Las Orishas (Lima)

Surfing
Freestyle, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Mixed, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Las Orishas is a punchy reef-rocky surfing break in the Miraflores area of Lima that’s characterized by fast, ledgey, and often hollow waves. It tends to start working at under 1 meter and can hold up to around 2 meters and beyond, giving it reliable performance for reef surf when conditions line up. The bottom is reef with sharp rocks and frequent sea urchins, and entry/exit can be technical due to the rocky shoreline. Because water quality is impacted by urban runoff, conditions can be worse after heavy rainfall; it’s specifically advised to avoid surfing for 48 hours after heavy rains. Expect the peak to see more surfers on weekends, while weekdays are generally quieter. From a wind perspective, winds are typically thermal/sea-breeze driven, with the more favorable timing in summer associated with afternoon strengthening (midday to late afternoon). South-East winds are noted as best/offshore for this part of the coast, though wind shadows very close to shore can occur due to nearby cliffs. For wave selection, it’s described as a hollow reef-break with good quality, short but intense rides (typically under 50 meters), with the possibility of longer runs on exceptional days. The best tide position is given as mid and high tide, including rising and falling tides, and rescue availability is described as limited with seasonal lifeguards.

  • Fast, often hollow reef-rocky waves
  • Good wave quality and ledgy, powerful feel
  • Short but intense rides, occasionally longer on exceptional days
Great for
Advanced ridersKitesurfing freestyleSurfing shortboardSurfing bodyboard
What's great
  • Fast, hollow, ledgey reef-rocky surfing with punchy character
  • Works on a wide swell range, starting at below 1 m and holding to 2 m+
  • Good location within the city with straightforward access logistics
Heads up
  • Rocky/reef bottom with abundant sea urchins and sharp rocks
  • Water quality can be affected by pollution after heavy rains
  • Crowds can be high on weekends
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SE, S
Offshore directions
SE
Wind Range
10–15 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Sea-breeze/thermal-driven winds; afternoon sea breezes are common but generally light.
Reliability
Moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
December, January, February, March, April
Shadow Zones
The high cliffs of Miraflores can create wind shadows very close to the shore.

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed, Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks — Rocky shoreline / stones at launch area.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Swell starts working at less than 1 m and can hold up to 2 m+; described working window around 0.5–2.0 m.
Launch
Small — Rocky shoreline; careful entry required due to stones and sea urchins.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Rocky shoreline requiring careful entry due to stones and sea urchins.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–22 °C
Water Temperature
15–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mm or 4/3mmApr–Nov: 3/2mm or 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Weekends are crowded year-round due to proximity to the city center; weekdays are significantly quieter.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is rare in Lima, but high humidity and fog (garúa) are common from June to October.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A punchy reef-rocky break with an often hollow, fast, and ledgey feel. It’s more technical/ledgy and faster than nearby longboard-oriented options, making it popular with shortboarders.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SW, W, S
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, High, All tides — Best tide position described as mid and high tide, including rising and falling tides.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Works best with light South-East winds which are offshore for this part of the coast.
Bigger Swell
Maintains its shape well up to 2 meters, becoming more powerful and ledgey.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate — Hollow, fast, and ledgey; often punchy reef-rocky with intense rides.
Wave Shape
Hollow
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Short — Typical rides are short (< 50 m) but can extend to ~150 m on exceptional days.
Typical Ride Length
50 m
Ride Length Details
Standard rides typically under 50 meters; can reach about 150 meters on exceptional days with the right swell.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Las Orishas (Lima) in the full forecast view.

Las Orishas (Lima) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–9 ktsGusts 22 kts
Direction
S183°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 249 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
1.3–2.3 m10s period
Temperature
22–28 °C

Over the next 7 days, Las Orishas (Lima) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.3–2.3 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

  • Sea urchins
  • Sharp rocks
  • Water pollution
  • Reef
  • Crowds at peak times
  • Coral
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited; municipal lifeguards (Salvavidas) are stationed at popular beaches and the coast is monitored.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospitals are in the Miraflores and San Isidro districts, approximately 10–15 minutes away.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local surfers who frequent this peak.

Local Tips
  • Booties are highly recommended to protect against the rocky bottom and abundant sea urchins.
  • Avoid surfing for 48 hours after heavy rains due to increased pollution levels from urban runoff.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Lima
Nearest Town
Lima
Nearest Airport
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), approximately 18–22 km away.
Parking
Public parking lots are available along the coastal road, though they can fill up quickly on weekends.
Public Transport
Accessible via the Metropolitano bus system and frequent taxis/rideshares; beach access requires descending the cliffs via specific ramps.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels and hostels are located in the Miraflores district directly above the cliffs.
Food & Drink
Various restaurants and snack bars are located along the boardwalk and nearby at the larger beaches like Makaha.
Equipment Rental:
Available at nearby surfing beaches of Waikiki and Makaha, a short walk away.
Gear Repair
Minor repairs can be found at surf shops in the Miraflores district above the beach.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Miraflores area blends modern urban life with deep-rooted surf culture and is known for its Costa Verde corridor and beach park system.

Best time to visit: January to March for the best beach weather; April to November for fewer crowds and a more authentic feel.
Larcomar0.5 km

An upscale shopping mall built into the cliffs with panoramic ocean views.

Huaca Pucllana2.5 km

A Great Adobe Pyramid from the Lima Culture (200–700 AD) located in the heart of Miraflores.

Paragliding LimaClifftop launch ~80 m above shoreline / ~1.0 km (tandem flights)

Tandem flights launching from Miraflores clifftops (Parque Raimondi) overlooking the surf spots/Costa Verde.

Paragliding Miraflores1.0 km

Tandem flights launching from the cliffs of Parque Raimondi overlooking the surf spots.

Central2.0 km

World-renowned restaurant showcasing Peru's diverse altitudes and ecosystems.

Parque del Amor0.8 km

A colorful park featuring mosaics and sculptures, perfect for walking and sunset viewing.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Las Orishas (Lima)?

The best overall months at Las Orishas (Lima) are December, January, February, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Las Orishas (Lima)?

Las Orishas (Lima) works with SE, S winds. Offshore directions are SE.

What skill level is Las Orishas (Lima) suitable for?

Las Orishas (Lima) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.