It’s easy! There are 2 ways to get to Máncora and the north of Peru from abroad:

a) Via Lima, the Peruvian capital city, or

b) Via Guayaquil, South Ecuador.

Most of the time, we’d advise you to travel through Lima as it is easier: from Guayaquil to Mancora the only option is to take a night bus, which means crossing the border into Peru late at night.

Consider your options when choosing Lima or Guayaquil. Flight tickets to Guayaquil may be cheaper than to Lima, they might also be more convenient if you are traveling from the north of Latin America.

• From Southern Europe: Check flights from Madrid and take a low-cost (but reliable) company, flights usually go to Lima. Avoid Vueling Airlines if you are traveling with a big surf quiver.
• From Northern Europe: There are direct flights to Lima from Paris and Amsterdam with Air France. Flights to Lima are normally less expensive than to Guayaquil.
• From the USA: It seems logical to land in Guayaquil and take the bus to Mancora. However, it is by far not the easiest way to travel. Choose this option only if you are not afraid of long trips, and especially if you are on a budget. It still does not mean that flying to Guayaquil is cheaper than Lima. There are direct (nonstop) flights to Lima from Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York.

When you arrive in Lima, you can get to Mancora either by plane or bus. The bus option can appear unfeasible (16 hours long) however, you will be traveling mostly at night on a straight Pan-American road. Some bus companies offer exclusive service: 180º degrees seats, wifi, personal TV screen, and meals.

Choose between the bus or plane alternatives depending on your flight connections, your time, and your budget.

Since 2020, there is one new aerodrome 5mn outside Mancora (Punta Sal): Walter Braedt Segú.  Plus you will find 3 other airports close to Mancora: the closest is Talara at only 1h10 from Mancora, then Tumbes (1h45 away), and finally Piura at 2h30 away in a taxi.

If you want to land at the new Máncora aerodrome, you will have to check flights at ATSA AIRLINES. The rest of the airline companies in Peru are LATAM, TACA AIRLINES, and VIVA AIR, a fairly recent Low-cost company.  In 2019 PERUVIAN AIRLINES no longer exists.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS:

a) Choose LATAM airline over the other companies.

It’s best to buy tickets from their official website rather than through search engines. 

b) Include the final destination when you buy your flight tickets from home. If you do so, you must get enough time (2 hours minimum) for your stopover in Lima before your next and last flight, as you’ll have to take all your gear out of the plane at Lima’s airport and re-check in for the domestic flight!) 

Take a taxi to Mancora. We can organize a trusted taxi for you, or you can find one directly inside the airport. See the price of official taxis two questions above.

GOOD TIP: Share a taxi by finding other flight passengers or directly telling the taxi drivers waiting outside the airport: “Quiero compartir taxi”

Cheaper alternatives than taxis:
You also have the option of taking a “collectivo van”, which we do not recommend. It is better to take the local bus (EPPO), it is not as fast but is much safer and more comfortable.

From Talara it is quite easy: you can take a moto-taxi from the airport to get to the bus terminal. Buses leave every 30mn to Mancora. From Piura or Tumbes, taking a bus will make your journey seem never-ending so it is best to take a taxi!

We recommend ExcluCiva Bus Company which you’ll find on Javier Prado Avenue.

Choose preferably:
> the 2nd floor (specifying 180º degrees seats (“sillas ciento ochenta grados”) and not 160º);
> The left side of the bus when you go to Mancora and the right side when you go back to Lima to get the sea view.
> It’s best to choose seats in the front half of the bus as they shake less than in the rear of the bus.

Other reliable bus companies are Oltursa and Cruz del Sur.

We do not recommend you choose the cheapest bus alternatives.

Buses generally leave Lima from 4 PM to 6 PM and arrive in Mancora from 9 AM to 10 AM the next day.

Best bus companies as mentioned above charge around 160 soles (50 USD approx.) for a one-way ticket from Lima to Mancora.

You can buy your tickets online at least 2 or 3 days in advance to book the best seats.

There is no need to book your return ticket from Lima, you’ll have the chance to do this in Mancora.

Our wind season here in the north of Peru (Mancora, Lobitos) – where we are based – but also Pacasmayo, is from mid-April to mid-January.

However, there is wind all year round in Peru, as the best season in the South (Paracas) is from November to April.

All our wind season in the far north (Mancora – Lobitos) (April – December) is super good with amazing wind statistics (towards the end of December until the beginning of January wind starts to fail one some days with the arrival of summer and the north Equatorial hot current).

If you come on day trips with us on the spots around here on the Peruvian North shore, you will have a 98,5% chance of riding every day!!!

(within our wind season: April – December). The wind comes from the southwest, starts around 12h, and dies around 17h. in the little town of Mancora, where we are based, the wind statistics drop quite a bit: 4 to 5 days a week. But it is a great spot for foiling so in the end you could kitesurf every day!

Most people ask this question.
Now that we know that wind is not a factor to take into consideration (read above) as it is blowing almost every day during the whole season – April to December – your main concern will be the waves.

