The Kitesurfing Guide of Peru
If you are planning your kitesurfing holidays or a kite trip to Peru, this is all should know.
Introduction
From south to north, the Peruvian coastline is a desert fringe long of 3,000 kilometres: the perfect set-up for thermic winds to work out! Add a great number of lakes and lagoons, and now you can imagine the wide potential of kitesurf spots hosted in Peru
Most of those spots are to be found in the wildness. You have to be the adventurous kind of kitesurfer going on a road or a boat trip to get the most out of it, but you will be flying your kite on spots that have never been kitesurfed before.
In this article, I will take the time to describe the major kite spots in Peru, for the average kite adventurers, who do not have the time or the money to organize such a journey, and also some more alternative spots for the explorers.
All types of kitesurfers will find their Inka’s gold in Peru: beginners, freeriders, freestylers, hydrofoilers, sand kiteboarder.
Although, two particular kinds of kitesurfer will be especially stoked: Wave kitesurfers and (Wing) Foilers. Peru hosts two of the World’s Longest waves, a huge wave spot (for surf only), World-class waves, and an infinity of virgin ones. It’s indeed a dream for all wave riders!
But let’s check out most of the kite spots in Peru now!
An abstract of the 3 major kitesurfing spots in Peru (See below the full report)
Endless summer, nice beaches with all types of conditions for beginners to wave riders.
Mancora is a beautiful place with a perfect climate and the highest statistics of wind. The ideal kitesurf vacations thanks to a mix of paradisiacal and wild deserted beaches, a wide offer of no-wind activities, and a lively town to hang out. You can either take kiteboarding lessons or freeride. It is also one of the best (if not the best ;)) spot on earth to ride perfect waves, either for beginners or experts in the field!
The best period is from May to December.
Just the longest wave ridable with a kite on the planet!
What else? Pacasmayo is an old Peruvian medium size coastal town, so you will get to know how a typical Peruvian lives, however, do not expect to do much except for surfing or kitesurfing. Only works with a good swell conditions and with offshore winds, which makes this spot for expert riders only. You should definitely go there with the right wind and swell forecast, then you will get the ride of your life!
Best period: from April to October.
A superb natural reserve, Flat shallow waters perfect for freestylers and beginners.
Paracas is a most beautiful natural reserve with flat and shallow waters, which makes it ideal for learning to kitesurf or for hardcore freestyle new-school addicts. It is only 2h30 from Lima, which makes it very easy if you are in Peru for a short time. If you’re looking to diversify your experience, there are also alternative spots open to swells
Best period: from October to April.
AND THE NORTH SHORE SPOTS
SYNOPSIS
Mancora is a surf town visited by surfers, travellers, backpackers, and rich Peruvians for a lot of reasons: it is sunny all year, the beaches remind you of the Caribbean, it is cheap, the food is delicious, the waves are perfect, and there’s a cool nightlife.
But most people do not know that it is also the perfect place for kitesurfing, thanks to the highest statistics of wind and a wide variety of wild spots to fly a kite. Plus, there are plenty of off-the-water activities, and the perfect base to get to the other kite and surf points in the area.
Mancora is indeed the best place to locate yourself on a kite trip in the north of Peru.
TEMPERATURE
Mancora enjoys the best temperature: hot and dry during the day (average 25°C / 77°F), and cool enough during the night to have a good sleep.
It has been elected one of the three best climates in the world by the National Geographic once!
Water temperature: 16 – 20°C / 60 – 68°F
> Austral Winter (April – November): 18 to 23°C (63 to 73°F): jacket / 2/2 shorty to full suit 3/2 for the Southern spots
> Austral Summer (December – March): 22 to 29°C (72 to 84°F): lycra
WHEN TO GO?
From April to the end of the year.
If you are searching both wind and waves, nearly the whole wind season is a good time to go as we receive waves all year, except maybe December and January. In those months the swells shift from the south to the north Pacific and unfortunately, most wave kitesurfing spots do not work too well with this swell orientation.
Even if statistics show that there are swell peaks in May, June, July and October, with over 10 years of experience on the north shore I must say that luck is more important than statistics. Consider staying a longer period, two weeks instead of one, to enhance your chance on amazing wave kitesurfing days.
THE WIND
The wind starts around 11h to 13h and dies around 17h to 18h. There is all wind orientation depending on the spot but most are side-onshore winds except Lobitos y Negritos, which are side-off. Mancora is side-on. The wind comes from the southwest.
