Caballeros (Punta Hermosa)

Freestyle, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Caballeros is a well-known right-hand reef break at the north end of Punta Hermosa. It’s characterized by long, consistent walls that are typically rippable, with sections that can become hollow and fast depending on swell and conditions. The break is exposed and reefy, so conditions can feel more powerful when swell builds. The spot is described as working best on south to southwest swells (South, SSW, SW) with easterly winds—particularly NE/East offshore/grooming wind. Reported best months largely cluster in the cooler/swell-heavy season from April through September, with the strongest ocean energy often noted from May to October. Ideal swell heights are described around roughly 1.0–3.0 meters in one dataset, and up to about 1.8–3.6 in another, with waves becoming much larger and more hollow during peak swell. Safety is a major consideration: the bottom is rocky with sea urchins (“erizos”) present on the reef, and submerged/sharp rocks are part of the hazard profile. Booties are strongly recommended due to the abundance of sea urchins, and a careful approach to entry and exit is advised (often via a smaller channel in front of the main break). The water can also be busy, so give extra attention to crowding and line etiquette. Cold water and wetsuit compliance are emphasized year-round. Water temperatures are roughly 14–19°C across the year in the provided data, with winter commonly down near the mid-teens and summer closer to the high teens/low twenties. A wetsuit is mandatory, with thicker winter recommendations given for the May–November period. Overall, Caballeros is positioned as a strong choice for intermediate surfers seeking reliable, long right-hand reef waves.

  • Long, consistent right-hand reef waves at the north end of Punta Hermosa
  • Best performance with south/sw swells and NE/East offshore wind
  • Reefy hazards with sea urchins; booties recommended
  • Peak swell season commonly April–September, especially May–October
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced ridersBeginnersKitesurfing freestyle
What's great
  • Very reliable right-hand reef/point break with long, consistent rides.
  • Often works with south swells and easterly/offshore wind to produce rippable walls.
  • Surf-focused amenities and services in Punta Hermosa.
Heads up
  • Reefy bottom with sharp rocks and sea urchins (erizos) requiring caution and appropriate foot protection.
  • Can get crowded in the water, especially at peak times.
  • Exposed conditions and strong swell energy can make sessions more intense.
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, ENE, NE
Offshore directions
E, ENE, NE
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Wind Type
Gradient
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Steady — Described as steady winds.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks — Rocky/reef setting.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Huge — Also described as medium in another dataset; peak conditions can become large and hollow.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Can get choppy when southerly winds are present; best with glassy/offshore wind.
Launch
Small — Easy rocky access described; launch area access characterized as easy/rocky.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–21 °C
Water Temperature
15–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
May–Nov: 4/3mm + BootsJan, Feb, Mar: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during the Peruvian summer.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A renowned right-hand reef break at the north end of Punta Hermosa, known for long, consistent waves with reliable rippable walls that can become hollow/fast at times. Exposed and reefy, with conditions and quality tied strongly to south swells and easterly/offshore winds.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SSW, SW
Swell Height
1.8–3.6 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, All tides — Optimal tide reported as mid; also described as working on almost all tides.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef break.
Wind Effect
Works best with glassy or offshore wind from NE/East; southerly winds can make it choppy.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well; waves can become large and hollow from May–October. Current becomes stronger on larger swell; holds size up to about 10–12 feet (current strengthens).
Wave Quality
Good — Also described as excellent in another dataset.
Wave Power
Powerful — Wave power described as powerful in one dataset; moderate in another.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Sometimes described as peeling; overall shape mixed.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Long — Long, consistent right-hand rides; can connect through sections on good days.
Typical Ride Length
150–250 m
Ride Length Details
Potential for long rides through sections; one dataset notes rides can connect for over 200 meters and typical 150–250 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Caballeros (Punta Hermosa) in the full forecast view.

Caballeros (Punta Hermosa) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–10 ktsGusts 20 kts
Direction
SSW198°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2410 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–2.0 m10s period
Temperature
22–28 °C

Over the next 7 days, Caballeros (Punta Hermosa) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.2–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks
  • sea urchins (erizos)
  • submerged rocks
  • crowds
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Rescue availability described as no.
Emergency Info
Local clinics are available in Punta Hermosa town.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

Follow standard surfing etiquette and respect the local lineup; use caution around sharp reef and sea urchins.

Restrictions
  • wetsuit mandatory
Local Tips
  • Booties are highly recommended due to sea urchins on the reef bottom.
  • Entry/exit is usually in front of the main break where there is a small channel.
  • Careful with the 'erizos' (sea urchins) at Caballeros, they are everywhere on the rocks.
  • Can get quite busy in the water.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Lima
Nearest Town
Punta Hermosa
Parking
Parking is available along the coastal road and in designated dirt lots.
Public Transport
Frequent colectivos and buses from Lima’s southern hubs plus private taxis
Access
Located at the north end of Punta Hermosa town; accessible by taxi or bus from Lima (~45 km, ~45 min drive).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Accommodation
Nearby town — Punta Hermosa offers numerous surf hostels, guest houses, and hotels.
Food & Drink
Multiple restaurants and cafes within walking distance in the village.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental available at surf shops in the Punta Hermosa town center.
Gear Storage
Yes
Gear Repair
Local shapers and repair shops available in town.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Punta Hermosa Boardwalk0 km

Scenic coastal walkway with panoramic views of surf breaks and the Pacific sunset.

Pachacamac Archaeological Sanctuary15 km

Major pre-Inca archaeological site with pyramids, temples, and a museum.

Big Wave Watching at Pico Alto1 km

Pico Alto is one of the largest waves in South America, drawing professional big-wave surfers during massive winter swells.

Local Cevicherias0 km

Famous for fresh seafood, especially traditional Peruvian ceviche made from the daily catch.

Playa El Silencio3 km

A large, popular beach with calmer waters than surf points, suited for swimming and family outings.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Caballeros (Punta Hermosa)?

The best overall months at Caballeros (Punta Hermosa) are April, May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Caballeros (Punta Hermosa)?

Caballeros (Punta Hermosa) works with E, ENE, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE, NE.

What skill level is Caballeros (Punta Hermosa) suitable for?

Caballeros (Punta Hermosa) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.