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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during the Peruvian summer.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- wetsuit mandatory
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Scenic coastal walkway with panoramic views of surf breaks and the Pacific sunset.
Major pre-Inca archaeological site with pyramids, temples, and a museum.
Pico Alto is one of the largest waves in South America, drawing professional big-wave surfers during massive winter swells.
Famous for fresh seafood, especially traditional Peruvian ceviche made from the daily catch.
A large, popular beach with calmer waters than surf points, suited for swimming and family outings.
From riders who've been here
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.