La Herradura
Lima, Peru
Point breakAdvanced
South of Lima's center, La Herradura (The Horseshoe) is a natural amphitheater bay that catches south swells and produces a consistent beach and reef break beloved by Lima's surfers since the early days of Peruvian surfing.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size1.5–2.5m at 12–16s
Wind
SE
Light to E under 15 knots
Tide
Mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
May–Sep
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Beach and reef break
Bottom
Sand and rock
Shape
Peaks with rights dominating near the reef
Length
60–120m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
- •Why: Consistent waves in a protected bay make it accessible
Hazards
- •Rocks on the reef section
- •Can get very crowded on weekends
- •Cold upwelling water from Humboldt Current
Local Tips
- •One of Lima's most historic surf spots, part of the foundation of Peruvian surf culture
- •The bay has great restaurants on the waterfront, make a day of it
- •Early morning and weekdays are much less crowded
Location
-12.0667, -77.1667