Insider tip: Most of the time, you can add 2 to 4 knots to Windguru’s forecast.
THE TOWN
Mancora is populated by a happy mix of locals, rich Peruvian and Latin hippies, regular travellers just looking for sun, nice beaches, and cheap but good food, backpackers willing to get sun and party after arduous treks in the Sacred Valley, surfers searching those perfect waves from all around the globe …and some kitesurfers.
THE ROUTINE
For any kitesurfer seeking a perfect beach routine, Mancora offers an excellent combination of surfing, yoga, and morning excursions during the superb windless mornings, followed by delightful kitesurfing sessions in the afternoon. To end the day go surfing again, do yoga or simply admire the sunset. Go to sleep early to be ready for the next day, unless you want to have a couple of drinks downtown, or party until late. It’s all possible in Mancora.
“The town is packed with café, bars and great restaurants. Everyday you will be able to try a new place, from the most gourmet to the street “puestos”.
THE SURF
On this stretch of coastline, you can find many kilometres of empty beaches with winds blowing every day from around lunchtime, the mornings are perfect for surfing the point break right in front of Mancora which has a pretty perfect wave, fun, and easy. It can get quite crowded though, so you either go very early or around 10h AM to beat the morning crowd. There are also other surf breaks in nearby towns where you will be surfing alone.
THE KITE SPOTS
The Point (Mancora):
Mancora’s main kite spot is called “the Point” among the locals. It’s a super fun spot, where the renowned Mancora’s surf point breaks: a clean and fairly long wave that amazes both beginners and shredders!
You can wave ride there if it is not packed with surfers. You can also play in the shore break a little bit more downwind, where the beach is called Playa del Amor. ♡
Besides Mancora’s “The Point”, no waves are breaking on the rest of the beach front. Thus, there is plenty of space for you to free-ride on a choppy surface (but not too choppy!).
Over the years, the sand beach has disappeared, and there is not much of a close way out in case you have a problem, especially at high tide. I would not recommend it for beginners or taking kitesurfing lessons there.
Vichayito Beach
Vichayito is a beach of pure sand exposed to the wind that extends 7 km from Los Orgános to Las Pocitas Beach. You will find ideal conditions for beginners to take kiteboarding lessons, or to do a downwinder. It is where we based our kiteboarding school > The Wild Kite Beach Club.
Las Pocitas Beach
Las Pocitas is where Vichayito ends, and goes up to Mancora. With palm trees all along, beautiful houses built by Lima’s jet set, and the best hotels, the beach is a paradise. But not for kitesurfers: there are rocks almost everywhere that form “las Pocitas”, natural pools ideal for kids, but make the water access impossible at low tide. If you can afford it, Las Pocitas is still a perfect base for a kite journey, and a healing hideaway.
Lobitos
One-hour south of Mancora, you will find Lobitos, one of the most famous surf towns in Peru, hosting up to 7 surf points. The most renowned Lobitos main point break is a long perfect wave that works best around September when the sandbanks get perfect.
Lobitos has a reputation to be a “ghost town” with a hippie vibe. What makes it special is the presence of semi-abandoned Victorian houses from the time English and then Americans came to drill oil in the XIX century. Before evolving into a surf town, it had a vibrant and lively atmosphere for some time in the past. Native even says the first cinema in Latin America was built there during this period. True or not, thinking of elegant British lads hanging around in nice clothe and bowler hat is still hard to imagine when you see how Lobitos looks nowadays.
When Lobitos’ main wave is on fire, it is surely one of the top 3 best and most consistent waves to kitesurf in the world, thanks to the side-off shore wind shaping a perfect and very long wave! Unfortunately, surfing crowds have made it complicated for a kitesurfer to ride it in peace, even if we are trying to change minds and propose a windy schedule for kitesurfing action only. However, there are still other great surf points around where it is possible to kitesurf.
OTHER SPOTS FOR THE EXPLORERS:
Sechura
There is a well-kept secret spot in the middle of the Sechura desert 7 hours south of Mancora-It is very difficult to access, butit is possible to stay there, as a former soul Peruvian surfer and kitesurfer pioneer once built a beautiful house. You reach it within 1 hour on a road in-between sand dunes, and it is right in front of this magic spot, made for expert riders only.
If you want to know all about the other kiteable spots in the north of Peru, like for instance: Cabo Blanquillo, Negritos, Baterias, tres Cruces, or Organos: check the last bit at the bottom of our wave riding kitesurf camps page.
