FAQs

HOW TO GET TO PARACAS

Peru is easily accessible by air, with several connections to major cities worldwide.
You have to fly into Lima, Perú (LIM). The primary entry point for international travelers is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru’s capital city.

Paracas is located 260km south of Lima. To reach the Paracas kite spot, you can take a bus, private transfer, or rent a car. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen transfer option (bus is slightly slower).
Choose between the alternatives depending on your flight connections, your time, and your budget.

By Bus:

– Cruz del Sur is the recommended bus option, offering direct routes to Paracas (www.cruzdelsur.com.pe)
– From the airport or your hotel in Lima, take a taxi to Javier Prado, Cruz del Sur bus station. (Terminal aprox 45 min from the airport).
– Buses are comfortable, and it’s recommended to buy your ticket online in advance to secure your seat.
– Cost: approximately $20 USD per way.

By Private Transfer:

– A taxi is the easiest option, allowing you to travel directly from the airport to Paracas upon arrival.
– We have trusted drivers, so you can book the ride with us if needed.
– Cost: approximately $150 USD per way.

By Rental Car:

– Renting a car and driving to Paracas is an option, but consider the following:
– Driving in Lima can be stressful if you’re not accustomed to South American roads.
– You don’t necessarily need a car in Paracas, as distances are short, and you can use Tuk-Tuks or rent a scooter to get around.

PARACAS WIND CONDITIONS

Paracas enjoys a consistent wind pattern throughout the year, allowing us to be open every day.

The most reliable months are mid-September to the end of April, making this period the best time for kitesurfing or wingfoiling.

Although the low season (May to August) has fewer windy days, it’s still possible to enjoy kitesurfing or wing foiling.

If you’re visiting Peru for other tourist activities during the low season it’s worth to stop by as we do experience good windy days. However, if kitesurfing is the primary focus of your trip, we recommend planning your visit during the mid/high season from September to end of April.

Wind in Paracas is generated by a thermal effect created between the difference of temperature of the hot air mass above the desert and the cold air mass above the ocean ( even though we are close the Equator, ocean temperature in the south of Peru is cold due to the Humboldt current coming from the Antarctic).

The wind normally shifts from the Northeast to the Southwest around midday and it gets good to kite until sunset.

The wind range is normally between 18 to 25 knots, however you can get some light wind days (awesome for hydrofoiling), or the typical 30+ knots days known as “Paracas”, which actually means sand storm.

Wind is typically very constant.

No! Our location experiences thermal winds and predictions are not very accurate.

If you have any doubts or concerns about the wind, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

OTHER GENERAL QUESTIONS

Paracas, Peru enjoys a warm and sunny desert climate year-round.

Here’s what you can expect:

– Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) in winter (June to September) to 30°C (86°F) in summer (December to February). Nights can be cooler, around 15°C (59°F) in winter and 20°C (68°F) in summer.
It’s hot during daytime but it’s important to bring some warm clothes for sunset and night time!

– NO Rainfall: Paracas is a dry desert region, with practically no rainfall throughout the year. You can expect mostly clear skies and dry conditions.

Overall, Paracas offers a perfect combination of warm weather, consistent winds, and plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal destination for your kitesurfing and wing foiling adventures.

Absolutely! Paracas is a fantastic destination for families and non-kiting partners. While it’s a world-renowned spot for kitesurfing and wing foiling, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy beyond water sports.

The Paracas National Reserve is a stunning natural wonder, with breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage that attracts people from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including:

– Exploring the reserve’s scenic trails and beaches
– Taking a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands to spot sea lions, penguins, and other marine life
– Visiting the Nasca Lines from an airplane
– Enjoying water sports like swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding
– ⁠Explore the desert with buggies, practice sandboarding and refresh in a virgin Oasis
– ⁠Experience local cuisine

At our kite center, we also have a comfortable chillout area perfect for non-kiters to relax and unwind. Our artificially grassed area provides a tranquil oasis, protected from the sun and wind, where you can:

– Relax with a good book or a refreshing drink
– Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant
– Watch kitesurfers and wing foilers in action
– Take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape and sunsets

We welcome families and non-kiting partners to join us, and we’re happy to provide recommendations for activities and excursions in the area. Make Paracas your next destination for a fun and memorable vacation!

Paracas has a chill, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day on the water.

In Paracas:

– Head to Waikis (formerly Miski’s) for delicious food, drinks, and reggae music, where travelers and kiters gather to share stories.
– Visit Kokopelli bar area for a fun night out, play games like ping-pong or foosball, and enjoy the lively atmosphere, especially on weekends during high season. It can turn into a dance floor in several ocasions.

At Kangaroo Kite School:

– Our chillout area is the heart of the kite school, where everyone gathers before and after sessions to relax, share a beer, and watch the stunning sunsets.
– Enjoy live DJ sessions during sunset on select occasions, and join in on impromptu barbecues or night meals organized by the kiter community.

Overall, Paracas and our kite school offer a unique blend of relaxation, chill party, and community spirit, making it an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Here are some exciting activities to enjoy in the morning when there is usually no wind:

1. Explore the National Reserve: Discover the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve.

2. Ballestas Island Tour: Take a guided tour to the stunning Ballestas Islands, known for their incredible marine life and scenic beauty.

