Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Playa Ancón
★4.3(65 reviews)Activity
🕑 4-6 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the gentle waves and shallow areas for splashing, while older kids enjoy swimming, beach sports, and exploring the wide sandy shoreline.🧡 Saved by 15 families
About
Playa Ancón is a wonderful family beach destination located about 40 km north of central Lima, offering calm, protected waters ideal for young swimmers and plenty of space for sandcastle building and beach games. With on-duty lifeguards and excellent facilities, parents can relax while kids enjoy safe water play in one of Lima's most family-friendly coastal spots.
Highlights
- ✓Calm, protected waters perfect for young children learning to swim
- ✓Wide, clean sandy beach with plenty of room for beach games and activities
- ✓On-duty lifeguards providing peace of mind for parents
- ✓Good facilities including restrooms and showers for families
- ✓Beautiful views and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to busier Lima beaches
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekdays to avoid the Lima crowds that flock here on weekends, especially during summer months.
- 2.Bring sun protection essentials including strong sunscreen (SPF 50+), hats, and a beach umbrella or tent, as the Peruvian sun is intense and shade can be limited.
- 3.Pack your own snacks and drinks as beach vendors can be pricey, though local ceviche stands nearby offer authentic treats for adventurous eaters.
- 4.Arrive early in the morning (before 10am) to secure the best beach spots and enjoy calmer conditions before afternoon winds pick up.
- 5.Bring sand toys and beach games from home, as rental options may be limited or more expensive than expected for international visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Best from December to March during Peru's summer when temperatures are warmest (75-85°F) and waters are most pleasant. Weekday mornings offer the calmest conditions and smallest crowds, while weekends get busy with local families.
What to Know
Entry to the beach is free, though there may be small parking fees nearby. Basic facilities including restrooms and showers are available, and local vendors sell snacks and drinks along the beach, though bringing your own supplies is recommended.
Seasonal Notes
Summer (December to March) offers the warmest weather and best swimming conditions. Winter months (June to August) can be cool and overcast with coastal fog, making it less ideal for beach activities. The beach is accessible year-round but significantly quieter during cooler months.
Nearby Eats
The Ancón area has several local restaurants serving fresh seafood and Peruvian cuisine within walking distance of the beach. Look for family-friendly cevicherias along the main road where kids can try mild fish dishes and parents can enjoy authentic coastal flavors.
More Activities Near Ancón
Restaurant
Restaurante El Peñol de Ancón
$$❤️10
Restaurante El Peñol de Ancón is a welcoming seafood restaurant perched along the coast in Ancón, where families can enjoy fresh Peruvian catches while kids marvel at panoramic ocean views. The spacious seating accommodates families of all sizes, making it an ideal spot to introduce children to authentic local cuisine in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Parents appreciate the generous portions and the chance to dine leisurely while little ones watch fishing boats and seabirds along the shoreline.
Ice Cream
Heladería La Ancona
$
Heladería La Ancona is a beloved neighborhood ice cream shop in the beach town of Ancón, serving up homemade frozen treats that have delighted local families for generations. This authentic Peruvian heladería offers a sweet escape after beach time, with creative local flavors alongside familiar favorites, all at incredibly budget-friendly prices that won't break the travel budget.
Adventure
Malecon
The Malecon in Ancón offers families a beautiful waterfront escape from Lima's busy center, with wide, safe pathways perfect for strollers, bikes, and scooters. Kids will love watching local fishermen, spotting seabirds, and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze while parents appreciate the stunning Pacific Ocean panoramas. This relaxed coastal promenade provides a peaceful setting for family walks, picnics, and sunset viewing.
Cafe
Cafetería Ancón Beach Club
$
Cafetería Ancón Beach Club offers families the perfect combination of beachside relaxation and kid-friendly refreshments in the coastal town of Ancón, just north of Lima. With ocean views, ice cream treats, and casual snacks, this laid-back cafe provides an ideal pit stop for families exploring Peru's Pacific coastline, where kids can enjoy frozen treats while parents soak in the scenic beach atmosphere.