Peru Beaches

Peru beaches are not like the long stunning stretches of sand in places like Rio de Janeiro, but the country has plenty of very good beaches. Additionally, because the country isn’t as known for beaches as Brazil is, you will often find that the best Peruvian beaches are not crowded, often nearly deserted when compared to famous tourist spots like Ipanema Beach. You will find most of the best Peruvian beaches in the northern part of the country, although there are some excellent ones both north and south of Lima. There are a couple very nice beaches in the south along the Chala coastline.

Most people who come to the country come specifically to see the spectacular Inca ruins found here. A weeklong visit staying in Lima, Cusco, and visiting Machu Picchu is a popular pre- or post-trip extension to cruises in the Galapagos Islands, where beaches are visited virtually every morning and afternoon. Most visits to see Inca ruins include trekking along the Inca Trail and through the Sacred Valley of the Incas high up in the Andes Mountains, or perhaps even doing a flyover of the mysterious Nazca Lines. There are no Peru beaches on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. The water is simply too chilly for swimming, and there are reeds and grasses along most of the shore. But this is a popular lake to visit because of its stunning location and for boat tours to its islands. However, you will find some small beach areas at some of the eco-lodges along the country’s stretch of Amazon River.