Kiteworld Magazine | The original international kitesurfing magazine

THE LURE

A small seaside town on the edge of a large desert National Park, Paracas' main calling card for kiteboarders is a large sheltered lagoon that is protected by a headland sticking out into the sea. Situated 250 kilometres south of Lima, the town offers many other great kite spots, has a choice of accommodation and water sport facilities and is blessed with a thermal wind which allows for over 250 kiteable days each year (with wind speeds between 15-25 knots).

PHOTO: Kangaroo Kite

Find flat water and waves around here / PHOTO: Tom Court

The option for adventure! / PHOTO: Tom Court

Paracas, Peru

THE SET-UP

Paracas is a super reliable wind destination, with just a few days a year with no wind at all. There is almost always enough wind for kitesurfing. The shallow bay of Santo Domingo is perfect for learners, and there are loads of spots to satisfy even the most experienced kiter.

There are several spots in between Paracas town and the peninsula in front of it, which creates a huge lagoon also known as Santo Domingo Bay. The water conditions here are excellent, with shallow, dead-flat water near shore and some chop in the middle of the lagoon. As you can imagine, this spot is great for beginners and freeriders.

The region south of Paracas will appeal to wave riders where several exceptional beach breaks can be found. Supay and Playon have the biggest waves, but still as one or two metres high, Zarate has the cleanest, longest waves, often with a good tube and yet can be forgiving of mistakes. The wind is mostly side-shore and the area downwind is safe and free of obstacles. Further south you can find more easygoing kitespots. At a 30 minute drive from Paracas, the bay of Mendieta has predominantly flat water conditions, which you will also enjoy at the big lagoon, appropriately named 'Laguna Grande'.

PHOTO: Kangaroo Kite

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Paracas benefits from strong, consistent winds all year round, although the months of June and July can be less reliable. These are the only months that should be avoided, at least if it's flat water conditions you're coming for. For wave riders, the best months are October to December, when the swell is biggest. Water temperatures are between 16 - 22°C / 61 - 72°F all year, so most of the time a wetsuit will be needed.

Paracas is sunny all year, with the lowest temperatures around 20°C in July. In summer a wetsuit isn't always necessary, unless it's very windy. During the winter a 3/2 suit is more than enough. Good wind comes from the south (as it does all along this coast), blowing from the left, picking up around midday and peaking around 3pm. The Paracas wind can blow all night, peaking betwen 30 and 40 knots.

PHOTO: Kangaroo Kite

SCHOOLS

KANGAROO KITE are based in Paracas next to one of Peru's best kite spots. They do private and group instruction on regularly updated Cabrinha gear and coach everyone from beginners to advanced freestyle and wave riders. Boat rescue is on hand, there's a compressor, showers and they also offer accommodation close to the spot.

www.kangarookite.net / vicki@kangarookite.net / +51 986 725 376

TRAVEL AGENTS

Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000. www.planetkitesurfholidays.com / +44 (0)1273 921 001 / info@planettravelholidays.com

ACCOMMODATION

There are a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets from villas to the four and five star hotels located in Paracas Bay, including The Doubletree By Hilton which is a lovely four star hotel situated directly on the kitespot at Paracas Bay. Offering beautiful rooms, the rates are usually very competitive. In addition, the hotel features a range of water sports, a gym, tennis courts, a spa and free WiFi. There are other resorts as well as a backpacker option, too.

TRAVEL AGENTS

Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000. www.planetkitesurfholidays.com / +44 (0)1273 921 001 / info@planettravelholidays.com

NO WIND

Combined a kitesurfing holiday with some incredible tours, hikes and sightseeing. One of the best known is the Inca Trail, which is Peru's best known hike and takes you up the to historical Machu Picchu. Along the way you'll see a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich subtropical jungle. Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. Peru is also very close to the Galapagos Islands, famous for the home of Charles Darwin, and as a world class dive site.

GET AROUND

The need to hire a car will likely depend on your skills. If you're an absolute beginner, you will be more than satisfied with the lagoon in front of town, which can be easily reached on foot. If you wish to make use of the other spots and/or explore Peru, rent a car. 4x4 cars are definitely recommended, given the bumpy roads but be aware that hiring a car is expensive (as is fuel) and Peru can be hard to navigate.

FOOD AND DRINK

Paracas has a shop called 'The Mall', where you can find everything you'll need. Choose from a variety of restaurants serving local food to international selections at some of the larger hotel restaurants.

AIRPORT

The nearest airport with regular international connections is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. From the airport, you can take a direct bus service to Paracas. There is also car hire available at the airport. Paracas is about 250 kilometres south of Lima, which takes about three hours to drive.

TRAVEL AGENTS

Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000. www.planetkitesurfholidays.com / +44 (0)1273 921 001 / info@planettravelholidays.com

Paracas | Peru

Choice Rating

AVERAGE COSTS

USEFUL CONTACTS

THE LURE

THE SET-UP

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

SCHOOLS

TRAVEL AGENTS

ACCOMMODATION

TRAVEL AGENTS

NO WIND

GET AROUND

FOOD AND DRINK

AIRPORT

TRAVEL AGENTS

Choice Rating

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