GTA Online: The Ultimate Solo Cayo Perico Heist Guide
Even after the nerfs, the Cayo Perico Heist remains the absolute king of solo money-making in GTA Online. With a potential payout of $1.3 million to $1.8 million every hour (including prep time), nothing else comes close. However, efficiency is key. Getting caught breaks stealth, increases the time taken, and often causes you to lose money from your bag when shot.
This guide outlines the "Drainage Tunnel Meta," a specific route that guarantees undetected entry, full loot bags, and the Elite Challenge bonus ($50k) every single time.
Prerequisites
- Kosatka Submarine: Cost: $2,200,000. Buy from Warstock Cache & Carry. This is your base of operations.
- Sparrow Helicopter (Optional but Recommended): Cost: $1,815,000. Stored inside the Kosatka. Makes prep missions 3x faster.
The Prep Phase (Speedrun)
1. Gather Intel
Steal the Velum, fly to Cayo Perico. Use the dirt bike to jump the checkpoint (left side
of the gate). Go to the Communications Tower.
Objective: Identify the Primary Target (Panther Statue > Pink
Diamond > Bearer Bonds > Ruby Necklace > Tequila).
Secondary: Check the Main Dock and Airstrip for Coke or Weed (Coke
pays most). You only need to fill your bag.
2. Mandatory Preps
Approach Vehicle: Kosatka (Submarine). Mission usually involves stealing
a jamming device or sonar.
Equipment: Plasma Cutter / Safe Code (depending on target),
Fingerprint Cloner, Cutting Torch.
Weapon Loadout: "Aggressor" (Assault Shotgun) or "Conspirator"
(Military Rifle). Always buy Suppressors ($5000).
3. Disruption Missions (SKIP THESE)
Do NOT do the disruption missions (Weapons, Armor, Air Support). Since we are doing this in stealth, these are a waste of time. If you get caught, just die and quick restart.
The Finale: Drainage Tunnel Route
Entry: Select Kosatka approach. Select Drainage Tunnel as Infiltration Point. Select Drainage Tunnel as Compound Entry.
- Swim to the grate, cut it open.
- Swim up and emerge in the compound.
- Route: Turn around, go up the stairs. Head towards the main office. There are 3 red-cone guards ("Personal Guards"). Kill them with headshots; they drop the Gate Keys.
- Enter the office via the stairs (avoid the Juggernaut in the center). Kill the guards on the stairs.
- Office: Open the hidden wall safe (right of desk) for extra cash ($50k-$90k). Hack the elevator (Fingerprint scanner). Usually 3-4 prints.
- Vault: Steal the primary target.
- Exit: Leave via the main gate (yellow circle). Kill the guard by the motorcycle. Take the motorcycle.
- Escape: Drive the bike off the cliff to the SOUTH-WEST of the island (past the helicopter). Swim away from the island until the mission ends. (Note: Only do this if you have full bags. If not, go to Main Dock first to loot).
Solo Loot Strategy
In the compound, you cannot open keycard doors solo. This means Gold is usually inaccessible solo (unless you use a glitch). Therefore, prioritize Cocaine at the Main Dock or Airstrip before entering the drainage tunnel, or grab the painting in the office if available.
Bag Value: Gold > Cocaine > Weed > Cash > Painting. Always aim to fill your loot bag completely to trigger the Elite Challenge.
Comments
Still the best method. I've robbed El Rubio 500 times. Pro tip: Longfin approach is actually faster if you need loot from the Airstrip first.