With 3080 km of coastline, choosing only 10 beaches in Peru has been an unfair task in front of its gigantic, beautiful, and diverse coastline. But each of the beaches that we present below (ordered from north to south) has characteristics that make them unique and that we are sure will motivate more than one to take a dip in its waters.

1. Punta Sal

Punta Sal is one of those beaches that nature itself is responsible for protecting. The surrounding chain of hills protects it from the wind and the arid climate keeps it without rain and with an eternal radiant sun. Its 6.5km length is caressed by warm and calm waters that contrast wonderfully with the green carob trees and grasslands. A paradisiacal beach wherever you look at it.

How to get there: The main access road to Punta Sal is by a paved detour at Km 1187 of the North Pan-American Highway. Here are a stop and a welcome arch with the name: “Punta Sal tourist resort.”

2. Máncora

Surf all day, eat the freshest ceviche in the area, and enjoy clear skies all year round. Máncora is a beach paradise and one of the best-known beaches in northern Peru. In Máncora, everything is a celebration, and it shows in its vibrant nightlife that does not rest until dawn. Máncora welcomes every traveler with its rolling waves and fun in mind, from the most exclusive resorts to hostels for inveterate backpackers. Just 4 km south of Máncora is Las Pocitas beach, known to locals as Máncora Chico, a perfect place 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 Piura, which is located at km 1035 of the Panamericana Norte. Various bus companies arrive in Máncora from Lima, Tumbes, Piura, Guayaquil (Ecuador), and other cities in Peru and taxis or other transports from airports near Máncora.

3. Tuquillo Beach

The Tuquillo spa is located 7 kilometers north of Huarmey, following the Panamericana Norte route. This beach is known for its calm waters of intense blue and fine sand. It also has islets just fifty meters from the shore that are natural habitats for guano birds, such as the booby or the guanay. The resort also has 3 other beaches to the south of Tuquillo, Maracaná, Antivito and La Posita. The latter is perfect for the little ones.

How to get there: To get to Huarmey you have to go along the Panamericana Norte until kilometer 310. The trip takes just over 5 and a half hours from Lima.

4. Caballeros Beach

Located in Punta Hermosa’s district, in Lima, Playa Caballeros has excellent waves (7 meters high on average) that make it a spectacular destination for surfing tournaments nationally and internationally. But the boards are not the only ones that dominate its waters, as the spa is perfect for those who like fishing. Its fertile sea allows fishing for marine species such as cheetah.

How to get there: To get to Caballeros from Lima, you must travel by vehicle along the Panamericana Sur until you reach kilometer 35. Then, you continue a journey of another three kilometers until you reach the spa.

5.Beach Ambassadors

Part of the Santa María del Mar district, Embajadores beach is the icing on the cake of one of the most beautiful and modern spas in Peru. It is characterized by being small, with fine sand, and in the shape of a half-moon. The spa is presented as a quiet territory, and around it, there are various residences and apartments for rent that ensure a replenishing family vacation.

How to get there: To get to this beach from Lima, you must go to kilometer 52 of the Panamericana Sur, from where you take a four-kilometer detour to the coast.

6. Wakama

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

How to get there: Getting to Wakama is easy. The beach entrance is located at km 179 of the Panamericana Sur, at the end of the descent to Jahuay beach.

7. La Mina Beach

A mandatory point of the Paracas National Reserve in Ica, La Mina beach is shaped like a horseshoe. The surrounding hills protect it from the intense wind that blows throughout the Paracas area. The sector is a treasure of clean, crystalline, calm waters, emerald color, and white sands. It is also home to wolves, penguins, birds, and an immense variety of marine fauna. In the beach’s surroundings, you can see cavities that were formerly coal mines, hence its name.

How to get there: From Lima, La Mina beach is located at kilometer 250 of the Panamericana Sur highway, in the province of Paracas, Ica.

8. Red Beach

Also located in the Paracas National Reserve, Red Beach is undoubtedly spectacular for its exotic beauty. The beach takes on the reddish color of the igneous rock called pink granodiorite, which contains solidified magma inside. The sea hits the rocks and the waves wash away the reddish rock fragments that accumulate on the shore. The contrast with the yellow and other 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 advance along the main road to the Lagunillas checkpoint.

9. Inka port

Puerto Inka enjoys the natural beauty of beautiful cliffs and unique natural rock formations. It is a bay in Arequipa, where the sea is calm and the water transparent. It is so-called because it was one of the most important beaches for the Incas. One of the Inca Trail arms reached here, the same one that reaches the citadel of Machu Picchu, and archaeological remains can still be seen and the old corrals for the llamas.

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

10. Caleta San José

Due to the little human presence, Caleta San José is an impressive natural refuge. Located in the province of Camaná, boats can only be reached, and there is only one hostel for tourists there. It is a true disconnection sector since no cell phone signal, no landline, or the Internet. From La Caleta, you can navigate, 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, among other activities.

How to get there: If you leave from Arequipa, you must go to Quilca, located at kilometer 845 of the Panamericana Sur. From there you can 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!