Pico Alto
Pico Alto is Peru's premier big wave—a deepwater reef 1.5km offshore from Punta Hermosa that produces some of South America's largest rideable waves. The unique geography means the wave almost never closes out, offering clean faces in the 40-60 foot range about 10 days per year. The 30-minute paddle out is challenging, but the reward is one of the most user-friendly big waves on the planet. Peru's consistent S-SW swells and cold upwelling water create ideal big wave conditions.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 225°
- Size range
- 3.7m - 12.2m
- Ideal size
- 8.1m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
- Best window
- morning
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: 30min paddle
Nearby Spots
Senoritas
🌊 Beginner paradise • Protected beach • Surf school central
Pico Alto 2
🏄 Punta Hermosa everyday wave • Consistent lefts • Easy access
Penascal
🪨 Punta Hermosa reef • Quality left • Less crowded option
Caballeros
🏆 Punta Hermosa righthander • Competition venue • Reliable reef
Kon Tiki
⛵ Heyerdahl heritage • Quality rights • Powerful reef break
La Isla
🏝️ Island rock landmark • Consistent left • Easy paddle