Overview
El Alto is a high-quality right-hander that breaks over a mix of boulders and sand. It serves up long, fast, steep walls with a few bowl sections, and the wave keeps getting better as the swell grows. Tucked away, it isn't visible from the road.
When It Works
This reef comes alive on big northwest swells, when it really fires. It draws swell from west to north (W-N), with northwest (NW) the best direction, and works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft. The bigger it gets, the better it walls up. Consistency can be hit or miss, so it pays to catch it when the swell lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for south (S) offshore wind to clean it up. It breaks on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Confident intermediates will manage the long, fast walls here. Expect a busy lineup at times when it's working.
Access
There's a car park with free parking, and the spot has no environmental concerns to worry about.
