Cabo Blanco is a heavy, fast left-hand reef break in northernmost Peru, often called the Peruvian Pipeline. It throws hollow, barrelling waves over uneven reef and sand, breaking in very shallow water dangerously close to the rocks along the shore. Take-offs are late and drop you straight into the barrel before the wave races off down the line. It doesn't break often, but when it does, everyone comes.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from northwest to north, with northwest (NW) swell the best match. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, and it really only comes to life from November to March. Expect a somewhat inconsistent wave that rewards being ready for the windows when the setup lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for south offshore wind to groom it. The reef can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave. The late drops, shallow reef, and heavy barrels make a shortboard the tool for the job here. Expect a busy lineup when it's on, with a fairly neutral atmosphere in the water.
Access
Getting to the wave is straightforward, but there's a constant rip to fight from the currents that keep shifting the sand. Time low-tide paddle-outs carefully, either off the reef or towards Punta Panico.
