Overview
El Pico is a fickle right-hand reef break near the town of Barranca, roughly 194 kilometers from Lima. When it comes together, it delivers excellent, powerful right-hand tubes peeling over an uneven reef.
When It Works
It takes a small to moderate southwest swell to switch on, and big swells simply shut this stretch down. The reef draws swell from the south to west, with west (W) the direction it wants, and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind. The reef breaks from mid to high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
El Pico is best suited to intermediate surfers. Mind the reef, which is sharp and dotted with urchins.
Access
Barranca has several lodging options and restaurants, though there is little else to see and only mediocre beachbreak along the city beaches.
