The Ultimate Kiteboarding Guide For Peru
WHERE TO STAY
Welcome to Peru’s Ultimate Kiteboarding Guide.
We have all heard of Machu Picchu and the tasty peruvian food. But did you know that Peru offers the most incredible kiteboarding conditions in Latin America? In this guide you will find a detailed explanation of all the kite spots in Peru: Wind Season, how to get there, best for, nearby spots, kite trips, what to bring, how to move around, where to stay, other activities for non windy days, the good, the bad, the amazing.
PARACAS
Located 260 kms south from Lima, Paracas is a small fishermen village that started growing due to its strategic geographic location.
Turns out Paracas is the place to go if you want to do most of the tourist activities that take place on the Peruvian South.
Some of these activities include: visiting the Paracas National Reserve, sandboarding, checking out the Ballestas Islands and flying over the Nazca Lines, among other things. But more on this later.
Paracas is a magical place where the ocean meets the desert, creating some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Peru. Filled with marine life, you can spot millions of birds, sea lions, turtles and dolphins in this mysterious little town. With easy access from the Lima International airport, Paracas is a laid-back town with tourists from all over the world. Anyways, lets dig into what’s really important here. We could say Paracas has wind all year round, with guaranteed wind during 5 months of the year (November to April).
This kite spot is a world class destination to learn and progress due to its perfect conditions, constant wind every day, flat water with shallow areas, sandy bottom, and the best part, no crowds (yet, so hurry!)
WIND AND SEASON
Wind in Paracas is generated by a thermal effect created between the difference of temperature of the hot air mass above the desert and the cold air mass above the ocean ( even though we are close the Equator, ocean temperature in the south of Peru is cold due to the Humboldt current coming from the Antarctic).
The wind normally shifts from the Northeast to the Southwest around midday and it starts picking up, sometimes little by little, sometimes all of the sudden. The speed might increase until 4pm and then it steadies and goes all the way till the sunset (and more).
The wind range is normally between 18 to 25 knots, however you can get some light wind days (awesome for hydrofoiling), or the typical 30+ knots days known as “Paracas”, which actually means sand storm).
HIGH SEASON: from mid October to mid May, windy every day, let’s say 5/6 perfect kiting days in the week, but the truth is you can kite practically everyday
MAY to SEPTEMBER: still windy but less constant, you can expect 3 or 4 kiting days a week and the wind might pick up a little later, around 2 or 3 pm.
TIP: do NOT rely on wind forecast for Paracas as its a thermal wind and predictions are not very accurate. If you have any doubts just send a message and contact us.
BEST FOR:
Paracas is a perfect spot for beginners and also for intermediate/advanced riders. The easy conditions and mostly flat water allow everyone to progress fast in their desired skills. Basically, if you are in Peru, this is the place where you wanna learn how to kite and get independent and comfortable as fast as possible.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best places in the world to learn this sport (we are not saying this because we have a kite school here, ok maybe just a little). But hey, this is not it, Paracas is also known for offering a variety of different spots with diverse kiting conditions, which brings us to our next part:
KITE SPOTS AND TRIPS
PARACAS POINT
The Paracas Bay offers a huge flat-water area with steady side-off shore wind usually going from 15 to 30 knots (average of 20 knots). The water will be super flat very near the shore and it starts getting a little choppier as you ride away. Large beach to set up the equipment with no dangerous obstacles. Easy launching and landing. Large Artificial grass area with a compressor to pump the kite and fresh water to rinse equipment.
Not more than 30 kites on the water (for the moment) and a huge area to ride protected by the Bay. Kangaroo Kite offers rescue boat service if needed. Suitable for all level, amazing to learn and improve riding skills. If you are a freestyler or you are into big air and kite loops this is definitely your spot.
The Good:
- Beginner Friendly: perfect place to learn the sport and progress, regardless your level.
- Flat water, specially near the shore
- Easy launching and landing, lots of space.
- Side Offshore wind (but it’s a closed bay, you’ll always end up in the shore)
- Access to great beachfront facilities at Kangaroo Kite Center and Bamboo Paracas Resort (restaurant, bar, chillout area, etc.)
- Rescue Boats. If anything happens, you’ll be rescued right away.
- Sandy Bottom
The Bad:
- This will be the most crowded spot (Paracas standards, so not crowded at all really). Normally it gets busier during the weekend.
