Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
San Bartolo is a coastal district in the province of Lima, located at kilometer 51 of the South Pan-American Highway, approximately 50 km south of the capital. Created on May 5, 1946 by Law No. 10582, this district covering 45 km² is renowned for its calm beaches, its famous Bufadero (natural geyser) and its wide range of water sports. It is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean, to the north by Punta Negra, to the east by the province of Huarochirí, and to the south by Santa María del Mar and Chilca.
San Bartolo is 50 km by road (about 1 hour by car) from Lima city center. It is accessible via the South Pan-American Highway (up to km 51) or the Antigua Panamericana. From the south, take the marked turnoff at the San Bartolo bridge (km 55) which leads to the Antigua Panamericana, then continue straight for about ten minutes to reach the district.
The district is located at an average altitude of about 30 meters. Its climate is mild and dry: in summer (December to March), temperatures often exceed 25°C with intense sunshine, ideal for the beach. In winter (May to September), temperatures rarely drop below 15°C at night and often exceed 20°C during the day, making the area pleasant even out of season.
The origins of San Bartolo date back to the pre-Hispanic period. The archaeological site of Cerro Paloma, about 4,000 years old, was home to a small community of about fifteen families of fishermen and horticulturists, who slept in oval-shaped dwellings. A quadrangular structure with reddish walls suggests a separation between domestic and public spaces (temple or meeting place).
Nearby, the Curayacu site, linked to the Chavín culture, has yielded ceramic remains making it one of the first pottery centers on the Peruvian coast (dated between 1800 and 1300 BC). The fishermen of Curayacu used small hooks made of bone and shell. Two famous statuettes were discovered there: the "Chocolate Baby" and the "Venus of Curayacu", a fertility figurine that traveled to Mexico and Paris. The latter is kept at the Pueblo Libre museum.
According to an Inca legend, Emperor Pachacútec, tired and ill after conquering a large part of the Andes, went to a beach with healing properties. After bathing there, he felt cured and exclaimed "Curayacu" (from Spanish "cura" and Quechua "yacu"), meaning "water that heals". During the War of the Pacific (19th century), Chilean troops allegedly landed on the beaches of Curayacu.
The current district developed at the beginning of the 20th century around the fishermen from Chilca who frequented Curayacu beach. The first "noble material" houses were built by vacationers who settled there permanently.
From Lima, take the South Pan-American Highway (southbound) to km 51 where the access points to San Bartolo are located. You can also take the Antigua Panamericana. If coming from the south, take the San Bartolo bridge (km 55) then follow the local road. The total journey is about 50 km and takes about 1 hour depending on traffic conditions.
From Lima, head to the Atocongo Bus Terminal (San Juan de Miraflores) or Mall del Sur. Buses called "maleños" or "cañetanos" serve the South Pan-American Highway route. Ask to get off at the official San Bartolo stop. The journey takes between 45 and 50 minutes and costs about S/6 to S/8. Another option is bus line 8510 which connects San Miguel to San José (a sector of San Bartolo). Once you get off at the district entrance, you can take a mototaxi to reach the different beaches.
Some local agencies offer day trips to San Bartolo, including transport, a visit to the Bufadero, free time on the beach and sometimes lunch at a seafood restaurant. This is a convenient option for those who prefer not to handle the logistics.
This is a fine sand beach with calm waters, ideal for swimming. A jetty (first pier) forms left-hand waves (point break) allowing surfing, paddleboarding and bodyboarding. Surf schools offer lessons all year round, and the beach regularly hosts surfing championships.
This pebble beach is renowned for its calm waves (mar de olas muertas). Activities include open water swimming, paddleboarding, bodyboarding, diving and kayaking. The right side of the pier also offers waves for surfing. It is bordered by the Muelle de Pescadores (Fishermen's Pier), built gradually by local fishermen, where you can observe marine wildlife and admire magnificent sunsets.
Located in the district, this beach with very calm waters is sometimes called "mar de olas muertas" (sea of dead waves). It is ideal for swimming, fishing and kayaking. Its name means "water that heals" (from Spanish "cura" and Quechua "yacu"). Archaeological remains have been discovered there, confirming its importance as one of the first pottery centers on the Peruvian coast.
This beach stands out for its natural pools formed in the rocks, where waves arrive calmly. Perfect for families with children, you can enjoy paddleboarding, diving and swimming safely.
