An Introduction To Miraflores Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | April 25, 2025
Miraflores surf is the perfect blend of urban convenience & coastal charm, offering consistent waves & easy access to Lima’s vibrant surf scene. Situated along the district’s scenic beachfront, surfers can enjoy top spots like Waikiki Beach & Makaha Beach, both just a short walk from the heart of Miraflores. These breaks cater to all levels, making them ideal for beginners & intermediate surfers looking to refine their skills while staying close to the city’s amenities.
For those craving a greater challenge, Punta Roquitas provides more powerful waves & is just a quick taxi ride away. Its dynamic breaks attract experienced surfers seeking thrilling rides, all within minutes of Miraflores’ bustling streets.
Miraflores’ compact layout & excellent public transport make it easy to navigate, allowing surfers to transition seamlessly between city life & the water. With surf schools, board rentals, & oceanfront cafés lining the area, everything you need is at your fingertips. Whether you’re catching your first wave or chasing bigger swells, Miraflores offers an unbeatable mix of convenience, culture, & quality surf.
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In This Guide
Best Time To Surf Miraflores
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Peak Miraflores Surf Season | April to October
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Miraflores surf comes alive during Peru’s winter, when powerful southern swells generate 4 to 7-foot waves across its urban reef & beach breaks. This is when local spots like Makaha & Redondo perform best, drawing shortboarders & longboarders alike.
Miraflores surf during peak season offers consistent lines & good push, making it a staple training ground for Lima’s surf community. While the breaks can get busy, the vibe stays energetic & friendly. It’s the best time to experience urban surf at its strongest.
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Shoulder Miraflores Surf Season | March & November
Suited For All Skill Levels
In March & November, Miraflores surf can still be quite fun, with waves generally in the 2 to 5-foot range. These months serve up smaller swells & slightly more variable conditions, but there’s plenty of action for all levels.
Beginners get more forgiving waves, while advanced surfers can still score if they time the sets right. Mornings offer cleaner faces, & local surf schools are still very active. It’s a quieter, less intense time to enjoy the consistent Miraflores surf.
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Low Miraflores Surf Season | December to February
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Summer months bring smaller waves to Miraflores, often in the 1 to 3-foot range, with less consistent swell. Miraflores surf in this season is ideal for beginners & longboarders who thrive on soft, rolling waves. It’s a great time to learn, as surf schools line the beaches & offer lessons daily.
Advanced surfers may need to search harder for challenging conditions, but the relaxed pace suits mellow sessions. This is when Miraflores surf feels most accessible & laid-back.
Miraflores Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Miraflores Surf Temperature:
21–23°C (70–73°F)
What To Wear:
A spring suit or 2 mm wetsuit is usually preferred, but on warmer days, boardshorts/bikini can be enough.
Rainfall:
Very little rainfall—typically fewer than 2 days of drizzle per month. Skies may be overcast but dry.
Miraflores Surf Temperature:
19–21°C (66–70°F)
What To Wear:
You’ll want a 2 mm spring suit, especially during early mornings or windier days.
Rainfall:
Rainfall stays light, averaging 2–3 days per month. Some morning mist or fog is common.
Miraflores Surf Temperature:
17–19°C (63–66°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is best. Even though it’s not cold by global standards, the water & wind can feel brisk.
Rainfall:
Winter brings misty, overcast skies with about 3–5 days of drizzle or light rain monthly.
Miraflores Surf Temperature:
18–20°C (64–68°F)
What To Wear:
A spring suit or full 3/2 mm wetsuit is recommended as water temps rise slowly.