- Downwind from the Kangaroo Kite Center, the wind starts getting gusty and shifty so if you are drifting downwind, exit the water and walk upwind through the shoreline and then give it another try. Downwind from the point there’s piers, boats and other obstacles to watch out for.
- If you are unlucky, some weeks during the high season you can encounter jellyfish at the bay. They are big and might look scary but they are harmless. Just a little sting to keep your senses aware.
Alright, from here on forward, you’ll be thinking of Kite Trips to access the rest of the spots. The good thing about heading into the Reserve is that the wind is stronger the further south you go, so those tricky days at the point can be saved with a kite trip.
You can rent a car (preferably a 4WD) and try to reach the spots on your own. However, we always recommend organizing a kite trip and enjoying the full day experience Kangaroo Kite has to offer: vintage Land Cruiser rides, beers and snacks, landscape sightseeing and maybe a barbecue at the spot. On top of this, your guide will choose the spot specifically according to the day conditions, your skills and your preferred kite style. So do not forget anything important like for example the pump and nozzles and take a first-aid kit. REMEMBER: there’s no phone reception inside the natural reserve so go with someone that know the area).
ZÁRATE
Load up the truck with kites, surfboards and beer (don’t forget the pump) and drive South into the National Reserve for around 20 minutes, when you see a huge island shaped like a cake you’ve arrived. This is the first spot to consider if you are looking for perfect kitesurfing conditions.
Tidy left-hand break with side off shore winds (might be a little gusty). The launching and landing area is huge. The only downside about the spot is the rocky bottom, making it slightly difficult to get in and out of the water. On very low tide, watch your fins, and don’t dive head first if you wipeout.
Better for experienced riders but once you are in the water it’s a very forgiving spot. It’s better to check the swell and talk with the kite trip guys at Kangaroo Kite Peru to score the best conditions possible. With proper swell conditions this place lights up offering very long rides and a lot of hits on the same wave. Respect right of way rules amongst other riders (long tack out, don’t cut in).
The Good:
- Intermediate to advanced
- Close to the Main Spot, relatively easy access.
- Pretty easy Launching and Landing
- Left-hand break with Side offshore wind (the dream)
- Not crowded (maybe on the weekends when there’s unique conditions)
- Hold very big swells
The Bad:
- Rocky bottom, little tricky getting in and out
- Tricky with very low tide
- Kind of a gravel/rock floor to set up equipment so don’t drag your kite too much.
- Not to so much fun without a good swell.
- No facilities around the area.
PLAYÓN
Around a 30 minutes ride from the Point, this is the second kite spot going south. Normally it’s way windier here than at the main point. This beach can offer a variety of conditions. When the swell is good and the direction is correct, you’ll find a nice, fast left-hand break (ends up in a close out) to kite with your surfboard. You can also find good kickers for twin tip boosts and ramps for your kite loops!
Large beach to set up the equipment with no obstacles and easy launching and landing. The spot is all sand, making it suitable for average to experienced riders. Wouldn’t recommend it for beginners since the wind is side-off shore and there’s no rescue boat. However, if you are independent and there’s no shore-break you can give it a try. Recommendation would be to have someone experienced looking out for you. Contact the guides at Kangaroo Kite Peru to score the best conditions according to your riding style.
The Good:
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Easy equipment set up, launching and landing
- Awesome kickers to boost
- A lot of space
- No crowds
The Bad:
- Side off shore wind
- No rescue boat
- Wind might be a little gusty
- No facilities in the area
MENDIETA
35 minutes ride going south into the National Reserve, this is a flat-water open bay that offers awesome conditions. Stronger wind than at the main point. The best feature about this spot is the stunning landscape. Normally the water has a beautiful turquoise color that contrasts nicely with the desert shades.
Setting up, launching and landing is easy. Wind is side-off shore and there’s a couple of big rock islands in the middle of the bay so, although the conditions are inviting for beginners, always consider the wind will take you to the islands. Don’t get too close to the islands either, the wind is kind of shady over here (we’ve proven this with personal experience)
The Good:
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Easy set-up, launching and landing
- Stunning landscapes
- Incredible water colors
The Bad:
- Side offshore wind
- Rocky Islands in the middle of the bay (wind will take you there if you drift)
- No rescue boats
- No facilities in the area
LAGUNA GRANDE
Reaching Laguna Grande can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour, but it’s totally worth it. Laguna Grande is a closed bay with side onshore wind. Usually this spot will save the day if there’s no wind at the main point. Ride submerged in an incredible landscape with big cliffs and hills surrounding the bay.
