VISAS: Visas are generally not required for travellers entering Peru. Check with the nearest embassy for further details. CURRENCY: PEN (Peruvian Sol), USD PRICES: Beer: $2 or 5 Soles Food: Lunch $5-10 or 20-30 Soles Accommodation: $10-150 Kite Lessons: 6H $320 Kite Gear rental: full day $70 LANGUAGE: Spanish and English INTERNET: Offered in most accommodations, but the signal can be weak. We recommended getting a Local SIM card. TRAVEL ADVICE: there are plenty of ATM’s in town, but they may not always be stocked with the local currency, it would be advisable to have some Soles with you before arriving. TEMPERATURE: Water temperatures range from 16-22°C / 59-71°F all year round so at least a 3/2 wetsuit will be needed, for the warmer summer days you may be fine with a shorty, but for windy days you will feel the wind chill. The air temperature varies from 25°C/77°F in the heat of their summer (February) and drops to 17°C/63°F in July. Hoodie and some warmer clothes will be handy.

NEAREST TOWN: Paracas NEAREST CITY: Pisco NEAREST AIRPORT: Jorge Chávez Airport (LIM) If you are travelling to Paracas directly from the USA or Europe, you are most likely fly to the airport in Lima, from there you can either arrange a private transfer from your accommodation provider or get a taxi directly at the airport. Please note that this can be costly as the distance is 260km one way. The most cost-effective way to get to Paracas would be to use one of the bus routes that will cost you around $15. Cruz Del Sur, Peru Hop, Airport Express Lima are the leading bus companies offering easy daily bus transfers to Paracas. To secure your space make sure to book online and have your passport in hand. The busses only operate in the day, therefore with the flights arriving later in the evening it may be more comfortable to stay in Lima overnight. Another option is to take more frequent bus service to Ica and then take a taxi (45min) to Paracas. GETTING AROUND: Once in town, everything is easy to reach by foot, and if you are staying a little bit further from the kite beach you can take a taxi for only 8-10 Soles. It is very common that the driver will offer you his details so you can contact him anytime you need a ride. Renting a car is also an option, preferably 4x4 as the roads can be bumpy. Note that rental cars and petrol will not be cheap and the roads are very hard to navigate without local knowledge. Therefore using public transportation and organised tours with the kite schools would probably be a better option.

Paracas is well known for its all year round winds, with only the months of June and July, being winter months, offering less reliable, but still good wind days with a 50% chance of wind over 3bft and fewer tourists. The windier season is September to April, with winds ranging from 12 to 25 knots, and occasional 30+ knot sandstorms. The thermal winds come at cross-shore/cross-off-shore direction over the deserted land and create a Venturi effect by pushing through between two large dunes. As the heat rises in the desert, so does the wind; around 11 am it increases and last till sunset. Due to the deserted landmass creating steady land breeze you can usually add at least 4+ knots to the forecast. Most used kites 8m to 12m. WIND DIRECTIONS: S, SW WINDIEST MONTHS: High Season: October, November, December, January, February, March, April. Mid Season: May, August, September.

There are no such rules, just a common sense - the main kite beach area is relatively large, sandy beach, no strong currents or rocks at the beach. Due to the position of the bay and the wind shadow from the buildings, launching and landing closer to the kite schools can be tricky, and it's advisable to land your kite at the water edge. Advanced riders may be asked to ride 100m from the beach during the peak season to help give space to the students and schools. Please respect the nature of this area, nature park and the wildlife. Please note that even with all this nature and seemingly good tourism the locals are still trying to get back on their feet after multiple earthquakes. Paying more for the taxis and other services and supporting the local communities by using local tours is highly recommended and will be much appreciated by locals. *If you need kite related service like kite repairs, lessons or beach assistance please contact with the local kite centre or camp. ** We always recommend seeking additional knowledge about the spot from local kite school and qualified instructors.