Peru to Close Popular Beach over Pollution

Authorities in Peru are set to temporarily close one of the most popular beaches in the capital, Lima, this Sunday due to rising pollution levels caused by heavy weekend crowds.

Officials say the measure targets mounting waste at Agua Dulce Beach, a one-kilometer stretch of coastline that attracts up to 70,000 visitors each weekend during Peru’s summer season, which runs from December through March.

Richard Cortez, mayor of the Chorrillos district in Lima, said the closure is designed to raise awareness about the scale of pollution left behind by beachgoers. The temporary shutdown will allow sanitation crews to carry out a comprehensive cleanup of the shoreline.

According to city officials in Peru’s capital of more than 10 million residents, about 20 tons of waste are collected each week from Agua Dulce Beach. The garbage includes plastic, bottles and food waste, much of it left after peak weekend visits.

Cortez said the issue has persisted for years and warned that if conditions do not improve, authorities may consider permanently closing the beach.

The decision underscores growing environmental concerns in Peru, as urban coastal areas face mounting pressure from tourism and inadequate waste management during the busy summer season.