Overview
Pulpos is a wide-open, exposed beachbreak that breaks over sand and grabs whatever swell is around, from the south and the north alike. The catch is size: when it gets too big the banks straighten out into one long close-out. On its day it turns steep and fast with barrels, though those sections tend to shut down, so it rewards surfers happy to throw themselves at closing lips, bodyboarders especially. The peaks line up better on the rights, and if you want cleaner waves it's worth heading north towards Arica.
When It Works
The beachbreak draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest, with northwest (NW) the pick of the bunch. It's a consistent spot that works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, and pushes both lefts and rights when the banks are behaving.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind to groom it. Pulpos works through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers, and the lineup usually stays fairly quiet.
Access
Pulpos is signposted off the Pan Am Highway, but parking is restricted to residents only, so getting in is the main hassle. Watch out for the strong rips that run along this stretch.
