A Traveler’s Guide to the Best Beaches in Lima, Peru
There are many reasons that people visit Lima, Peru, including enjoying the vibe of the city, learning about Peruvian culture, and seeing the landmarks of Lima. Many people do not consider a place for a beach vacation. However, this city is close to the coast, so there are some fantastic beaches nearby. If possible, you should include spending some time on the beaches on your vacation to get the most out of your experience in this amazing city. Here is a traveler’s guide to the best beaches in Lima, Peru, to help you get the best out of your time in this destination.
San Bartolo
Trip Advisor lists San Bartolo as the best beach in Lima, Peru. It is one of the most dramatic-looking beaches as there are large rocks against which the waves crash and the sand is covered in pretty pebbles. Therefore, it is not one of the best Lima beaches for sunbathing, but it is a beautiful place for taking a walk and enjoying the stunning coastal views.
Muelle de Ancon
Muelle de Ancon is one of the best places for animal lovers to visit, as it is likely you will see sea lions sitting on the rocks. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy on or around the beach. People enjoy activities including swimming, yachting, taking boat trips, and grabbing a bite to eat from one of the food stalls. There are many bars, clubs, and restaurants surrounding the beach, so the area is usually busy. It is important to note that some sections of the beach are private, including some sections next to hotels and the stretch by the Ancon Casino. This beach is approximately one hour north of Lima by car.
Playa Costa Verde
Like many of the beaches along Peru’s coastline, Playa Costa Verde is a pebble beach with not a lot of sandy areas. Despite the lack of sand, it is a gorgeous beach for enjoying a walk, admiring the views, and sitting on a rock to enjoy the surroundings. This beach is also popular with surfers, as there are consistently big waves most days. The best times to visit the beach are at sunset or sunrise, as the sky is nothing short of spectacular. Cliffs line the beach, so it is a rather dramatic-looking stretch of coastline. There is also a park next to the beach that has artificial hills that offer some protection from the strong coastal winds.
Punta Hermosa
According to Vacation Idea, one of the best beaches to visit during your stay in Peru is Punta Hermosa. It is approximately an hour away from Lima, and it is one of the most popular options amongst locals and travelers alike. This beach is known for surfing, but it is also an excellent beach to enjoy swimming, picnics, beach games, and sunbathing.
El Silencio
El Silencio is a small beach just outside Lima. It is a pretty and popular spot with soft sand and gorgeous views. It is a great place to enjoy a coastal walk or relax on the beach. However, it is not the best place to go swimming, as the choppy conditions mean there are big waves and the surf is rough.
Asia Beach
The beach that possibly attracts the most tourists is Asia Beach, and it has undergone some major renovations over the last few years to ensure it remains a great beach for tourists and locals to visit. In the past, Asia Beach was a sleepy stretch of the Peruvian coastline. Now, it is one of the top summer retreats in the country, and it has some of the best beach amenities. The surrounding area also keeps people entertained, as it is lined with restaurants, bars, and one of the biggest shopping malls in Peru.
Paracas
If you want to enjoy a less touristy beach, then one of the most pristine and tranquil options close to Lima is Paracas. It is a beautiful stretch of the coastline that consists of several small sandy beaches. All the small beaches are similar, as they have a relaxed atmosphere and soft sand. Therefore, you can take your pick of which beach you want to enjoy or take a walk and visit several. You can also book a boat to enjoy the Pacific Ocean or to visit the Isla Ballestas while you are in Paracas. A boat trip is a fantastic way to enjoy the wildlife and see the coastline from a different perspective.
Cerro Azul
Although it is more than two hours outside Lima, it is definitely worth making an effort to take a trip out to Cerra Azul during your trip to Lima, Peru. The Culture Trip says that Cerro Azul is one of the best surfing spots in the south of Peru, and it is also one of the country’s best beaches. At the beach, there is a pier where people enjoy fishing. At one side of the pier, there is great surf that takes surfers from the rocks up to the pier. On the other side of the pier, there is a sandy beach lined with food and drink stands.
Pucasana
Pucasana is a small village on the coast just outside Lima, Peru. If you travel from Peru to the coast, it is the first of the Lima beaches that you will come across. Unlike many of the beaches in Peru that are rocky, Pucasana boasts a good stretch of sand. Nearby, there are lots of ceviche restaurants that serve dishes made using fresh and locally caught seafood.
Senoritas
Those who want to get in the water and enjoy the surf should head to Senoritas, as this is one of Peru’s best surfing spots. Most of the beach is sandy, but there are some rocky sections during low tide. There are chairs, umbrellas, and beachside service available to visitors of this beach.