3. Desert Buggy Adventure: Zoom through the desert in a buggy, experience the thrill of sandboarding, and relax in a picturesque virgin oasis.

4. Standup Paddle or Kayak: Paddle through the serene Paracas Bay early in the morning, taking in the breathtaking views.

5. Yoga: Find your inner peace with a rejuvenating yoga session.

6. Massage: Treat yourself to a relaxing massage, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating.

7. Fly over the Nazca Lines: Take a scenic flight to witness the enigmatic Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South America’s most mysterious attractions.

It’s very easy to move around in Paracas. Town is small and there are taxis all over (just regular cars driven by locals who will be looking for passengers all day long and Tuk tuks). Going from town to the spot or viceversa will be around 1.5 (with a Tuk tuk) to 3 usd (with a taxi). Walking is also an option and we recommend you to try it at least once since you can see the beautiful Paracas Bay as you stroll through the sidewalk right next to the ocean. It’s not a comfortable walk if you are taking all the kite gear with you, buy you can store the equipment at Kangaroo Kite. The walk from town to the point takes around 50min.

Lately some shops started renting scooters so that’s another option to move around.

In order to travel to the Natural Reserve for some wild kite safaris you can book a trip at the school.

Renting a car is not necessary.

KITESURFING LESSONS

Paracas has perfect conditions for learning how to kitesurf. When you are learning you want to make sure you go to a spot with easy conditions: flat water, sandy beach, some shallow areas and constant wind. Paracas has all of this and it’s not crowded!
On top of the perfect set up we offer expert certified instructors, latest equipment (and a big stock to guarantee proper size of kite to every student) and radio communication system which make a huge difference on the learning curve.

Pretty much anyone who’s interested in the sport can learn how to kitesurf! We’ve taught students of all ages and weights and know that being stoked to get into the sport is half the battle already won.

The general rule of thumb is that it takes you between 8 and 12 hours to learn how to kitesurf (rather 12 than 8 though, unless you are a incredibly talented and a natural). How long it really takes is entirely up to you. But of course a good instructor, the proper kite set up and easy conditions will definitely facilitate the learning process.
Kitesurfing courses are usually divided into three stages: First, you’ll learn basic wind theory and how to fly a small kite on land. After this lesson, you’ll know how to set up your equipment, how to launch and land your kite safely, how to depower the kite and how to use the quick release emergency feature!
The next lesson is where it gets super exciting – you will fly your kite while in the ocean and learn how to body drag downwind (adrenaline rush), steer the kite with one hand and relaunch after crashing. Essential self-rescue techniques are also part of this lesson (very important), which prepares you for the third part of your kitesurfing course: The water start.
It’s now you will learn how to ride the board. Some key elements of this lesson is the water start position with your feet in the straps, while controlling the kite at the same time, pulling yourself up and riding (at this stage only for a moment), as well as recovering your board by body dragging upwind.

Our school provides all necessary equipment, including kites, boards, harnesses, and safety gear. Most important is we are well equipped to give you the proper kite and board size depending on your level, weight and wind conditions.

Lessons normally last 2 to 3 hours. More is possible depending on availability and if the student can keep going without making mistakes due to being tired. Lessons are normally scheduled between 12 to 6.30 but time of lesson can change depending on wind conditions.

In short: Not if you take kitesurfing lessons!
Kitesurfing is a high-risk activity if performed without preparation and professional training. If you get into the water without knowing how to steer the kite, get on the board or activate the safety systems, it will become dangerous and things could get out of your control. Remember, you are harnessing the wind, which is POWERFUL.
By taking kitesurfing lessons you learn how to do it safely, step by step, under the supervision of an experienced instructor that will follow your learning pace.

Kitesurfing is a high-risk activity and can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing, we strongly recommend you to take kitesurfing lessons before you practice on your own.

Taking a lesson with a certified instructor at an easy spot is the best way to learn kitesurfing, as they can teach you safety procedures, equipment usage, and techniques.

While being in good physical shape can be helpful, it’s not necessary to learn kitesurfing. Our instructors can adapt lessons to your fitness level. Kitesurfing is more of a coordination sport rather than strength.

Absolutely! Our instructors can teach you the basics of kitesurfing, even if you have no prior experience with water sports. Actually kitesurfing is a growing sport because even though you need some hours of instruction under supervision the learning curve is fast even for people who have never done other sports before.

Our instructors follow strict safety protocols, including using safety gear, assessing wind conditions, and teaching emergency procedures. A rescue boat is also available at all times.

Kitesurfing and Kiteboarding are the same thing!
So, why does the sport have two different names? Whether you use the term kitesurfing or kiteboarding probably depends on where you see the origin of this rather young sport. While frequently used kiting terms, like ‘upwind’, ‘downwind’ and ‘windwindow’ are well known in the sailing industry, kitesurfers argue that the main drive is a board, which is quite similar to the classic surfboard.