Located at the southern tip of the district, this beach is renowned for its large right-hand waves (point break). It is reserved for advanced or experienced surfers.
About 25 minutes east of San Bartolo, the Lomas Cicasos offer a spectacular natural landscape, still unknown to many visitors. Historically used as grazing land by locals, these lomas are home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. In June, you can admire the flowering of the representative Flor de Amancaes. According to Francisco de Ávila, these lomas were inhabited by groups of pilgrims who came to worship the god Pariaqaqa.
The first public work of the district is the Ermita de San Bartolo, a chapel inaugurated on January 16, 1949. Designed by José Rivas Fiesta and built by master builder Emiliano Huambachano, it is located between Playa Norte and Playa Sur. On December 8, a mass is celebrated there for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
For a panoramic view of the entire seaside resort, climb up to the Mirador Cerro la Cruz, located between the two main beaches. The Mirador Cahuide also offers a beautiful view of the ocean.
The Bufadero is a unique geological formation: a natural chimney carved into volcanic cliffs. At high tide, water rushes into an underground cavity and shoots out through the chimney under pressure, creating a geyser that can reach up to 40 meters in height. The name comes from the sound it produces, reminiscent of an angry animal's snort, which can be heard from a distance. From this point, the view encompasses both bays of San Bartolo.
San Bartolo offers a wide range of restaurants and small eateries highlighting seafood. You will find:
Prices vary: budget menus from a few soles in small local restaurants, and more elaborate main courses in seaside establishments (allow between 25 and 60 soles).
For groups and families, delivery or takeaway is possible. In high season (December-March), it is advisable to book in advance for the most popular restaurants.
San Bartolo offers several accommodation options, mainly concentrated along the waterfront and in residential areas close to the beaches. The offering is particularly dynamic in high season (December to March), when many beach houses are rented to visitors. There are also a few small hotels and guesthouses for those who prefer a more classic option.
San Bartolo can be discovered in one day (from Lima) or over a full weekend to enjoy all its activities.
Ideal for: Travelers in a hurry or without accommodation on site.
Day 1: Discovering the beaches and surfing
Day 2: Nature and exploration inland
San Bartolo is a coastal district in the province of Lima, located at kilometer 51 of the South Pan-American Highway, about 50 km south of Lima.
The district is located at an average altitude of about 30 meters above sea level.
For the beach and swimming, prefer summer (December to March) with temperatures often above 25°C. For surfing and calm, winter (April to November) is pleasant and less crowded. The Lomas Cicasos bloom in June.
By car via the South Pan-American Highway (km 51). By public transport, take a "maleño" or "cañetano" bus from the Atocongo Terminal or Mall del Sur (45-50 min, S/6 to S/8). Once there, mototaxis can take you to the different beaches.
The main beaches are Playa Norte (sand, swimming, beginner surfing), Playa Sur (pebbles, water sports), Curayacu (calm waters, archaeological site), Vallebuona (natural pools, ideal for families) and Peñascal (powerful waves for experienced surfers).
It is a unique geological formation where seawater rushes into a rocky cavity and shoots out under pressure through a natural chimney, forming a geyser that can reach up to 40 meters in height, especially at high tide. The name comes from the sound it produces, like an animal snorting.
Camping is less common than elsewhere on the coast, but some areas near the beaches allow it in summer. It is best to check with the municipality or local tourist offices before going.
You will find cevicherías, seafood restaurants, pizzerias, rotisserie chicken shops and the Paradero San Bar gastronomic market (Asian, Creole cuisine, cocktails). The local market also offers budget options.
Yes, several surf schools are active all year round on Playa Norte, which offers waves suitable for beginners and intermediates. Lessons cost about S/50 per person.
ATMs are rare along the waterfront. It is advisable to bring enough cash in soles before arriving, as many small shops, rentals and some restaurants do not accept credit cards.
Yes, this is very common, especially in summer (December to March). Rentals are often by the week or weekend. Book several weeks in advance for the high season.
Some beach houses and rentals accept pets, but it is essential to check in advance and confirm conditions (possible extra charge).
The main festivities are: district anniversary (May 5), San Pedro y San Pablo (June 29, maritime procession), San Bartolomé (August 24, patron saint of the district) and the Immaculate Conception (December 8, mass at the Ermita).