WHERE TO STAY IN MANCORA
Accommodations are plentiful and to suit any budget, from USD 5 to USD 500 per night.
The hotels’ offer is so diverse that it makes it a bit difficult to select the best option.
Before searching for a place to stay, first choose if you prefer to stay in Mancora, close to the surf & kite spot and downtown, or in Las Pocitas, a paradisiacal beach only 5 to 10mn away from the village, where all the most beautiful hotels are, and the perfect hideaway for anyone willing to disconnect.
HOW TO GET THERE
The easiest is to come from Lima and take a flight to Talara’s airport.
From the Peruvian capital, there is also the possibility to grab a luxury night bus.
The other option is to fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and take a 7 hours night bus straight to Mancora.
More info here.
PROS
CONS
Stay in our new beautiful Eco Kitesurfing Camp and share our smoothest beach routine in Mancora…
AND THE AREA
SYNOPSIS OF PACASMAYO
The old Colonial Peruvian town, which became industrial in the XIX century is now famous thanks to this World’s longest wave to be ridden with a surf, a kite or a windsurf! Intermediate to advanced wave kite spot with tricky conditions, but will reward you with the ride of your life if you get the right conditions!
TEMPERATURE
Water: 16 – 20°C / 60 – 68°F
Austral Winter (April – November): full suit 4:3
Austral Summer (December – March): full suit 3:2
GET THERE
To get to Pacasmayo you need to take an 8 hours bus from Lima to Trujillo (or Chiclayo) and then another local bus or a 2 hours taxi. You can also take a flight to Trujillo or Chiclayo, around 1.5 hours away from the capital city. If you are already in Mancora, you can grab a 7 hours night bus (EMTRAFESA), which will go directly to Pacasmayo.
THE WAVE & THE SPOT
The wave, which can hold a big size (up to 4 meters / 13 feet) moves a lot of water and therefore can be fat and relatively smooth on some sections, but also has some more other critical sections, and is super clean all the way. The entry and exit of the spot can be tricky. There is a strong current, wind holes and can be quite gusty, but once you are on the wave, you will not believe what nature is capable of!
El Faro resort near by which is a good exit point, and where a paid boat rescue service is offered, there is always someone on hand to help you land…And you need this! The wind does seem to vortex at the shore!
STAY THERE
There are lots of accommodation options downtown, you can take a moto for the day for around 15 soles as the spot is 10 minutes out of town. El Faro Resort option is obviously the best if you can afford it (USD 80 – 100 per night per person approximately).
THE GOOD PLAN
As I just said above, there is no reason to go to Pacasmayo without the right swell and wind forecast. Then, if you cannot plan your trip at the last minute (or at least 2 weeks in advance) and come with the perfect conditions, we advise you to go to another place in Peru, visit the country or come kitesurf in Mancora (7 hours by car/ bus) and decide the last minute to go to Pacasmayo, only when it’s on fire!
We advise you when to go, and give you options on where to stay. Plus, we organize the jet-ski or zodiac security and the beach boys to help you launch and land your kites.
OTHER SPOTS IN THE AREA
Puerto Chicama
The most famous Chicama, known to be the longest wave in the world is unfortunately not really rideable with a kite as the off-shore winds are shadowed by the beautiful and impressive cliffs facing the wave. However, you still may see Cristian, a local rasta kitesurfer, also famous for training surfing dogs, kitesurfing the end of the wave, near to the peer and even do some downwinders up north.
It is indeed worth talking of Chicama and the area as the wind happens regularly and strong! I have been organizing SUP camps in Chicama, doing some tours around, Huanchaco for example or cultural visits like la Huaca de la Luna, a superb Inka’s site facing the sea. It is where I understood there was another good wave and wind potential in the area…
Gallito Ciego
Gallito Ciego is an artificial lake only 1h30 from Pacasmayo where you will be able to kitesurf, free-ride, freestyle. Do not go alone, and bring your vittle as you will not find nothing there, just you riding.
Puerto morin
2h40 minutes away from Pacasmayo or 1h30 south to Chicama, you will find the little town of Puerto Morin, which have exactly the same topography as Chicama if you look on the map. Almost 8 kilometers of free beach without waves protected by a hill, an extensive bay with the beach of fine sand. Good spot for kiteboarding, good for kitesurfing waves too in Cerro Negro, and also power kiteboarding. To be honest, I have never been to this place, but I have found some info from a Peruvian kitesurfer who was giving kite lessons there but seems to have stopped his activity.
