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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Busiest during summer weekends (January–March) and when major swells hit.
Garúa (coastal mist) is common from June to October.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Strong currents
- Rip currents
- Crowds
- Rip currents and lateral drift during larger swell events
- Submerged reef sections near the takeoff and inside sections
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.