Large beach with no obstacles to set up the equipment. Easy launching and landing. There’s a big shallow area to learn so it’s beginner friendly. With correct conditions there’s a wave option upwind from the launching area and outside the bay with a right-hand break and Side-onshore winds. Again, we recommend checking conditions with our guides.
The Good:
- Beginner friendly
- Side on shore wind
- Flat water
- Closed Bay
- Easy set up, launching and landing.
- There’s a little fishermen town and they have a satellite phone in case of an emergency.
The Bad:
- Long ride from the Main Point. Bumpy road.
- No rescue boat (although it’s not needed)
The Good:
- Beginner friendly
- Side on shore wind
- Flat water
- Closed Bay
- Easy set up, launching and landing.
- There’s a little fishermen town and they have a satellite phone in case of an emergency.
The Bad:
- Long ride from the Main Point. Bumpy road.
- No rescue boat (although it’s not needed)
GETTING HERE
Getting to Paracas is super easy. Fly to Lima International Airport and from here you can choose between
- Taxi: you can arrange a private taxi transfer from the airport up to your hotel in Paracas. This will cost around US$ 120 and depending on traffic it will take around 3hs to arrive to your destination.
- Bus: from the airport you take a taxi to Cruz del Sur bus station in Javier Prado (around 50 to 60 soles) and from there you can take a very comfortable bus directly to Paracas (from US$ 10 to US$ 20 tickets). The bus station is more or less 45 min away from the airport and the bus ride to Paracas normally takes 3.5 to 4hs)
WHERE TO STAY
There are several options for accommodation in Paracas (no lodging inside the Natural Reserve unless you are travelling with your tent or campervan). In order to choose your accommodation, you have to decide whether you want to stay right on the kite spot (Paracas main spot) and travel to town for some nightlife or if you’d like to stay in town close to small markets and nightlife and travel to the kite spot.
Paracas Town is only 5 min car ride away from the spot (and a beautiful 50 minutes walk through the beach) and here you will find a huge variety of small restaurants, markets and places to hang out and party a bit at night. There’s also a big variety of hotels and hostels going from very cheap rooms/hostels up to intermediate or 5 stars hotels.
Recommended:
- Hostels: Kokopelli, Backpackers house, Rafis House
- Intermediate Hotels: Los Frayles, El Emancipador
- Intermediate Apartments: Casa Caravana
- 5 stars: Hotel Paracas (by Marriot)
At the point you will be right in front of the kiting action, no need to check on the wind, just step out of your room and decide what kite size you will use. It’s pretty quiet at night due to its proximity to the Natural Reserve. There are some restaurant options from the hotels nearby (Hilton and La Hacienda). Beautiful location to wake up surrounded by thousands of birds.
There are three options here:
- La Hacienda & The Hilton: luxury hotels only 300m from the spot
- Bamboo Paracas Hotel: Only hotel right on the spot with accessible prices and great facilities for your kitesurfing holiday at the Kangaroo Kite Center
- You can also try Air BnB as there’s some stunning houses close to the point. These are some big houses so its recommended for big groups. Check this one out: Kangaroo Kite House
GETTING AROUND LOCALLY
It’s very easy to move around in Paracas. There are taxis all over (just regular cars driven by locals who will be looking for passengers all day long) and moving from the town to the spot will be around 2 to 3 usd. There’s also a colectivo (bus) that costs less than a dollar. Walking is also an option and we recommend you to try it at least once since you can see the beautiful Paracas Bay as you stroll through the sidewalk right next to the ocean. It’s not a comfortable walk if you are taking all the kite gear with you, buy you can store the equipment at Kangaroo Kite.
Lately some shops started renting scooters so that’s another option to move around. In order to travel to the Natural Reserve for some wild kite safaris you can book a trip at the school. Renting a car is not necessary, but it’s a good option as long as you do it in Lima (no renting car option in Paracas).
