Caleta San Jose: one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Peru

Even on the Peruvian coast there are refuges for both fauna and flora and with little human presence, and one of these places is Caleta San José in the department of Arequipa, which won the Best Natural Beach award three times.

Caleta San José, located in the Arequipa province of Camaná, is one of the most beautiful places on the Peruvian coast. The reasons: the soft sound of the waves and its fine sand.

The beaches and bays are ideal for paddling, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The starry skies clear of light pollution are a spectacle. Sea food is served fresh.

Location

It is located 17 kilometers from the Panamericana Norte, exactly, between the ports of Matarani and Quilca, and to get there you must travel by boat for approximately 2 hours. A great adventure, from start to finish.

Caleta San José

It is considered one of the most beautiful spas in Peru and a must this summer. Caleta San José is a fairly wide beach that has a sea of crystalline waters and calm waves, a perfect destination for moments of fun and relaxation.

This beach has a great marine wealth, which is used by fishermen in the area. Artisanal fishing, for which shipyards, curtain rods and boats are used, is also a tourist attraction.

Weather

It has a sunny climate that reaches a temperature of 27ºC.

What to do in Caleta San José?

Due to the tranquility of its waters, this is the ideal trip for kayaking, diving or fishing from a raft. A highly attractive itinerary for water lovers.

If you want to spend a few days with your partner or friends, in this place you will find a hostel that bears the same name as the Arequipa cove, and that offers 3-day packages from S/600 per person. The tour includes transfers from Quilca, room with sea view, as well as tours to visit nearby coves and beaches.

Also visit Punta Hornillos -6 km from Caleta San José- where you will find pelicans, sea lions and Humboldt penguins. Complete your stay with a succulent cebiche.

Trekking: Walk the shores of one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Peru, and feel the sea breeze on your face, the fine sand on your feet and contemplate the waves in the vast sea; Likewise, you will enjoy the tranquility of this secluded place, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kayak: In this place you will have kayaks at your disposal (a river boat for one or two crew members, manually propelled by an oar or a paddle), with which you can take a tour of Caleta San Jose Beach, navigating the extensive sea.
Fishing: If you are passionate about fishing or simply enjoy a quiet day by the sea with a rod in hand, then this place is perfect for you. Here you can live the experience of traditional fishing in the immensity of the sea, either in a family environment or alone.
Diving: Dive into the depths of the sea and discover the treasures that this beach hides, so in addition to enjoying fishing, you can also embark on an exciting diving adventure. This being the case, you will have at your disposal all the necessary equipment to explore the seabed and get to know the great diversity of species.
Boat ride: If you prefer a more relaxed experience, then you won't have to worry, since in this place you can take a quiet boat ride and travel a circuit that will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the beach. Likewise, along the way, you will be able to observe colonies of sea lions and penguins in their natural habitat, delighting in the incredible marine fauna that Caleta San José beach has to offer.
Gastronomy: A few steps from the sea, in this place you can taste the gastronomy of the Peruvian coast. So get ready to savor coastal dishes prepared with fresh seafood, such as ceviche, rice with seafood, fish jelly and a good leche de tigre.

How to get to Caleta San José?

To get to this point you need to navigate an hour and 45 minutes from the port of Quilca, 2 hours from the center of Arequipa.

From Camaná you can take a bus to Caleta de Quilca, and from there take a boat to Caleta San José for two and a half hours, these can be rented in Quilca itself or in Matarani.

If you are in the Plaza de Armas in the city of Arequipa, it will take you approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes to arrive by car.

Fact

The gray sand that covers the dunes of the cove is actually very old volcanic ash.

Recommendations:

This beach in the Arequipa province of Camaná has no cell phone signal, no landline, and no Internet, perfect for disconnecting from everything.
The only way to get there is by sea, so it is not recommended to go by car.
If you are a beginner in sailing, consider taking a seasickness pill.
Remember to hydrate your body constantly.
Protect your skin from sun rays.
Remember to leave it clean by taking with you any garbage that you may have generated during your stay.

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.