Cerro Azul
- Shortboard, Longboard
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cerro Azul is a classic, exposed left-hand point/pier surfing destination just south of Lima, with long, peeling waves that wrap around the headland and can deliver extended rides on the right swell. Reports describe consistently surfable conditions across the year, with the best swell direction commonly noted as south (and often working from west/southwest as well). The wave starts working at around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold up to roughly 2.5 m+; on good days, riders can cover on the order of 150–300 m. Wave quality is described as excellent/“regional classic,” with offshore East to Northeast winds improving grooming and cleanliness. Wind is frequently associated with an afternoon sea-breeze/thermal component, and offshore East/Northeast winds are reported to create glassier conditions. Tide preferences are generally low to mid, with rising tide also mentioned as workable. Safety-wise, the spot has multiple hazards including rocks, sea urchins, and currents (and pier pilings). Rescue is described as limited and lifeguards as seasonal; local advice includes watching for urchins at low tide and being cautious around currents. Weekend crowding can be higher in some reports, while other reports describe the spot as not being too crowded even when surf is up.
- Historic wooden pier (Muelle de Cerro Azul) as a focal landmark
- Long left-hand point/pier break with consistent peels
- Offshore East/Northeast winds often improve wave conditions
- Hazards include rocks, sea urchins, and currents
- Long, left-hand point/pier break with reasonably consistent surf.
- Offshore/cleaning wind often reported from East to Northeast.
- Long rides are common on good days.
- Exposed point/pier setup.
- Currents can be a problem.
- Rocks and sea urchins are hazards.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Range
- 8–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Coastal offshore influence reported with East to Northeast winds; afternoon sea-breeze/thermal component.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- hill provides some protection from southerly winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand with some rock presence.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small-to-medium reporting, with working size around 1.0–1.5 m and holding up to 2.5 m+.
- Launch
- Small — Headland/pier area with quick access; instant access under 5 minutes walk.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy launch is reported.
Through the year
High on weekends and during summer holidays; quiet during winter weekdays.
Extremely arid with rarely significant rainfall; coastal mist (garúa) common from May to November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Long left-hand point/pier break that peels into the bay. It wraps around the headland and can hold long rides on good days.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Low and mid tide are commonly preferred; rising tide is also mentioned.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed point/pier break; generally not sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- East/Northeast winds provide offshore or clean conditions; offshore in East/Northeast can create glassier conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up on larger swells (reported up to 2.5 m+); the bigger it gets, the better the wave, though current can become stronger.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Wave quality is reported as excellent/consistent (regional classic).
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Commonly reported: about 150 to 300 m on good days; normal rides are often described around 50 to 150 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cerro Azul in the full forecast view.
Cerro Azul wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–12 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- SSW205°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2412 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–1.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cerro Azul is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.0–1.8 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
- Pier pilings
- Currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards are reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Peru emergency number is 105 (police) and 116 (fire and medical emergencies). Local medical clinic available in the village of Cerro Azul.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism is reported.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers near the peak.
- Motorized watercraft restricted in the surfing zone.
- Watch out for urchins when walking out over rocks at low tide.
- Currents can be a problem; exercise caution.
- The section furthest from the pier is often softer and better for beginners.
- There may be some hassling at Cerro Azul—use caution.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lima
- Nearest Town
- Cerro Azul
- Nearest Airport
- Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), Lima
- Parking
- Parking available in the village near the beach and pier.
- Public Transport
- Frequent long-distance buses (colectivos and inter-provincial lines) run along the Pan-American Highway from Lima.
- Access
- Drive 130 km south from Lima on the Pan-American Highway past many surf spots to the village of Cerro Azul; the surf spot is obvious with instant access (under 5 minutes walk).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hostals and small hotels within the village of Cerro Azul.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants line the beachfront; known for fresh seafood and ceviche.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available from local shops near the pier.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard ding repairs available at local shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Iconic historic wooden pier, popular for walks and sunset viewing.
Pre-Incan ruins on cliffs overlooking the ocean, once a major administrative center for the Huarco people.
Day trip to the Cañete River valley for whitewater rafting and vineyard tours.
Beachfront eateries known for fresh ceviche and traditional Peruvian seafood dishes.
Wide sandy beach suitable for families, especially during calmer summer mornings.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cerro Azul?
The best overall months at Cerro Azul are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Cerro Azul?
Cerro Azul works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What skill level is Cerro Azul suitable for?
Cerro Azul suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.