During most of the wind season (Austral Winter) in Peru, we receive South and South-West ground swells traveling a long way from the Patagonia seas in the South Pacific, enjoying great periods up to 22 seconds!

(WIND SWELL VS GROUND SWELL)
For those who don’t know the difference between Ground swells and Wind swells, they are the same as they are both created by the wind blowing above the Ocean. However, ground swells travel bigger distances, which affect the wave’s energy (and tidiness). When swells have intervals of 10 to 20 seconds (the period between each wave – the higher the greater energy), we talk about the ground swell.)

SWELL STATISTICS IN PERU
Wave statistics show that May-June-July and October-November are the best months in terms of swells. The wind is usually stronger starting in August.

However, over the years I have found that there is no best pattern, we have magic sessions throughout the whole season! I personally particularly like April – May – June (water is still quite warm and also maybe because it is the beginning of the season too ). It is also the high season (crowds-wise) in Pacasmayo.

The Peruvian north shore offers the best combo for wind & waves and rarely are there no waves at all, and this situation would do not tend to last more than 3 days. Obviously like any surf trip: you always rely on a bit of luck…

Wear shorts, flip-flops, shirts, and a good hoodie for cool nights (July-October). During summer (December – April): just lycra. Clothing: The same as in winter, without the hoodie!

If your partner likes to relax, to enjoy a paradisiacal beach and read, then yes!

There are lots of activities to do such as spa, yoga, sup, surfing, and horse-riding, plus excursions such as whale watching, diving, fishing and, discovering the area.

What is also amazing about visiting Peru is the food! You will have the chance to try the famous Ceviche where it is originally from, and the wide variety of northern Peruvian gastronomy in the many restaurants all over the town.

Kids can do what kids usually do: like enjoying simple things, the beach, the
swimming pool, they can also try to learn how to surf,or kitesurf if they are older than 13.

These are the other activities we propose:

-Yoga
-Diving;
-Surfing and stand-up paddle
-Whalewatching;
-Cooking Lessons;
-Spa & Massages;
– Motocross enduro

And day-Tours: Mangroves, inland excursions, natural tubs, ceviche tour,
Stand-up Paddling with giant turtles; Catch & Release fishing in a Yacht (only in Summer);
-Fishing with local fishermen.

See all our experiences here.

Hell yeah!
But best about it is that you have the choice between a super healthy lifestyle retreat style, or a fun social stay, or mix both of them. What is important to understand is that if you decide to go sleep early and wake up early you will not know anything about the town’s nightlife. Mancora has two faces, every day you choose which one you like the most.

The standard size:
On the Peruvian North Shore, the standard kite would be a 9m kite for a 75kg / 165lb (approx.) gentleman and a 7m kite for a 60kg / 130lb (approx.) lady.

The extra sizes:
Bringing 2 sizes of kites is better and 3 sizes are ideal here!

In the case you can or want to only take 2 kites, here are our advice for the second kite size:

a) May to August: Bring a 2nd bigger kite than your standard size kite. No bigger than 13m if your weight is no more than 80kg / 175lb.
b) September to October: Bring a 2nd smaller kite than your standard size kite
c) November to December: it is hard to say, we use all sizes… 7, 9, 12.

During our Austral winter (May – November): The water temperature in Mancora
is pretty warm (around 23º).

Now when we go to the southern spots, hit by the Humbolt current, the water can get colder (up to 18º) and a good 3/2 full suit wetsuit is necessary.

REEF BOOTIES
99% of surfers and kitesurfers do not wear reef booties here.
However, you are free to bring yours, it does not take to much space or weight.
In Mancora from the club, it is just sand. Now if you rent one of the luxury houses in front of the surf spot, you may enjoy it at low tide.

SURF KITEBOARD LEASH
Yes, good riders should bring one, even if there is one only expert spot that requires one.

HELMETS
Even if a very small minority of kitesurfers use helmets, I guess it will become a standard like with skating and skiing. So yeah, it’s always better with, than without. Most kite accidents happen with your board.

Are Mancora and the area a good spot for foiling?

Yes, indeed, the sea deepens only a few meters from the shore and then you’re ready to foil everywhere in the bay. You can go upwind from our kite club to check the wave point break and the fishermen and glide with the turtles close to the pier.

Yes, indeed, the sea deepens only a few meters from the shore and then you’re ready to foil everywhere in the bay. You can go upwind from our kite club to check the wave point break and the fishermen and glide with the turtles close to the pier.

Yes, we give kite lessons every day to beginners right in front of our kitesurfing club. And they learn fast here with us!

The wind direction (side-onshore) is ideal for beginners as it is super constant, and known to be the safest wind. The sand beaches are endless and there is no crowds like you can usually see in most kiteboarding spots around the World.

The only drawback is that statistically, we may lose 2 or 3 days every month due to waves. Effectively, when a big swell hits the north shore of Peru, there is no sheltered beach where we can hide from the waves, and there is nothing we can do but cancel the lessons (our limit is bigger than shoulder high).

