The Surf Window

Punta Hermosa

Lima, Peru

Reef breakAdvanced

The heartland of Peruvian competitive surfing, Punta Hermosa is a surf village south of Lima with multiple quality reef breaks, cold Humboldt Current water, and some of the most technically demanding waves in South America.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

S

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

March–October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Rock reef

Shape

Multiple reef breaks around the headland, powerful, consistent, and well-formed on south swells

Length

50–150m per break

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: Rock reef breaks with significant power and cold Humboldt water, reef experience and cold water preparation required.

Hazards

  • •Sharp rock reef throughout
  • •Cold water (15–17°C), full wetsuit required
  • •Strong currents on bigger swells
  • •Localism at the main breaks

Local Tips

  • •Punta Hermosa has produced more Peruvian professional surfers than anywhere else in the country.
  • •Check La Herradura (just north) and Caballeros alongside Punta Hermosa, all fire on the same swell.

Location

Map showing the location of Punta Hermosa in Lima, Peru

-12.3053, -76.8617