Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa)

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa) is an exposed reef and sand break known for consistent surf in Peru’s Lima region. The wave setup favors a right-hand reef line and typically comes alive when south to southwest swell arrives, with performance strongest around mid to high tide. For surfing, the spot is described as having peeling, reef-based waves with a good to powerful feel, and it can hold meaningful swell. Longer rides are possible when the swell connects through sections, with ride distances ranging roughly from 50 to 150 meters depending on the connection. Wind can affect wave quality: sea-breeze influence is common and can add chop for surfing, and the best sessions are often early before cross-onshore winds build. Wind direction guidance indicates offshore benefits with east or northeast winds, while dominant south winds can make conditions choppier. Safety-wise, the spot is a reef launch with rocks and submerged hazards—plus strong currents and rip currents are specifically noted during larger swell. Plan careful entry/exit around tide levels, and be mindful that rescue availability can be limited and local lineups can be competitive.

  • Consistent reef surfing with peeling right-hand waves
  • Strong south-to-southwest swell window
  • Often best early before afternoon wind effects
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Consistent reef break with reliable waves.
  • Works at mid-to-high tide with south swell setup.
  • Long ride potential for intermediate surfers when sections connect.
Heads up
  • Exposed reef environment can create choppy conditions with the wrong wind and afternoon effects.
  • Rocks, submerged reef sections, and hidden hazards at certain tide levels.
  • Rip currents and strong lateral drift are common during larger swell events.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SSE, SW, NE
Offshore directions
E, ENE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Afternoon sea-breeze influence is common and can create bumpy conditions for surfing.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February, March
Thermal Window
Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr · Dir: S, SSW, SSE, SW · Regional thermal effects are strongest in the afternoon, roughly 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach with reef influence.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Optimal working swell is about 1.5 to 3.0 meters.
Launch
Medium — Beach entry primarily from the sandy stretch in front of the reef.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty due to reef/rock hazards.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
15–22 °C
Water Temperature
15–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Apr: 3/2mmJun–Sep: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Busiest during summer weekends (January–March) and when major swells hit.

Storm/Rain Season

Garúa (coastal mist) is common from June to October.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A reef-based, consistent right-hand surf with an exposed character that can get choppy with afternoon wind. Working best at mid to high tide, with reliable performance when south swell lines up.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1.5–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, High — Works best around mid-to-high tide.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
East or Northeast winds provide optimal offshore conditions, while dominant South winds can make it choppy.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well and becomes more challenging with heavy water and strong currents.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Can offer rides between 50 to 150 meters depending on the swell connection between sections.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Rides can range from about 50 to 150 meters depending on the swell connection between sections.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–9 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
SSW199°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 249 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–2.0 m11s period
Temperature
22–28 °C

Over the next 7 days, Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.2–2.0 m with a period of about 11s. 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
  • Strong currents
  • Rip currents
  • Crowds
  • Rip currents and lateral drift during larger swell events
  • Submerged reef sections near the takeoff and inside sections
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional guidance notes formal rescue services with increased presence during the summer peak season; spot-level info indicates rescue is not always available.
Emergency Info
Emergency numbers: 105 for police and 116 for fire/medical.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Highly competitive local lineup.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup in this highly competitive area.

Local Tips
  • Best early in the morning before cross-onshore winds pick up.
  • Watch the entry and exit points carefully as rocks can be hidden at certain tide levels.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Lima
Nearest Town
Punta Hermosa
Nearest Airport
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Parking
Street parking available within the residential and beach areas of Punta Hermosa
Public Transport
Frequent colectivos and buses from Lima’s southern hubs (e.g., Atocongo or Benavides), plus private taxis
Access
Accessible via the Pan-American Highway South from Lima, with direct access through the town of Punta Hermosa
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous surf hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals are available within Punta Hermosa.
Food & Drink
A wide variety of cafes and seafood restaurants are located within walking distance in town.
Equipment Rental:
Surf shops in Punta Hermosa offer board rentals and basic gear.
Gear Storage
Many surf hostels and beach clubs provide secure board and gear storage.
Gear Repair
Local surf shops provide fiberglass and epoxy repair services.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa)?

The best overall months at Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa) are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa)?

Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa) works with S, SSE, SW, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, ENE.

What skill level is Kon Tiki (Punta Hermosa) suitable for?

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