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Playa Makaha beach in Miraflores, Lima
Photo: Google
View of Playa Makaha in Miraflores, Lima
Photo: Google
View of Playa Makaha in Miraflores, Lima
Photo: Google

Playa Makaha

4.4(318 reviews)Activity
🕑 3-5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the gentle waves and shallow areas for safe splashing, while elementary-aged kids enjoy swimming, boogie boarding, and building elaborate sand structures. The calm conditions make it excellent for children still learning to swim.

About

Playa Makaha offers families a sheltered beach experience in upscale Miraflores, perfect for introducing young children to ocean play. The calm, protected waters make it ideal for swimming and wading, while the sandy shores provide endless opportunities for sandcastle construction. Beach clubs on-site offer convenient amenities like restrooms, showers, and rentals, making a full beach day stress-free for parents.

Highlights

  • Calm, protected waters perfect for young swimmers and nervous parents
  • Soft sand ideal for building sandcastles and digging
  • Beach clubs with family amenities including showers and kid-friendly food
  • Safe, clean environment with lifeguards on duty during peak hours
  • Beautiful coastal views of Lima's dramatic cliffs and Pacific Ocean

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive before 10am to secure the best beach club lounge chairs and avoid the midday sun, which is intense year-round in Lima despite often overcast skies.
  2. 2.Bring cash in Peruvian soles for beach club entry fees, chair rentals, and vendor purchases, as many don't accept credit cards or U.S. dollars.
  3. 3.Pack reef-safe sunscreen and apply generously. Lima's coastal UV index is high even when cloudy, and kids can burn quickly.
  4. 4.Consider joining a beach club for the day (around 30-50 soles per person) for access to clean bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and sometimes kids' play areas.
  5. 5.The beach faces west, so afternoons can get windy. Bring windbreakers or light jackets for kids, and plan water activities for the calmer morning hours.

Best Time to Visit

Visit between December and March during Peru's summer when temperatures are warmest (70-80°F) and skies are clearer. Weekday mornings offer the calmest waters and smallest crowds. Avoid weekends when local families pack the beach, especially January and February during school holidays.

What to Know

Most beach clubs charge a small entry fee (20-50 soles per person) that includes basic amenities and sometimes umbrellas. Food vendors and small cafes line the beach, but bringing snacks and water is recommended for picky eaters. Changing facilities and restrooms are available through beach clubs.

Seasonal Notes

Lima's beach season runs December through March with the warmest weather and sunniest skies. April to November brings cooler temperatures (60s) and persistent fog called 'garua,' making beach days chilly. The beach remains open year-round, but swimming is less appealing during the foggy winter months (June to September).

Nearby Eats

Larcomar Shopping Center is a 10-minute walk away and offers numerous family-friendly restaurants with ocean views, including La Lucha Sangucheria for Peruvian sandwiches and Chili's for familiar American food. For a local experience, try El Enano for fresh ceviche that older kids might enjoy (mild options available).

More Activities Near Miraflores

Ice Cream

Heladería Artesanal Costumbres

$

This charming artisanal ice cream shop in the heart of Miraflores offers families a delicious taste of Peru through unique, locally-inspired flavors like lucuma, chirimoya, and maracuya (passion fruit). It's the perfect pit stop while exploring Lima's most family-friendly neighborhood, with budget-friendly prices and authentic treats that give kids an adventurous culinary experience.

Park

Parque del Amor

Free

Parque del Amor is a stunning clifftop park in Miraflores offering breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, colorful mosaic benches, and wide open spaces for kids to run and play. The park's famous sculpture, grassy areas, and oceanfront walkway make it perfect for family photos, picnics, and letting children burn off energy while parents soak in the spectacular coastal scenery.

Restaurant

La Tranca Burger Café

$$

La Tranca Burger Café is a welcoming neighborhood spot in Miraflores where families can enjoy classic comfort food that kids actually want to eat after a day of sightseeing. The casual atmosphere means parents can relax while children dig into kid-approved burgers and thick milkshakes, making it a stress-free dining option in Lima's upscale Miraflores district.

Adventure

Malecón de Miraflores

4.7

The Malecón de Miraflores is a stunning clifftop promenade stretching along Lima's Pacific coastline, offering families safe, paved walking and biking paths with breathtaking ocean views. Kids will love the multiple playgrounds scattered along the route, wide open green spaces for running, and the opportunity to watch paragliders soaring overhead. The promenade connects several parks and provides easy access to beaches below via stairs and pathways, making it perfect for families who want outdoor adventure without leaving the city.