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.
Pico Alto surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 225°
- Size range
- 3.7m - 12.2m
- Ideal size
- 6m - 8.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: 30min paddle
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Pico Alto?
Pico Alto is a big-wave spot in Punta Hermosa, Peru, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Pico Alto?
Pico Alto picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 3.7m and keeps going up to about 12.2m, with the sweet spot around 6 to 8.5m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Pico Alto?
An E wind is dead offshore at Pico Alto, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Pico Alto?
Pico Alto isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Pico Alto?
The most reliable run of swell at Pico Alto comes May to Sep. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. ~10 days/year (15ft+).
Is Pico Alto good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Things to watch for: shallow water at low tide and sharp, shallow reef (booties help).
How do I get to Pico Alto?
The nearest airport on our list is LIM, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive. 30min paddle.
What other surf spots are near Pico Alto?
The closest breaks we track are Senoritas (1.2 km), Pico Alto 2 (1.3 km) and Penascal (1.4 km), handy when Pico Alto isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
~10 days/year (15ft+)
Getting There
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
Plan a trip around Pico Alto
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