Mancora is the best place to stay if you come to kitesurf on the Peruvian North Shore. Sunny all year around, perfect waves and the mythical Pan-American road passing through have all made Mancora kitesurfing holidays popular for a lot of globetrotters and latin vacationers.
The former fishing village naturally became a tourist destination that suits either solitary travellers or families – people looking for a retreat or a good time.
With 27 degrees all year long and an average water temperature of 23 degrees, Mancora is a kitesurfing paradise. And, with between 15 and 30 knots of wind starting every day around midday like a metronome and decreasing at the end of the afternoon, it’s the perfect time to have a cocktail on the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
The major kitesurfing spots around Mancora
Freestyle and beginners spots
Vichaito / Organos: A perfect spot for beginners with its large virgin beach and side-on wind.
La Laguna (Mancora): Another perfect freestyle spot, although it does depend on the season.
Wave riding spots
The northern coast of the Peruvian North Shore is maybe the best place in the world for wave riding. The waves are very long and very tidy without being too nasty. There is constant wind and the overall conditions are pretty safe (sandy beaches, no rocks, no reef)
Mancora: Like a swimming pool with awesome waves, side-on wind and beautiful boys and girls watching you ride from the beach.
Cabo Blanquillo: A long, deserted beach and side-on wind, it’s a great point break. From June to October you can ride with whales, sea turtles and seals.
Tres cruces: A very good reef break and an amazing white sand beach providing a wild experience.
Lobitos: A spot for experienced riders, with off-shore wind up to 30 knots. The quintessential long and pure Peruvian waves. But with beach breaks up to three metres, it’s possible to get barreled.
Baterias: Bigger waves, from two to four meters and side-on shore winds means this is for experienced kitesurfers.
Local Kite surf companies
Wild-K is a local company run by Axel Natali, a French guy who has been living on the Peruvian North Shore since 2008. The company offers unique and tailored wave riding journeys and kitesurfing lessons. The trips are designed and appropriate for both experts and people who want to get into wave riding.
The school offers quality private or semi-private lessons using only experienced IKO licensed teachers. Wild-K is a Cabrinha, Neil Pride & Firewire Pro Shop, and they also rent, sell and repair kite gear. For more information visit wild-kitesurf-peru.com
Check list
Kite: according to your weight take an eight, nine or ten metre kite. Also take your twelve and/or your seven metre if you have several kites.
Kite surfboards: choose ideally a surfboard with not too much volume as the Peruvian waves aren’t soft.
Wetsuit: you’ll need no more than a lycra or a shorty on Mancora kitesurfing holidays and the places around but if you plan to go on to the southerly spots you may need a wetsuit.
Clothes: T-shirt and shorts will be enough during the day, at night wear a sweater or a jacket. Bring trousers too if you have to make a stop in Lima
Other Activities
Mancora is a kitesurfers paradise but there is also a lot more you can do. You can stand-up paddle, windsurf or learn to surf. The ocean provides even more activities like jet skiing, diving, spear fishing, whale watching, deep-sea fishing and swimming with turtles. You can also do yoga, visit the mangroves, rent quads, and for the more studious, learn a little Spanish.
The world’s best gastronomy
Try the famous Peruvian ‘Ceviche’. It’s the most emblematic meal of Peru, made with fresh fish cooked with lemon (the strength), garlic (the wealth of earth), aji (the mischief), onions, and served with sweet potatoes which reminds you of the country’s hospitality. That’s what the Peruvians say, at least. You can also enjoy all the great sea food from the Pacific.
A relaxing & healthy experience
Mancora kitesurfing holidays are perfect for relaxing. Kite, surf, stand up paddle, or feel the energy with a yoga session in the mornings. Enjoy a big and balanced breakfast of Peruvian/Amazonian roots and fruits. Have a massage on the beach or in your hotel.
From June to October you can come to see the whales on a whale watching tour. You can also spot seals and turtles for a fantastic wildlife experience.
Transport
From Lima you can take a plane to Piura then take a taxi to Mancora. Or take a bus directly to Mancora, although it’s a 20 hour drive. Another option is to take a bus (Cruz Del Sur is recommended) from Guayaquil (Ecuador) to Mancora (around eight hours).