Compared to other wind and water sports, kitesurfing has a relatively steep learning curve. After a certain amount of hours, you’ll be riding and making progress every time you practice, until eventually you are comfortable enough to tackle bigger waves and stronger wind. Surfing is not too hard to learn either, but it usually takes a bit longer and requires very good physical conditions. While kitesurfers need to be able to control the kite in the air and highly depend on wind conditions, surfers mainly work their upper bodies in order to maintain balance on the board.
Whether kitesurfing or surfing is easier to learn obviously always depends on the person. However, being a good surfer or kitesurfer does not necessarily mean that you are a natural at the other sport, in fact it is usually quite the opposite.

OTHER KITESURFING INFORMATION

Yes, we offer a wide range of kitesurfing gear for rent, including kites, boards (twin tips, surfboards and foil), harnesses, helmets and life vests.
You can change your kite size through the day if needed.

Yes, we have storage facilities for your gear, so you can focus on coming to the point without carrying your equipment back and forth.

Paracas is known for its consistent winds, with an average speed of 18 to 23 knots starting around midday.
However there are some light wind days and 30+ as well (30+ is not the most common)
Send us a message if you are traveling with your gear and you need help deciding what kites to bring!

Our school is located at Paracas bay, the main spot and easy to access. There’s other 4 spots inside the National Reserve and kite trips can be organized to explore them.

Yes! The sea gets deep some meters away from the shore and then you can foil everywhere in the bay.

Yes, we are right in front of a sandy beach with a clear launch area and minimal obstacles.

Yes! You can get new or used equipment.

WINGFOILING LESSONS

Paracas has excellent conditions for learning how to wing foil. Flat water and constant wind are an important factor to make the learning process easy and you get both in Paracas.
Besides the amazing conditions we offer certified instructors and boat assistance.

The most important thing is the will to learn. We’ve taught people of all ages and different weights and with enough time everyone can learn! Those who have some background on foiling might learn faster.

On Average we recommend about 9hs of lessons if you are starting from absolute beginner and want to be riding upwind independently. Depending on your learning skills and board’s background you might learn faster or maybe a bit slower. Our boat assistance guarantees you’ll have constant feedback in order to make your learning process faster.

We provide absolutely everything you need! Your personal gear consists on: wetsuit, helmet with radio, life jacket. The foil gear consists of a big Board (our biggest is 170 liters), a short Mast (60/70cm), a big Front Wing (1950), a long Fuselage and a Stabilizer. Finally the Wing size will depend on your weight and the wind intensity. Board and wing leashes are also provided.

We normally do around 2/3hs per day but your instructor will adapt to your energy and concentration level. If the lessons is not being productive you will take a break.

Our lessons teach safety procedures, equipment usage, and techniques to help you learn quickly and safely. We also have a boat and jet ski to be able to be with you through the entirety of the lesson ensuring constant and more accurate feedback.

 

No, but experience with kitesurfing, foiling, surfing, or paddleboarding can be helpful.

 

Wing foiling is a water sport that uses a handheld wing to generate lift and propel a foilboard through the water, whereas in kiteboarding the kite is connected through lines and a control bar to your harness which is adjusted to your body.

Based on our experience we found that the learning average is of around the same time (9 to 12hs). However, someone that has previous experience with foiling (with a kite, or prone foiling) could learn wingfoiling within the first lesson.

OTHER WINGFOILING QUESTIONS

If your are an experienced rider there are several spots that will offer diverse conditions depending on what you’re looking for. We’ve got flat water spots like the Paracas Bay or Laguna Grande and we also have a couple of wave spots that are a true Wingfoilig surf playgrounds (send us a message to organize a wing trip into the reserve!)

Yes, we offer top-of-the-line wings and foilboards for rent, perfect for experienced riders looking to travel light.

Yes, our kite center provides storage services to keep your gear. Storage fee includes the use of facilities like the chillout and grassed area, compressor, fresh water, hot shower, changing rooms and much more!

Paracas is known for its consistent winds, with an average speed of 18 to 23 knots starting around midday.
However there are some light wind days and 30+ as well (30+ is not the most common)
Send us a message if you are traveling with your gear and you need help deciding what kites to bring!

Yes it is! Depending or where you get in at the beach you might have to walk some meters through the shallow area (tops 40metres) to get deep enough to go!

Yes we do and they are EPIC! Hop on to our Vintage Toyota Land Cruiser and trust your knowledgeable guide will take you to the best spot. Depending on the daily conditions of wind intensity, wave height and direction and also what you’re looking for we will take you to your next favorite wing spot!

Yes, we sell new and used gear, and our expert staff can help you find what you need.

ABOUT KANGAROO KITE SCHOOL

Our kite school is open all year round from 11/12 to 6/7pm (depending on time of the year).

Our school is located in Paracas, Peru, right in front of Paracas bay kite spot.

Yes, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

If the wind conditions aren’t suitable for your class, we’ll reschedule or provide a refund. At the end of your stay, you will only pay for what you’ve done.

We accept cash (usd or soles), wise transfer, or bank transfer to Peruvian, USA or European account.

Yes, our instructors are certified and experienced in teaching kitesurfing and wing foiling.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?