ACTIVITIES
One of the things we love about Paracas, beside the perfect conditions for kitesurfing, is that there’s lots of other activities to do. Since there’s normally no wind early in the morning you can do all these activities without having to sacrifice a session. Here’s the list to what we enjoy the most: Top 10 Things to do in Paracas
NIGHT LIFE / VIBES
Even though Paracas is a small town, it has a very cool laid-back nightlife. There’s a reggae bar restaurant called Waikis (ex Miski’s) were all travelers and kiters gather round for some amazing food, drinks and music. You can also find everyone at the Kokopelli Hostel bar area. Play some games like ping pong or foosball with your kite lads while you wait for the place to light up and become a dancefloor. Then the party is on! (especially during the high season weekends)
WHAT TO BRING
- KITE GEAR: you can travel with your own kite gear (kite size will depend on your weight and style but consider wind is normally 18 to 25 knots) or you can rent anything you need at Kangaroo Kite.
- WETSUIT: Water is cold, around 18 degrees, a long wetsuit 3/2 or shorty is recommended for summer season October to April and a long wetsuit 3/2 is definitely needed in winter time (may to September). Water temperature is almost the same all year round, just a little hotter during summer and chillier in winter.
- CLOTHES: Its desert weather so it’s always hot during the day but temperature drops overnight so bring some layers!
PACASMAYO
Located at almost 700 kms North from Lima, Pacasmayo is an industrial town that hosts the longest kiteable wave in Peru (and the world). Truth is the town is not so pretty but let’s face it, we are not driving 10hs with a truck full of equipment for sightseeing. We are here to ride, so wax up your surfboard, tighten your fins and prepare your legs for the longest ride of your life. Welcome to Pacasmayo!
WIND AND SEASON
Windy season in Pacasmayo should start picking up around late April and it will go all the way until November. June through September are definitely the best months to hit this amazing spot. Not just because of the wind but also because winter in Peru is the best season for those big, consistent Southern Swells, that produce non-stop quality waves.
Normally the wind will start picking up by mid morning and by midday it should already be good to go with stable 18 knots average that will keep going until the sun sets. So if you are a surfer, wake up early, enjoy the morning glassy waves and when you see the wind picking up, start setting up your equipment because it’s time to go!
BEST FOR
How does surfing glassy, friendly waves in the morning and hitting endless rollers with your kite in the afternoon sound? Am I dreaming? No! You are in Pacasmayo! Pacasmayo is a spot that deserves good organization and at least a 7 to 10 days holiday. Consider it is a long trip, wherever you are coming from.
If you are into kitesurfing waves this is a huge must on your kite bucket list. With side on shore winds, “Pacas” offers a long left-hand break that can hold those big southern swells hitting the coast of Peru. When a lot of spots are maxed out by the swell, Pacas will hold its shape for those who dare to hop on the freight train. This spot requires a good level of kitesurfing in waves and being completely independent.
Our recommendation is to take a moto taxi that costs around 3usd to the point, set up your equipment over there and start off right at the beginning of the waves. The point offers an easy equipment set up spot and easy launching and landing as well. Getting in can be just a little tricky due to the rocky bottom. The good thing is that after your last ride you can exit downwind at Pacasmayo El Faro Hotel where the beach is sandy and someone will be there to give you a hand.
GETTING HERE
The nearest towns with International Airports are Chiclayo and Trujillo, from here just take a cab ride or organize transportation before hand with El Faro Hotel or wherever you might be staying. From Chiclayo it’ll take around 2 hours driving South. From Trujillo it’ll take around 1,45 hs driving North. Another option if you are in Lima is taking a bus ride with Excluciva Bus Company, which will cost around 90 soles (US$30).
WHERE TO STAY
The best place to stay without a doubt is El Faro Hotel. This hotel is located the at the end of the wave and it’s the one closer to the point. El faro has a good place to set up your equipment on the beach. Launching and landing here might be just a little tricky but as soon as you are out in the water you can start riding upwind toward the beginning of the wave. When your session is over just ride your last wave all the way back to the hotel and someone will be there to help you land the kite. Once your equipment is packed, grab a beer and sit by the pool to enjoy the sun setting amongst the waves you just ripped!
Cheaper options we recommend are, Hotel Los Faroles located in town around 15′ moto taxi drive from the point. Very nice, clean and chill hotel. Another option half way through is the Village Surf hotel, with cheap prices and a good view of the ocean.
GETTING AROUND
The best (and coolest) way of transportation in Peru is taking a moto taxi. These are cheap, three-wheeled little Scooters that will take you everywhere. All you need to do in Pacasmayo is go from the hotel to the point and back. Sometimes going to town in search for local food and some beers will change the day as well.
