Peru is lucky to possess a variety of ecosystems, cultures, traditions, and customs. Among this rich panorama, the Peruvian coast stands out, with a desert stretching almost 3,000 kilometers. Its conditions, thermal winds, and beautiful bodies of water, among others, offer unique tourism opportunities, especially for outdoor activities. Among them, kitesurfing stands out as an activity worthy of experiencing for both beginners and experts.
Different kite surfers found their gold in Peru because of its long and incredible waves and features. Iconic activities such as surfing and kite surfing are excellent to experience at least once in a lifetime. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team wants to share with you some considerations. Remember that this is a brief overview of one of the most popular and interesting water sports.
Explore the fascinating Peruvian places for kitesurfing
- Spots for kitesurfing in Peru
- The best seasons to practice kitesurfing
- Recommendations
- Complementary activities
Spots for kitesurfing in Peru
Paracas Bay
Paracas Bay is one of the top spots for kitesurfing in Peru. In addition, its calm waters and shallow inlets make it safer, as it’s harder to drift out to sea. Paracas often gains a reputation for avoiding crowds and practicing calmness and patience. Also, since it’s only three hours from Lima, it’s a great option for travelers with limited time in Peru.
Zárate
Zarate is the best beach for kitesurfing in Paracas, because it has long and clean waves with better conditions. Like any beach, it is common to find local fauna such as sea urchins, so take some precautions to avoid setbacks. Furthermore, waves can reach 2 to 30 meters in height, which can be an important opportunity to take advantage of.
Playón
Some small and medium-sized waves take center stage at Playón. This large, open bay is a fascinating and fun spot, and it’s relatively easy to spot some sea lions nearby. Sometimes the wind can be tricky, especially in the morning, when occasional gusty waves can be present. Therefore, it’s important to take some precautions.
Mendieta
Despite being a small bay, the enormous rock formations and crosswinds make Medieta one of the most challenging spots. This place presents a few considerations because it can be gusty and sometimes unpredictable in terms of strong winds. The most advanced adventures can challenge their wales ever acting accordingly because it is part of the nature reserve.
Laguna Grande
Equally close to the other spots mentioned above, Laguna Grande is another point to visit in the nature reserve. This place reflects a perfect paradise of flat water and soft sand, ideal to learn kitesurfing. Beginners can enjoy this wide-open space with other complementary activities on the wide beach, with lots of space.
Máncora
Located in northern Peru, Máncora offers warm weather, strong winds, and wide beaches, perfect for water sports. Known as the place where summer never ends, it’s a favorite vacation and sports spot. The beaches of Máncora, Sechura, and Lobitos are especially popular among kitesurfers for their consistent conditions and lively atmosphere.
Pacasmayo
Pacasmayo is a coastal city in Trujillo, place between Lima and Mancora. This spot is excellent for practicing water activities, such as surfing and kitesurfing. Likewise, it´s important to consider the swell forecast, especially to take some precautions. The experienced riders will enjoy it fully and experience a unique challenge.
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The best seasons to practice kitesurfing
As we mentioned, there are several reasons why Peru, especially in some strategic locations, is important for kitesurfing. Another crucial factor to consider is climatic variations, which mostly go hand in hand with the seasons. Although it’s impossible to generalize, each season generally presents certain similarities and unique conditions.
Low season
From May to August, there is a 60% probability of wind, making it a perfect chance to do so. Winds usually start from noon until sunset at approximately 5:00 pm, without much gust. Likewise, it is usually best for experienced kitesurfers because of its climate conditions and few crowds.
High season
From September to April, the windiest days are the most frequent. This season coincides with peak season, which runs from December to March, when there are more tourists and beginners. The wind usually starts before noon until sunset at approximately 6:00 p.m. The best gusts begin around 3:00 a.m., averaging 5 knots.
Recommendations
Kitesurfing is one of the things to do in Paracas because it’s great for everyone, from beginners to experts. The calm winds and open spaces make it easy to learn or improve your skills. Therefore, we present some suggestions to consider for enjoying.
- For the best experience, it’s a good idea to book with a specialized agency. They’ll guide you through the process and handle all the details, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the ride.
- If you’re planning to take lessons, choose a kite school with certified instructors. Please make sure the International Kitesurfing Organization (IKO) trains and recognizes them. This gives you extra safety and better learning.
- Likewise, it’s also worth using modern equipment, especially for the kite. Designers create newer gear to be faster, safer, and easier to control. This will help you feel more confident and enjoy your time on the water even more.
- Practice regularly, especially for those just beginning to improve their skills. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your progress.
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Complementary activities
These charming places are excellent for water sports, including the iconic kitesurfing and many other activities. If you plan to kitesurf, you´ll want to complement your experience with other adventure activities. In places like Paracas National Reserve, you can take advantage of water or land sports.
- Diving
- Surfing
- Sandboarding
- Buggies and meditation
- Stan up Padding
- Paragliding
“ADVENTURES, NO MATTER HOW RISKY THEY MAY SEEM, CAN BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH NATURE”
As we’ve seen, kitesurfing in Peru is an unparalleled activity, both for its prime kite spots and its conditions. By taking into account the details mentioned earlier, you’ll gain a clearer insight into how to appreciate it fully. Also, if you have any other questions, the Machu Travel Peru team will be happy to help you plan your next trip.
Peru has so much to offer; it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
