Costa Verde
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Positives
- Highly consistent swell
- Great spot density
- Easy access
- Lima entertainment
Negatives
- Not Peru's best surf
- Cold water
- Coastal winter fog
- City crowds and pollution
Costa Verde surf travel guide
Peru’s surf culture goes way back to the ‘Totora reed horses’ ridden since 1000BC, and more recently, Felipe Pomar’s world title victory ahead of Nat Young in 1965. A true surf city, Lima was first surfed in the mid 1920’s, as a dedicated group of riders formed the Waikiki Club in Miraflores, one of the first three surf clubs in the world and still a focal point for Lima surf culture today. Peru’s capital is constantly outgrowing its boundaries, accommodating one third of the population so crowds, noise and pollution are serious issues. Most surfers prefer to head one hour south to the quieter Punta Hermosa area, but surfing the city remains a viable option with a range of jetty beachbreaks stretched out under the towering coastal cliffs, plus the superb left pointbreak of La Herradura.
Surf spots in Costa Verde
Research the 14 surf breaks in Costa Verde and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Costa Verde.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Costa Verde
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 4,419,000
- Population
- 32,971,854
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- PEN
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 3.18 PEN PEN
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +51
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish, Quechua
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ac
Visas
Visa free travel for nearly all nationalities for stays of up to 183 days. EU countries get 90 days.
Getting There
Most NA, EU, Aus/NZ, SA and all Sth American travellers do not need visas - max stay is 183 days per year. Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), 30mn from Lima's historic centre, is the 3rd busiest airport in South America. Int flights with all the big South American airlines like LATAM, Avianca, Aerolíneas Argentinas and Copa. Europe and NA serviced by a dozen big airlines. Watch out for excessive board charges. A lot of airlines are free for boards less than 3 linear meters (W+H+L) and within baggage weight restriction (23kg). From there good bartering can get a cab to the centre for under $30 although having a board can mean having to get a van. Taxi Green taxis are recommended for safety.
Getting Around
With so much traffic and so few parking spots, a rental car would be more a hindrance than a help. Public transport is the way to go, the packed buses are dirt-cheap and taxis are everywhere as many car owners drive people around as an extra source of revenue. Take straps for your board.
Accommodation
Lima is among the most expensive places in the country, but there is a wide range of accommodation options. Miraflores is a safer, expensive neighbourhood with everything from backpackers, (Selina fr $27) to expensive 5 star luxury.
Activities
Explore the city’s colonial past or witness the Inca’s wealth and culture in the city museums. Pachacamac ruins are among the largest pre-Columbian settlement on the Peruvian coast but can’t compare with Macchu Picchu; save time and budget for a short hop to the Andes.
Hazards & hassles
Crowds are common, especially at La Herradura. Rolling boulders in the shorebreak may result in sprained ankles. Shining Path stories are a thing of the past, but razorblade maestros (pickpockets) operate in buses and all the main tourist areas. Eat only cooked & boiled food to avoid cholera, which is also linked to El Nino and last ravaged the country in 1991.
Handy Hints
You can find surfing equipment at competitive prices in the city’s surf shops. Lima has very good shapers, like legendary Wayo Whilar who is still trading from his Chorillos location. A new board under 6'4 $390, up to 7'6 $450, up to 8'3 $530, longboards $600; for epoxy add $30. Take booties for urchins & rocks and a light fullsuit (Boz is a good local brand). Punta Hermosa breaks are only 1/2h away.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.