ACTIVITIES
There are a few archeological sites around Pacasmayo that are worth seeing, only on those days without wind or waves! Don’t miss a session! El Brujo is a nice town with an Archeology Complex built around a monument constructed by the Moche Civilization. Be sure to check the museum as well.
Another archeological site is the Chan Chan ruins. Take an hour trip south and check the remains of town built by the Chimu Society.
Finally, check the Dos Cabezas Pyramid Ruins, located only 20 minutes from Pacasmayo.
WHAT TO BRING
- KITE GEAR: definitely bring you surfboard, lots of wax and a couple of extra fins. We also recommend using a helmet to smack those waves safely. Wind is around 18 knots so big kites will be needed. For an average weight of 75 kgs (165 pounds) bring between a 9 and a 12 or 13 to cover all the wind ranges possible.
- WETSUIT: 3.2’ Long wetsuit will be the ideal combination between flexibility and warmth. If you don’t like getting cold and you love to extend your sessions all the way till the sunset maybe a 4.3 will suit you best. Booties may not be a bad idea since getting in through the point can get a little rocky.
- CLOTHES: Like everywhere in the desertic peruvian coastline it’ll be warm during the day and chillier in the afternoon and night. A good hoodie and a wind breaker will do the trick.
MÁNCORA
Located at the Northern Tip of Peru, only 130 kms south from Ecuador, Máncora is the definition of a Peruvian Beach Town. Máncora became famous for it’s perfect left hand peeling waves, attracting the surfing crowds from Lima and the rest of the country. Little by little this town grew to become the Mecca of surfing in Peru. Luckily for us, during the high season there’s a lot of wind and this place becomes the perfect playground for that kiter that loves to rip in the waves, especially if you are goofy. No wonder the North is called the Peruvian Indo.
Diverse spots, incredible wildlife, crazy party nights and those beach town vibes is what you can expect on your next trip to Máncora. So, pack your best surfboards, those quick turning drifting kites, and don’t forget the wax (and your hangover pills), because we are going surfing!
WIND SEASON
June to November: The wind normally picks up around midday and it builds up till the afternoon around 3pm, then it should be steady for the rest of the day, maybe dropping a few knots reaching the sunset. Wind range is between 16 to 22 knots and of course we have those 25/27 knots days to take out the small kite. Wind direction is Side on Shore at Máncora Beach.
TIP: some days it’ll look like there’s not enough wind but the wind is in the correct direction. This is the moment to organize a Kite Trip and head South to discover new spots (more details on this later)
BEST FOR
If you haven’t already figured it out, Máncora is definitely the first pick destination if you love kiting in waves. There are several spots to ride in, all of them with different conditions. If you like regular surfing, wake up early in the morning and enjoy the waves before the crowd and the wind starts picking up. Then it’s time to look for your kite.
You can learn how to kite in Máncora but it’s important there’s no swell in order for the bay to be flat with friendly conditions. Since the wind is Side on shore it’s a little complicated to go out and past the shore break, but with the help and coaching of a good instructor it shouldn’t be a problem. Learning in the bay is safe because the wind will always get you back to shore.
Reminder: if there’s a big swell we don’t recommend taking lessons. The shore break is huge and very difficult to go through if you are not an experienced kiter. If your kite falls there’s a big chance of a wave catching it and breaking it. Of course, your local school will let you know when it’s a good time to learn.
KITE SPOTS
If you go to Máncora, separate a part of your budget to organize Kite Trips. You’d be missing half the fun (and probably some kiteable days elsewhere) if you only stay at the main spot. You could rent a car and find the spots by yourself but some places are a little tricky to get to and you probably won’t score them with the best conditions.
Our recommendation is to organize a kite trip with Wild Kite Peru. These guys have been doing trips for a long time and they know what are the ideal conditions for each spot (wind intensity, direction and Swell size/ direction). Needless to say, all of these spots are awesome for surfing, especially if you are a goofy rider or you are working on your backhand attack. Without further introduction, here are some of the best kite spots around the Máncora area.
Máncora Point
Side onshore wind that hits the open bay perfectly. Wind is steadier at the surf point where you can go kiting and enjoy some nice left hand peelers. Backhand rider or frontside goofy, this is the spot for you.
The Good:
- Awesome, tidy left hand waves
- Side on Shore wind
- If anything happens you’ll end up on the shore.
