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About this place
Wander through an old fishing village on the desert coast of northern Peru to find a hidden swimming pool. Lounge in the sun warmed water as frigate birds drift overhead and sea spray cools your face.
The pool, known as la piscina locally, and as piscinas to surfers, lies just north of Lobitos, Peru. You can get to Lobitos by bus or shared car from Talara, Piura, or Mancora. You can fly or bus to Talara and Piura from Lima. There isn't much to do in Lobitos other than surf and eat but if you find yourself in a lull in the swell this is an excellent way to spend a morning, afternoon, or sunset.
Starting at the main point break in Nuevo Lobitos, walk north along the beach toward the large mansion on the cliffs (La Casona hostel). Stay on the beach and continue toward the pier and dry-docked fishing boats. Look out for beautiful, yet ominous, flocks of frigate birds as they glide on swift air currents overhead. Keep an eye to the ocean to spot "surfing" pelicans, sailing local fisherman, and countless oil rigs. Once passed the boat staging area, you need to make a judgement call. If tide is extremely low and the swell is small, you can continue walking out on the rocky peninsula ahead of you and gain the pool through some easy scrambling. Attempting this section with any amount of swell or high tide is very dangerous and locals will warn you against it.
The alternate route is to hike along the seaside ridge (easily accessed from either the beach or the one paved road) and walk along it until you reach piscinas. Once there, enjoy the solitude, scout out some tide pool wildlife, and soak in the unique, rugged, flavor of northern Peru. If you have a board, wetsuit, and some local knowledge, this is a solid surf break.
Make sure to grab a Peruvian style menú (two or three course meal for around $3 USD) at Don Lucho's or any of the restaurants on the main drag in Nuevo Lobitos.