Pico Alto

Edit Spot

About

A destination in itself for those who like this kind of pleasure. It is in a formidable position with heaps of quality spots within a few kilometers...
Awesome!

Atmosphere:
Big, powerful and frightening. The only consolation is that the break is a long way out and you are unlikely to hit the bottom. However with half the pacific ocean on your head this probably won't be your main preocupation.
This spot is for experienced big wave riders. If you're not sure of your ability or fitness try some of the other local breaks first (Kon Tiki, Penescal, Punta Rocas...)

Additional Info:
This is one of the biggest waves in South America - holding waves upto 24 feet - bring a Gun in the 9-10 feet range. It draws big wave riders from all over the world and has recently seen tow-in surfing.
The wave only works when the swell is big and everywhere else is closing out. Tides are relatively unimportant - if the swell is big enough, then it will work. To add to the fun - the distance from shore makes getting positioned (and staying in position) really hard. Being in the wrong place is bad.
The big pacific swells which rock in tend to have big long sets (15-20 waves / set), which means timing and placement are really important.
If caught inside - watch out also for the reform shore-break on Playa Norte - when Pico Alto is big, this gets bad as well...

Location

Access

Find the beach break 'Playa Norte' in Punta Hermosa (43km south of Lima) and paddle out to the really obvious break (700m paddle) - or go in at Senoritas and do an equal length paddle. Or take a jet-ski!

Walk	Instant access (<5 min)
Public access	Yes
4x4 required	No
Boat required	Yes

Wave Characteristics

Type	Reef (rocky)
Direction	Right and left
Bottom	Flat rocks with sand
Power	Hollow, Fast, Powerful
Frequency	Sometimes breaks (50 days/year)
Normal length	Normal (50 to 150m)
Good day length	Long (150 to 300m)