- Exit zone with sandy bottom
- Easy, spacious, launching and landing zone.
- A lot of beach downwind
- Near Town, facilities, restaurants and bars.
The Bad:
- It can be crowded with surfers (especially if the waves are really good). TIP: respect the surfers and Right of Way rules and don’t go near the locals. Follow the carrousel, don’t cut tack the incoming kiters.
- Near the shore you can expect some little rocks on the bottom
- Garbage
- Watch the tide! During low tide, rocks will appear on the point right where the wave starts breaking. Be careful if you don’t wanna lose some fins!
- When there’s very big swells combined with lunar tides the sand might go away and the beach might disappear, making the kite set up, launching and landing, a little bit trickier.
Órganos
Just a 20 minute ride from Mancora (14 kms). Los Organos is a fishermen and local tourist town with a very nice, white sand beach. This spot is easy to get to, you don’t need a 4WD and access to the beach is easy. Normally wind is a little stronger than at Máncora Point, so on those light wind days, it’s a good option. Wind is Side Shore, and the shorebreak is very easy (unless there’s a swell) making this spot beginner friendly. Schools give lessons over here when the wind is light at the point.
The Good:
- Life Saver when wind is light at the point
- Easy shore break (unless there’s a big swell)
- Sandy bottom
- Easy launching and landing space.
- Steady wind
- Beginner friendly with a lot of beach space downwind
- Not crowded at all
- 20’ ride from Máncora, easy access, no 4WD needed.
The Bad:
- Since its near a town you can see garbage on the beach
- Negative if there’s a big swell and you are not an advanced rider.
- No tidy left hand break here. Just a close out shorebreak.
El Ñuro
This spot is a lifesaver when the conditions at Máncora Point are not ideal, especially if there’s wind but it’s too light to ride. Grab a car, or organize a Kite Trip (we recommend this) with a guide and head South for around 30 minutes. You will reach a small fisherman’s town known by the great number of giant turtles that live over there. Apparently, fishermen have been feeding the turtles for so long that they know they’ll always have food over there. Anyways, back to kiting. There are two spots in El Ñuro:
The First Spot is right after Los Organos Beach (before El Ñuro town) and it’s a little more beginner friendly. You will need to get in Los Organos town and follow a little road up a hill until you reach El Porton (The Gate). Here’s where you leave the car and climb down the hill to the beach with all your equipment. Normally the wind hits the beach way better that at Máncora Point or Los Organos.
The Good:
- Life saver is if there’s not enough wind at Máncora Point or Los Órganos
- Steady Side onshore wind.
- The shore break is not too big.
- Sandy bottom
- Beginner friendly. Some of the schools give lessons over here when the wind is not enough at the point.
The Bad:
- Kind of a hassle to get to
- Long walk down the hill (and up the hill coming back to the car) with all the equipment. TIP: Don’t forget anything in the car, you don’t wanna have to run up the hill for the pump.
- Not the best spot if you are looking for tidy, peeling waves.
The Second spot is right after el Ñuro, around 1 km south from the fishermen dock. You can access the beach easily with a car (4WD). There’s a good wave, left hander of course, when the swell is big. Wind hits the spot side side off shore so watch it or you’ll end up at the fishermen dock. Wind is a little gusty over here. There’s not a lot of kiters here so we recommend being an experienced rider if you are going in on your own.
The Good:
- Life saver if there’s no wind at Máncora Point.
- Sandy Bottom except at the wave point where there’s big visible rocks.
- Nice, mellow left-hand peelers, probably one hitters.
The Bad:
- The wave breaks very close to the shore and the rocks, where the wind is a little gusty. Unless there’s a big swell and the wave breaks further out, it’s not the best conditions for kitesurfing.
- Gusty wind near the shore
- Side side off shore, if there’s a problem you’ll probably end up at the dock or between the fishermen boats.
- Not a lot of kiters here, stay safe.
Cabo Blanquillo
Now it starts getting fun! Around 30 kms (50 minute drive) south of Máncora there’s a little point called Cabo Blanquillo. The main town is Cabo Blanco, a fisherman town known for having the best, tidiest, tubular waves on all the Peruvian Coastline. When there’s a Northern Swell this place lights up on fire! There’s no kiting in Cabo Blanco (very gusty side offshore wind). However, if you get past the town and do just a couple more kms following the coastline you will see a little point break with side onshore wind.
