Cabo Blanco

The Peruvian Pipeline — shallow, perfect left barrels

Cabo Blanco is a world-famous left-hand tube ride often called the Peruvian Pipeline, breaking over a very shallow reef dangerously close to the rocky shoreline in northern Peru's desert coast. It requires a solid north swell to fire, producing perfect, mechanical barrels from 3-10ft that peel with metronome-like precision. The takeoff is critical and the inside section is extremely shallow — wipeouts can put you on the reef. Best from October through April when north swells are most frequent, with light south-southeast winds. Strong currents and the shallow bottom make this strictly experts-only. Ernest Hemingway famously fished these waters, and the small village retains a raw, end-of-the-road charm. Water is warm enough for trunks in summer but a 3/2mm wetsuit is needed June through October when the Humboldt Current cools things down.

Best months to surf Cabo Blanco

Wave consistency

Inconsistent

Things to do nearby

• Sport fishing in Hemingway's legendary waters
• Visit the nearby beach towns of Mancora and Los Organos
• Whale watching and dolphin tours
• Snorkelling and diving in the marine reserve