From your country, the cost of bringing your kite quiver will depend on:

• The airline companies’ oversized equipment policy and fares (see our grid below);
• If you are bringing a Golf bag quiver with twintip(s) only or a surfboard bag (first might be included in most air companies franchise, whereas the second one is not);
• If you buy your flight ticket directly to the final destination (Piura, Tumbes, or Talara): You may not pay the extra USD 35 (one-way fee for oversized sports equipment on Latam’s domestic flight)

Air companies surf quiver franchise:

This info may not be up-to-date, double check with your company beforehand.

(Last update: May 2019) LATAM charges around USD 35 per flight for a board bag under 3 meters length. Peruvian Airlines does not charge for a regular board bag. Viva Air is between USD 25 and USD 35 depending if you buy it online or at the counter.

Yes. The Peruvian north shore wave spots are very safe compared to a lot of other wave kitesurfing destinations! Why?

> Thanks to sandy banks, virgin sand beaches,
> and the absence of sharks or any other malevolent creatures.
> a minority of the spots present off-shore wind conditions.
> a very steady and clean wind.
> Medium size waves: Except for those exceptional days (2, 3 maximum) when a
very big swell hit the coasts, it is rarely higher than 2 meters / 6 – 8 feet.
> And because we are here to ensure the safest conditions: (rescue, emergency scenario process, first aid, etc.).

Generally speaking, our wave trips are for both experts and people who want to initiate themselves into waverid ing.

However, the participants must have good general control of the kite. We need you to be at least able to:
> land basic jumps,
> ride toeside and bodydrag upwind,
> know how to do a self-rescue (we can do a refresh on this last point).

Our kitesurfaris are waves oriented, but the freestylers and free-riders are also welcome: they can play in the waves or outside the shore break, there is plenty of space for everyone.

Our kitesurfing club is open throughout the whole wind season: from the 15th of April to the 15th of January. (the closing date may change, ask us directly).

-STEP 1: Contact us Directly or fill out our online form telling us which main action or theme you want (ex: Wave Trip, Honeymoon, Kite Lessons, Multi-Activities, etc.), how many people are you, which type of accommodation you are looking for, your budget, and your dates if possible.

-STEP 2: Depending on your desire and budget, we will send you a personalized first proposal.

-STEP 3: Once you have accepted our draft for your perfect kitesurfing holiday, we finalize your reservations and send an invoice with payment instructions.

-STEP 4: We provide your detailed program and all the necessary info for your travel preparation. We stay at your disposal for any other requests.

In the case you want a well-organized trip and that everything flows, book your kite lessons, or your seat in our 4×4 car for the wave kite safaris, YES, of course, it is more than advised!

If you are coming for a long period and time is not an issue: No, you are not obliged to book your trip, but still better if you pre-book your kite lessons, or some wave trips, and check our availabilities.

No, we do not. We will try to get you a better price than if you were booking alone! For example, giving you special rates if you come to stay in our kitesurfing club hotel…

> Check with your bank the limits of your credit / ATM card per day & per week; ask
them to raise this limit during your trip.


> You can also control your credit card withdrawal and purchase fees & commissions
abroad. Some banks offer no foreign exchange fee or lower commission rates.


> Have 2 credit cards (do not keep them in the same place when you travel).


> You still have the possibility of bringing enough cash with you: traveling is pretty safe in Peru (especially if you take the means of transportation we recommended), that way you will avoid paying foreign exchange fees and commissions.

Yes, there are several cash machines in Mancora. But note that the cash machines in
Peru only distribute a maxi mum amount of US$400 per withdrawal even with a VISA
Gold, Infinite, etc. For each withdraw, your bank charges a fixed fee + a nexchange rate
commission. This can become quite a budget if you only count on your credit card,
in addition , you may reach its limit and run out of cash.

We mostly use Nuevos Soles, the Peruvian Currency. You can pay in US Dollars for all the
bigger expenses: hotels, excursions, fancy restaurants. Sometimes price list is already
in US Dollars, which avoid sconfusion (it is our case), but when the price is in soles and
you pay in US Dollars the business will make you pay an unfavorable exchange rate.
The best solution is to carry enough local money to pay your daily expenses but also
use dollars to pay the big expenses and because it is easy to change currency almost everywhere
in the country.

All our prices are in US Dollars, to facilitate your comprehension of our tariff line. If
you have an outstanding  balance with us, you can pay with either currency (USD
or Nuevos Soles). Different  from most businesses, we always exchange currencies at the current online rate.

When you arrive at Lima’s airport, you can either withdraw N. Soles from the ATM or,
exchange your currency; however, we recommend avoiding doing so as their rates are ridiculously high! Taxis at the airport can be paid in US dollars.

If you stay one or few nights in Lima, we recommend you to change part of your currency in Nuevos soles – the capital city has the best rates. It is better to exchange using official exchange offices rather than the money-changers (that you will find in every touristic place with a registered colored vest) as you will have to negotiate, be aware of the current exchange rates and keep alert on the money they give you.

You may find exchanges for Euros in big cities or tourist places other than Lima, but not at a very good rate. If you are staying in Lima, we’d recommend you directly change your Euros or other currency into Nuevos Soles. If you aren’t staying in Lima and are going straight to your end destination, it’s best to bring US Dollars from your country of origin.