers until you reach the beach resort.

5. Playa Embajadores

Part of the Santa María del Mar district, Embajadores beach is the crown jewel of one of Peru's most beautiful and modern beach resorts. It's characterized by being small, with fine sand and a crescent moon shape. The resort presents itself as a peaceful territory, and around it there are various residences and apartments for rent that ensure relaxing family vacations.

How to get there: To reach this beach from Lima, you must go to kilometer 52 of the Pan-American Highway South, from where you take a four-kilometer turnoff to the coast.

6. Wakama

Wakama is the first natural refuge on Peru's coast, a hidden beach located just under two hours south of Lima. As seen in the photo, sand hills separate it from the bustling outside world. In Wakama there is an interesting ecotourism development project: cabins for rent facing the sea with all amenities and in the purest natural style. This is why Wakama is a perfect place to disconnect, ideal for people seeking that tranquility they lost in the city.

How to get there: Getting to Wakama is simple. The beach entrance is located at km 179 of the Pan-American Highway South, at the end of the descent toward Jahuay beach.

7. Playa La Mina

A must-see spot in the Paracas National Reserve in Ica, Playa La Mina is horseshoe-shaped and the surrounding hills protect it from the intense wind that blows throughout the Paracas area. The sector is a treasure of clean, crystalline, peaceful waters, emerald-colored with white sands. It's also home to sea lions, penguins, birds, and an immense variety of marine fauna. In the surroundings of the beach you can observe cavities that were formerly coal mines, hence its name.

How to get there: From Lima, Playa La Mina is located at kilometer 250 of the Pan-American Highway South, in the province of Paracas, Ica.

8. Playa Roja

Also located in the Paracas National Reserve, Playa Roja is undoubtedly spectacular for its exotic beauty. The beach takes its reddish color from the igneous rock called pink granodiorite, which contains solidified magma in its interior. The sea crashes against the rocks and the waves drag fragments of reddish rocks that accumulate on the shore. The contrast with the yellow and ochre colors of the cliffs makes it a true work of natural art.

How to get there: After entering the National Reserve at km 250 of the Panamericana Sur, you must continue along its main road until the Lagunillas control post.

9. Puerto Inka

Puerto Inka boasts the natural beauty of stunning cliffs and unique natural rock formations. It is a bay in Arequipa, where the sea is calm and the water is transparent. It is called this because it was one of the most important beaches for the Incas. One of the branches of the Inca Trail reached here, the same one that leads to the citadel of Machu Picchu, and you can still see archaeological remains as well as the ancient corrals for llamas.

How to get there: Puerto Inka is located exactly at kilometer 610 of the Panamericana Sur, in the province of Caravelí, in the Arequipa region. Once there, you must follow the turnoff to the beach. From Lima it is approximately 9 hours and from Arequipa 5 hours.

10. Caleta San José

Due to the low human presence, Caleta San José is an impressive natural refuge. Located in the province of Camaná, it can only be reached by boat, and there is a single lodge for tourists in the area. It is a place of true disconnection, as there is no cell signal, no landline, or Internet. From Caleta you can sail for about 30 minutes to Isla Hornillos, where you can enjoy one of the largest populations of sea lions in the country. You can also go trekking, kayaking, snorkeling, and other activities. 

How to get there: If you depart from Arequipa, you must head to Quilca, located at kilometer 845 of the Panamericana Sur. From there you sail by boat for about 2 hours until you reach Caleta San José.

Do you know other beaches in Peru that we should add to our list? Share your tips with our community of travelers!

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