11 Best Beaches In Peru

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Peru is a country full of wonder.

Literally.

It’s home to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu.

With an elevation of almost 8,000 feet, the mountainous ruins are truly a sight to see.

Official wonders aside, Peru is also made up of glorious beaches, mountains, and forests.

The Amazon River begins in Peru, and 60% of the country is made up of the Amazon rainforest.

It’s also the only place in the world where you can swim with pink dolphins.

These amazing creatures are only found in the Amazon River basin.

The South American country is the third largest on the continent and is one of the most bio-diverse countries on Earth.

In the rainforest alone there are over 7,300 species of flowers and 2,500 species of butterflies.

There are 42 languages spoken in Peru, though the official language is Spanish, by which the country was colonized in 1572.

If you think the potato originated in Ireland, you’d be wrong.

Potatoes are native to Peru, and they have over 3,000 varieties.

Other native foods include corn, quinoa, Brazil nuts, and the Lima bean (named after the nation’s capital).

Peru also has a ton of gorgeous beaches. If you’re planning a visit to this wonderful country, here are the best beaches to check out.

11 Best Beaches In Peru

11. Costa Verde Beach – Lima, Peru 

If you’re a fan of sunsets (who isn’t), check out this cliff-filled beach with awesome rock formations.

Costa Verde is known for its amazing reddish-orange sunsets, which can make for a lovely beginning to an evening out.

During the day, surfers delight in the waves, and everyone else can relax, take a walk, and see some interesting marine life in the tide pools.

There’s also a fish market nearby with the freshest fish you can get.

10. Cabo Blanco Beach – Piura, Peru

If you happen to be looking for a fishing village with a colorful history, Cabo Blanco is worth a visit.

During the 1950s and 60s, it was the sports fishing capital of the country.

If you’re familiar with Ernest Hemingway, he frequently visited this beach to fish for the elusive Black marlin.

In fact, he was so inspired by this beach, he used the location in his iconic novel “The Old Man And The Sea”.

Today, the marlin is gone, but the beauty remains unchanged.

It’s a great place for surfing, delicious seafood, and watching marine life from the pier.

9. Cerro Azul Beach – Lima, Peru

If you’re a fan of The Beach Boys, you may have heard of Cerro Azul from their hit song, “Surfin’ Safari “.

It’s known for awesome waves and surfing, but it’s also the perfect beach for families to hunker down in the sand for a day of fun.

You can take a relaxing walk and check out “El Fraile” (The Monk), a fascinating rock formation, where you’re sure to find some marine and wildlife.

Within a few short blocks, you’ll have your choice of delicious eateries and shops.

8. Chicama Beach – La Libertad, Peru

This beach is home to the biggest left-breaking waves in the world.

On a good day, surfers can ride a wave for over a mile.

There’s even a tow-back service, so they don’t have to hike or paddle back.

If you’re a fisherman, you’ll love this beach too. It’s also just a nice place to relax.

Go for a swim, take out a kayak, or walk along the waterline and watch the surfers.

The nearby town offers simple accommodations and great seafood.

7. Las Pocitas Beach – Piura, Peru

This tranquil beach has a few oceanfront hotels that accommodate all budgets.

But that doesn’t take away from this being a nice spot for some peace and quiet.

Chill under one of the many palm trees or go for a dip in the clear, warm water.

Watch the marine life go by as you swim or go for a peaceful walk to spot some dolphins or sea lions.

It’s one of the best beaches to relax and recharge. 

6. Playa De La Mina Beach – Ica, Peru

Named after a former coal mine, this gorgeous beach is located just a stone’s throw from the town of Paracas, where visitors will find a fabulous selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

As for the beach, it’s located inside the Paracas National Reserve, so it’s kept pristinely clean and well-kept.

The bright blue water is warm and has calm waves, making it one of the best swimming beaches in the country.

It’s also not too touristy, so it’s quiet.

A great place for couples to have a romantic beach day.

5. Tuquillo Beach – Ancash, Peru

Tuquillo Beach is the winner of several eco-beach prizes for its conservation and cleanliness efforts.

So you’re guaranteed a scenically beautiful visit here.

The crystal clear water, soft sand, and unique rock formations with tide pools make for a fun day of adventure for people of all ages.

Take a walk, wade or swim, or just relax under an umbrella.

4. Huanchaco Beach – La Libertad, Peru

For over one thousand years, this area was a port town and the fishing capital of Peru.

Today, a stroll down the beach will allow you to see the ancient rafts once used by the fishermen.

There are plenty of historical sites and archaeological sites to see on and around this beach as well.

Surfers can enjoy some of the best waves in the world.

In fact, it’s been named a World Surfing Reserve (a prestigious honor in surfing circles).

The town is said to be the birthplace of ceviche (a seafood dish), so you know you’re going to get some great food too.

3. Playa Roja Beach – Paracas, Peru

Located in the Paracas National Reserve, this is the most naturally beautiful beach you’ll find in Peru.

The sand is an amazing red color, thanks to ancient volcanic activity.

The views from the desert cliffs are breathtaking and the turquoise water is warm and inviting.

You can enjoy watching many sea lions, dolphins, Humboldt penguins, and blue-footed Boobies. 

Go for a hike, or take a kayaking or ATV tour to see the ancient sites and scenery.

2. Mancora Beach – Piyra, Peru

Once a quiet fishing town, Mancora has become a major tourist destination.

It’s the perfect oceanfront retreat for couples, friend groups, and backpackers looking for a rest stop.

Surfers and boogie boarders love the waves, and everyone loves the soft sand, great views, and tasty fresh seafood.

The area is known to come alive at night with exciting clubs and terrific bars.

So relax all day and party all night in this fabulous beach town.

1. Punta Sal Beach – Tumbes, Peru

Punta Sal consistently makes the list of  South America’s best beaches.

It’s a classic tropical resort and retreat.

With palm trees and hammocks dotted about the beach, it’s one of the best places in Peru to take in the fiery sunsets.

It’s one of those beaches where you can do everything or nothing at all.

The water is clear blue and the sand is a soft white, so you can bury your feet while the kids build sandcastles.

The waves are big enough for surfing, but manageable for swimming.

The area is also known for its tremendous seafood, vibrant nightlife, and great shopping. 

Peru Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Peru Safety Review

Safety Index:

50

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: HIGH
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW