VISAS:  Peru is a member of the Alianza del Pacífico, which includes Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. Citizens of these countries do not need a visa to enter Peru for stays of up to 90 days. Nationals of other countries may be required to obtain a visa in advance. CURRENCY: The official currency of Peru is the Sol (PEN). But in some hotels, you can pay your bills in USD. There are ATMs and Banks in Mancora and some in the smaller towns where you can exchange USD Dollars (only USD, not any other currency in the smaller towns). PRICES: Beer: 5-7 PEN  Food: Lunch at the beach 10-40 PEN  Dinner 30-70 PEN Accommodation: 40-100 USD pp/pn Kite Lessons: Basic course price for the kite lessons semi-private 6H 245 USD Kite gear rental: Full day 70 USD LANGUAGE:  The official language of Peru is Spanish. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, including Mancora, learning a few basic Spanish phrases is always helpful to enhance your experience and interactions with locals. INTERNET: Wi-Fi is widely available in Mancora, including at most accommodations, restaurants, and cafes. However, consider getting a local SIM card for a more reliable connection, especially if you plan to kitesurf in remote areas. TRAVEL ADVICE: Check this Lonely Planet guide for detailed advice while travelling to Peru. Mancora is generally a safe place to visit, but avoiding walking alone in the streets at night is advisable. Book a hotel with suitable security measures to ensure your safety, and only use the transportation they arrange. Dining in reputable restaurants instead of small eateries on the street is also recommended. If possible, renting a car would be a good idea as it will give you more flexibility and freedom to move around. TEMPERATURE: The climate around Mancora is generally warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25 to 32°C (77 to 90°F) year-round. However, evenings can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to 18-22°C (64-72°F). Be prepared for varying wind conditions and pack accordingly, including a light jacket for cooler evenings and windier days.

NEAREST TOWN: Mancora, Los Organos, Punta Sal NEAREST CITY: Piura NEAREST AIRPORT: Tumbes Airport (TBP), Piura International Airport (PIU), Talara (Capitán FAP Víctor Montes Arias International Airport) FLY The easiest way to get to North Shore Peru is to fly to Tumbes Airport (TBP) or Piura International Airport (PIU). You can take a taxi or bus from either airport to your chosen destination. Please note that you should book your private transfer in advance, especially during the peak season. BUS There are regular bus services from Tumbes Airport (TBP) and Piura International Airport (PIU) to Mancora, Los Organos, and Punta Sal. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours. Please note that the bus companies running the transfer trips are excellent and provide comfortable service costing much less than private transfers. The best website explaining travel is https://www.vivamancora.com/peru/en/how-to-get-to-mancora-beaches/. The cheapest option is to take an overnight bus from Lima with Cruz del Sur (ca. 17h); very comfortable in an exclusive class, ca. 50 USD. RENTAL You can rent a car at any airport and drive to your destination. The roads are generally in good condition, but there are some unpaved roads in the area. If you rent a car, check the terms and conditions carefully, as some companies may charge additional fees for driving on unpaved roads. There are tolls on some of the roads in the North Shore of Peru. Be sure to have enough money to pay the tolls. GETTING AROUND: In Máncora, getting around is relatively easy as it is a small town. Walking or using a bicycle is a popular mode of transportation for short distances within the town. Most of the spots are close to the road. Therefore, the most comfortable way to travel to the spots outside of the big cities would be to rent a car or find accommodation close to the beach.

In this area, kiteboarding is mainly influenced by a reliable trade wind called "garúa." Due to the coastal climate being a desert and the air near the ocean surface being cooler than the air above land, the whole coast experiences reliable thermal winds. You can notice the winds increasing when the thick stratus clouds appear on land. These winds typically blow from the south-southwest from May to November, with the most consistent winds occurring from June to September. During this time, kiteboarders can expect winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots, which is perfect for riding with kites ranging from 8m to 12m. This thermal wind works like a clock. Every day during the season, it starts at around 10 am at the El Nuro spot (18km from Mancora) and is usually 4 to 6 knots stronger than in Máncora. Then, the trade winds increase at Los Organos around 11 am and Máncora at noon. At beaches like Lobitos, the wind season is more intense, and you can practice kitesurfing almost all year except for some days or weeks in January and February. WIND DIRECTIONS: SW, S, SE WINDIEST MONTHS: High season: August, September, October,  Mid season: May, June, July, November, December, January

Most kite spots are located in individual bays with a sandy beach. However, you should be careful of occasional rocks at the bottom of the ocean that, in the low tide, might catch your fins or injure you and fishing boats that might be anchored off the beach. If you choose a kite spot where there are surfers, be aware of any specific rules set for the beach. You can speak with locals or a kite school to learn about them. Alternatively, you can follow the universal rules below: - Give the right of way to the surfers that are paddling in. - Practice good wave-riding etiquette by not short-jibing other kiters further up the line-up. - Get into the rotation and wait your turn like everyone else. - Do not jump over the waves and the surfers. Find a more open space further offshore instead. If you need kite-related services like kite repairs, lessons or beach assistance, don't hesitate to contact the local operating kite centre or camp.