Welcome to Cabo Blanquillo. This spot is beginner friendly when there’s no swell at all and it can actually save the day if there’s no wind in Máncora. It’s a long trip but schools give lessons here as well. Now, when there’s a swell (Southern Swells work a little better over here) you will see a very nice left hand break, awesome for surfing with the kite. On a good day you can get 6 or 7 turns on the wave, as long as you keep your kite moving.
The Good:
- Easy access. No need for 4WD.
- Awesome Left Hand Break
- Life Saver when there’s no wind at Máncora
- Low tide: easy launching and landing
The Bad:
- High tide: still easy but a little trickier, sometimes you have to get in the water to launch
- Big swell, no beginners.
- Some rocks downwind from the point, so don’t drift downwind too much.
The Good:
- Easy access. No need for 4WD.
- Awesome Left Hand Break
- Life Saver when there’s no wind at Máncora
- Low tide: easy launching and landing
The Bad:
- High tide: still easy but a little trickier, sometimes you have to get in the water to launch
- Big swell, no beginners.
- Some rocks downwind from the point, so don’t drift downwind too much.
Tres Cruces
This is a long trip from Máncora, you can expect around 1 hour drive, depending on where you are going through. Since you are going through an oil extraction field you will see a lot of roads (each one getting to a different pump), and it can get a little labyrinthic. There’s two ways to get here.
On your way South you will get to a town up a big hill called El Alto. From here you can get down to the coastline to Cabo Blanco and Cabo Blanquillo, if conditions are not awesome over here you can continue south. Follow the dirt roads along the coastline all the way until you reach Tres Cruces (it’s around 16 kms further South).
The other way is going straight from El Alto to Tres Cruces, this will save you some time but you will still have to get through the oil field and the tricky roads. But hey, once your are there, it’ll all be worth it. You will reach a very nice left-hand point break with a lot of beach space. Wind is steady side on shore. This place can hold its shape to big swells, and with the correct conditions it can offer you a very long ride.
The Good:
- With the right conditions this place is turns into Kitesurfing Disneyland
- Long left-hand point break
- Holds big swells
- Side on shore steady wind
- Sandy bottom
- Lots of space to launch and land
The Bad:
- Kind of tricky to get to (trust us, go with a guide, at least the first time)
- Rocks at the beginning of the wave
- Long trip south
- 4WD will make you feel safer, specially approaching the beach when you get to the spot.
- No one around (nearest town is around 30 mins away) so take a first aid kid and don’t take unnecessary risks.
- No facilities, bars, restaurants
lobitos
This is the furthest south we’ll go from Máncora. Getting here will take around one hour and a half. (70 kms) You won’t follow the coastline all along. After you get past El Alto, follow the main paved road and getting to Lobitos you’ll have to find the detour through a dirt road that goes through an oil field. If you look closely you will see a little sign on the road that says LOBITOS.
This town is an old, abandoned, English Military Base that turned into the most magical surfing town in Peru. Perfect wave spots one next to the other made this spot a surfer destination a long time ago. Lucky for us, there’s a lot of wind! There’s two spots where you could kite in this town. The first is Lobitos Main Point but we wouldn’t recommend it too much. Wind direction is off, side offshore making it very tricky to surf the waves without being pulled out from them. Only for advanced riders that feel confident. If anything happens, you’ll be dragged into the ocean. But don’t get disappointed, just a little bit south from Lobitos Main Point there’s a spot called Baterias and this is a very nice place to kite in. Wind here hits the point side on shore and the place offers a very nice, fat, left-hand break that holds its size even when the swells are massive.
The Good:
- Magical left hand break
- Holds big swells
- Side on Shore wind
The Bad:
- Beach is very close to a hill, so tricky launching and landing
- Wind is a little gusty close to the shore
- Not a lot of space downwind so try not to drift or get caught up surfing the waves all the way till the end.
- Long way from Máncora (but totally worth it)
The Good:
- Magical left hand break
- Holds big swells
- Side on Shore wind
The Bad:
- Beach is very close to a hill, so tricky launching and landing
- Wind is a little gusty close to the shore
- Not a lot of space downwind so try not to drift or get caught up surfing the waves all the way till the end.