Rainfall:
Light drizzle may occur 2–4 days a month. Overcast skies are common but heavy rain is rare.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Miraflores
| Miraflores Surf Spots | Distance from Miraflores | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Waikiki Beach |
Approx. 500m (0.3mi) |
2-6 foot |
Consistent, mellow beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Makaha Beach |
Approx. 500m (0.3mi) |
2-5 foot |
Consistent, mellow beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Punta Roquitas |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) |
3-8 foot |
Powerful reef break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Playa Barranco |
Approx. 3km (1.9mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Mellow beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
Further Information To Miraflores Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate to high
Waikiki Beach in Miraflores is a popular reef break that picks up southwest groundswells year-round. Offshore northeast winds groom the wave face, creating clean lefts and rights over a rocky bottom. It works at low to mid tides, with mid tide often offering the most consistent peaks.
The take-off zone is short, and rides are punchy rather than long, attracting a mix of beginners and intermediates. Despite its central location and ease of access from Lima, crowds remain manageable—early mornings reward the glassiest sessions. Beware of urban pollution and occasional rocks, but enjoy reliable surf and a vibrant streetside scene.
Rating: 2/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Makaha Beach in Miraflores sits just around the corner from Waikiki, offering a reef-break alternative with slightly mellower peaks. Offshore northeast winds and a southwest swell at any tide stage produce clean, waist-high walls suitable for longboarders and beginners. The paddle-out is longer, and occasional inside barrels add variety for more confident surfers.
Less trafficked than Waikiki, Makaha provides a quieter lineup with easy access from the boardwalk. While urban runoff can affect water quality, the consistent shape and scenic views of Lima’s cliffs make Makaha a charming urban escape for surf sessions.
Rating: 1/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Punta Roquitas is a small beach break at the Miraflores cliffs’ edge, known for its beach-and-rock mix that produces short, punchy rights. Best on a southwest swell with offshore northeast winds, it works through all tides but is at its prime around mid tide.
The wave breaks over a cobble-sand bottom, so take-offs can be abrupt, rewarding quick reflexes. Its small peak and easy access via a stairwell mean lineups stay tight but not overly crowded. Punta Roquitas is perfect for surfers seeking a quick, local session amid Lima’s busiest district.
Rating: 2/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Playa Barranco lies just south of Miraflores, offering a muted beach break over a sandy-pebble bottom. Southwest swells and offshore northeast winds deliver gentle, waist-high waves that work across all tides, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.
The broad shoreline and lack of intense sections create long, mellow rides, perfect for board practice or longboarding. Though less famous than Waikiki, Barranco sees a steady local crowd, especially on weekends. Nearby cafes and art galleries add cultural flair to surf days, making Playa Barranco a quietly charming spot for a relaxed Peruvian session.
Rating: 2/5
Travel Time To Miraflores Surf Spots
| Miraflores Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
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Waikiki Beach |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Makaha Beach |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Punta Roquitas |
Approx. 10-15 min. |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
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Playa Barranco |
Approx. 40 min. |
Approx. 15-20 min. |
Approx. 35 min. (Local bus & short walk) |
Miraflores Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Miraflores surf schools offer a rare urban surf experience, combining quality instruction with the convenience of being right in the heart of Lima. Miraflores Surf Lessons is a standout option, offering professional instruction designed to help surfers of all levels enhance their skills. With knowledgeable instructors and a focus on both safety and technique, this school ensures a rewarding surfing experience.
At Pukana Surf School, students benefit from personalized coaching and small class sizes, which help create an engaging learning environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine advanced techniques, Pukana’s experienced team ensures steady progress in the water.
For those seeking a unique approach, Kamea Surf combines expert instruction with an emphasis on fostering a deep connection with the ocean. With expert instructors & easily accessible waves, Miraflores surf schools provide a great introduction to the sport.
Miraflores Surf Camp
7-Day Beginner Miraflores Surf Camp With Waves Surf Camp Peru
Start your surf journey in one of Peru’s most iconic surf towns with Waves Surf Camp Peru. This all-inclusive, beginner-friendly retreat in Punta Hermosa is crafted to give you the perfect introduction to surfing. Led by passionate surf instructor & camp owner Giancarlo, who brings years of experience in both tourism & surf instruction, every day is designed to be fun, educational, & tailored to your personal progress.
