Pico Alto

Renowned big-wave break in Peru, located about 27 miles south of Lima; often compared to Sunset Beach in Hawaii, although the wave at Pico Alto is usually much longer. "The overriding impression from my first ride was speed," Mark Foo of Hawaii wrote in 1987, after riding Pico Alto for the first time. "Sustained speed, maintained for fantastic lengths."

Pico Alto begins to take shape at eight to 10 foot, can hold virtually any size, and has been seen maintaining form at 35 foot, with waves c...