Puemape
Puemape is another really nice wave in between Pacasmayo and Chicama, only 30mn from Pacasmayo. This is a small fisherman community. You will find one or two restaurants but no almost shops, so better bring water, and eventually some food too. The wind is cross-shore. Landing and launching are best north of town to avoid wind shadows. Access to the water is fairly easy, waves are not too intimidating, and there is no strong current except in the case of a massive swell. The only hazards are a rocky shore and the fact that you will be probably riding alone there.
PROS
CONS
PARACAS
THE NATURAL RESERVE
SYNOPSIS
Paracas is a magnificent natural reserve super accessible within a few hours’ reach of Lima, and at the right side of the country (the south) to combine a trip with Matchu Picchu, Sacred Valley and the touristic belt that forms “la ruta del Gringo”. Paracas is a big bay and there is room for a few hundred kites riding without being a problem, but it is rare to find more than 20 riders. It is the perfect water surface in for beginners and freestylers.
WHEN TO GO
You can kitesurf all year in Paracas, but Winter (October to April) is definitely the best time to go wind wise and as it is warmer inside and outside the water. Summer (or Austral winter: May to September) wind statistics drop a bit (see below), as do the air and water temperature.
THE WIND
Kite Quiver: 9- 10m kite is a must for this season and as a second option a 12m and a third a 7m, no bigger kites are required.
Kite Quiver: 12m kite is a must for this season and as a second option bigger kites, and hydrofoiling.
Note: Do not get fooled by Windguru or other internet prediction services, as Paracas is a very complex micro weather with amazing Venturi working, so those predictions are not correct most of the time
TEMPERATURE:
Air Temperature:
20° – 30°C / 68° – 86°F
Water Temperature:
Winter (May to November): 14 – 18°C / 57 to 64°F: 3/2 to 4/3 fullsuit
Summer (December to March): 18 – 23°C / 64 to 73°F: 2mm wetsuit / shorty
THE TOWN
The town has a very relaxed vibe, with plenty of restaurants. It is quiet during the week and then things pick up on a weekend and in high season around January and February. The main spot is about 5 minutes drive from the town, there are also accommodations near the spot although you are away from the night action if you stay there.
THE SPOTS
Paracas Bay is a big lagoon and as a result, is safe and offers flat water, with some chop when it gets windy. It is a great beginner spot with shallow water, which is of course great for freestyle too. The bay has a U shape and the winds from the point are side off shore.
You can also go into the reserve by 4×4 where you will find some wave spots and a couple of other flat water lagoons:
Playon has small to medium size waves, the wind is side off-shore but is located in a big open bay, you would have to drive a car to recover your kite in case you release it. In the last scenario, fishermen could be hired to provide safety.
Mendieta has Almost the same conditions as Playon, but a smaller bay.
Laguna Grande This is as safe as Paracas bay. Side onshore winds.
San Andres: Be careful with the shallow waters with rocky seafloor: high jumps are not recommended in these areas.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you fly to Lima Airport, you can take a taxi from the inside of the building the airport, but will be more expensive. In any case: always hire a trustful taxi. Or rent a car as it is only a 3 hours ride to get to Paracas from Lima. You can also grab a luxury bus like Cruz del Sur bus company from Lima’s City Center (Javier Prado).
WHERE TO STAY
What is great in Paracas is there are several options to stay from backpacker’s hotels like Kokopeli to 5-star hotels like the Marriott.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
KITESURFING PARACAS
PROS
CONS
What are you waiting for to come to visit and kitesurf Peru? and share awesome kitesurfing sessions with us?
While most people go to Brazil and put their kites into packed spots, Peru has much to offer in terms of kitesurfing and without crowds! It is the same journey to get to Peru from Europe, the USA, or elsewhere, as getting to the Brazilian Nordeste, sometimes with even fewer flight connections.
Plus, there is a magic country to visit: discovering Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Titicaca’s lake, the Amazon jungle, or the superb White Cordillera range.
Peru has been elected 3 times in a row best Latin gastronomic destination. See? here is another good reason to go ✈️
And if you are a wave rider, now you just don’t have an excuse!
By the way, did you read our 20 world’s best wave kitesurfing destinations guide?
View Comments
Awesome info! Thanks for putting the time in!
I am glad to read your blog on "The guide of the best Kitesurfing Spots in Peru". I recommend it to all!
Great post and info about kitesurfing in Peru! Will share!