What’s Included
Settle in for 6 nights of accommodation at Waves Surf Camp Peru, where you’ll feel instantly at home. Your stay includes 3 freshly prepared meals per day, made with local ingredients to fuel your surf-filled days.
You’ll receive daily surfing lessons from certified instructors who are dedicated to helping you learn with confidence & joy. In addition to local sessions, you’ll go on a full-day guided surf trip, led by a professional surf guide & driver who will take you to the best spots in the region.
Outside the water, explore Peru’s rich history with tours to Pachacamac Ruins & Lucumo. All transportation to local surf breaks is covered, including gas & tolls, ensuring a smooth, worry-free experience. You’ll also enjoy Wi-Fi access, & convenient round-trip airport transfers to & from Lima. Find Out More
Discover your ideal surf camp below—compare options across Peru and around the world!
Miraflores Surfboard Hire
Miraflores surfboard hire is simple & centrally located, with beachfront rental stands offering a variety of boards to match the area’s beginner-friendly conditions. You’ll find everything from soft-tops to shortboards just steps from the water.
Pukana Surf School offers a variety of boards suitable for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Miraflores Surf Lessons, too, ensures that surfers can select the right board to match their skills and preferences.
For those seeking variety, Rasta Surf Miraflores and Kamea Surf also offer excellent rental options, giving both locals and visitors the opportunity to fully engage in the vibrant surf culture of Miraflores.
If you’re looking to paddle out quickly & easily, Miraflores surfboard hire services deliver. With convenient locations & affordable rates, it’s the perfect setup for a spontaneous session or regular practice in Lima’s local surf zone.
Miraflores Surf Report & Surf Cam
While you’re enjoying your time, staying updated on Miraflores surf conditions is key to making the most of your sessions. Websites like Surf-Forecast and Surfline provide detailed weather and Miraflores surf reports, including swell size, wind direction, and tide times, to help you plan your day.
For those wanting a real-time view of the waves, Surfline offers live surf cameras at many popular breaks. However, access to these cameras requires a paid subscription. Despite the cost, Surfline’s cameras can be a valuable tool for surfers who want to check conditions before heading out. With these resources, you’ll always be in the know about the best times to hit the water.
How To Get To Miraflores Surf
- Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima Airport) (LIM) To Miraflores
Distance: 20km (12mi)
To reach Miraflores surf, the most convenient route is to fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima Airport) (LIM) & then take a taxi to your destination. Below is a guide with estimated costs & various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Miraflores based on your preferences & budget.
Public Transport | Cheapest Option
- Time: 1.5-2 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $5-10 USD per person
Details:
From the airport, take the Airport Express Lima bus which offers a direct route to Miraflores with multiple stops in the district. Alternatively, local buses or shared vans (combis) are available, though navigating these can be confusing without Spanish fluency.
This is the cheapest route but may involve longer waits and stops along the way. Airport Express buses are recommended for a reliable and affordable trip.
Shuttle Service
- Time: 1-1.5 hrs.
- Cost: Approx. $10-$20 USD per person
Details:
Many hotels and hostels in Miraflores offer shuttle transfers from Lima Airport. You can book private or shared rides depending on your preference and budget.
These services are often safer and more convenient than hailing a taxi on the spot and are particularly recommended for first-time visitors to Lima. Booking in advance is strongly advised.
Accommodation In Miraflores
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€10 to €20 |
$12 to $22 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€35 to €75 |
$40 to $80 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€90 to €230+ |
$100 to $250+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Find Your Perfect Stay
When planning your stay at Miraflores, Tripaneer should be your first stop, offering a seamless booking experience for surf camps and unique local adventures that truly capture the spirit of the coast. Tripaneer’s curated options ensure you start your journey with the best blend of excitement and comfort.
For those interested in a wider array of accommodation, Booking.com presents a range of luxurious beachfront properties and cozy apartments just steps away from the sand, while Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travellers with its selection of affordable hostels and social surf lodges.
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