- Long way from Máncora (but totally worth it)
HOW TO GET TO MÁNCORA
There’s basically three ways to get to Máncora. First one is flying to Tumbes Airport and take a taxi or book a shuttle beforehand. The ride is around 1,5 hours.
Second option is flying to Piura, and taking a taxi or shuttle and go for a 2,5hs drive to Máncora. Have in mind that, depending where you are coming from, you might need to fly to Lima first, and then take a domestic flight.
Last option, maybe a little cheaper but longer, is to fly to Guayaquil International Airport in Ecuador and take a 6 hour bus drive to Máncora, crossing the border.
One last way if you are in Lima is taking a night bus with Cruz del Sur or Excluciva all the way to Máncora. The bus ride from Lima is around 20 hours but the buses are super comfortable and they offer onboard food service. This last option would be the best if you have a lot of luggage and don’t want to pay too much for the extra stuff.
WHERE TO STAY
This will depend a lot on what you are looking for. The good thing is that there are a lot of different options and prices. If you are looking for a spot that has beach access and fairly good prices, Casa Mediterranea can be a good option. Wild Kite Peru is a Kite Center located at Casa Mediterranea where they operate their lessons, rentals and kite trips.
If you are looking to stay a little closer to town and enjoy the nightlife a Hostel like Loki could be a good option. WARNING: party life is on over here, so if you want to enjoy the day we would recommend staying elsewhere to avoid getting trapped by the party. Other quieter Hostels like Psygon or The Point could be an option for a backpacker looking for more affordable accommodation with chill nights.
GETTING AROUND LOCALLY
The good thing about Máncora is that almost everything is walking distance and you can walk through the beach (unless it’s a lunar high tide) or through the street that goes right next to the beach. Of course, there’s always the tuctuc option, famous in Peru, and very cheap (they are also called mototaxi). Basically, you weren’t in Peru if you leave without riding a mototaxi.
For Kite Trips, like we said before, we recommend taking a guided trip with an experienced kiter that knows the spots and the conditions.
ACTIVITIES
What’s awesome about Máncora is that, besides kitesurfing, there are several other things to do when there’s no wind or, if you are traveling with non-kiter friends or couples. Of course, surfing is the best combination, wake up in the morning, catch a few waves and when the locals and the wind starts to appear, that’s when you go out, have a second break-fast (or a 5 soles ceviche in the street) and then prepare your kite gear. Other activities include:
- Stand Up Paddle
- Surfing
- Turtle watching in El Ñuro (you can combine this with SUP if you talk to Axel from Wild Kite Peru, he will organize the trip of a lifetime)
- Horseback riding through the beach and mountains
- Enduro Motorcycle trails
- Long beach walks
- Party like there’s no tomorrow: you will find partying anywhere in town after 10pm, but we recommend Loki, Psygon and Wild Rover Hostels. Or just hangout at the beach and the party will find you.
WHAT TO BRING
- KITE GEAR: We always recommend bringing as many kite sizes as you can, but a 9 and an 11 could do the work if you weight around 75/80kgs. Of course if you are a surfer, bring you Drifter, your Carve, your Evo, or whatever weapon of choice you’ve got in stock. If necessary, you can always rent equipment at the local schools. Wild Kite Peru offers some awesome kite surfboard options, and wave kites.
- WETSUIT: During the high season, June to November (specially getting close to November), just a boardshort and maybe a lycra would do just fine. If you tend to get cold fast, a spring suit shorty or a 3.2 could also be a good option, particularly if you are a fan of long sessions.
- CLOTHES: just a board short and maybe flip flops (just kidding, but yeah). You can also bring a light jacket for the afternoons and nights. Maybe a wind jacket to get on when you finish you session during a kite trip.
TRAVELER TIP
Máncora has been growing for a long time now and it’s a big attraction for international and local tourism. Unfortunately, like everywhere else, the growth in tourism comes with some disadvantages like petty theft. So just be smart. Same with surfing and kiting, respect the rules and the locals and this will keep you out of trouble.
TO SUM UP
Peru has been growing exponentially due to the awesome and varied tourism options. Let’s not forget the incredibly tasty food. But let’s be honest, all of this is not as important as the kiting. And when it comes to kiting, Peru offers magical conditions all over it’s coastline. From a flatwater bay to endless left hand point breaks, this country is a hidden gem in Latin America to practice the sport. The question is: are you ready to explore it?
If the answer is YES! don’t hesitate to contact us for more information, we are happy to help!
