Kite trip · Jan and Feb 2027 · Elqui valley, Chile
Puclaro — kitesurfing in the Elqui valley
Seven days on an Andean reservoir where the thermal wind comes in every afternoon like clockwork, over flat, warm, fresh water. The easiest place in Chile to learn.
The plan
What the week looks like
Puclaro is a seven-day kite and wingfoil trip on a reservoir in the Elqui valley, forty minutes from La Serena. The valley thermal comes in most afternoons at 18 to 25 knots over flat fresh water, which makes it one of the friendliest places in Chile to learn. You can start from zero. Two departures: January and February 2027, eight places each.
One thing to know before you book, because it shapes the whole trip: the wind here is thermal, which means mornings are usually flat and the wind arrives in the afternoon. If you are picturing riding from sunrise to sunset, this is not that trip. What you get instead is a near-guaranteed session every afternoon, which for learning is worth far more.
We pick you up in La Serena and you stay in the valley, with a daily run out to the reservoir. Mornings are for theory, video and the Elqui valley itself — which happens to be one of the clearest night skies on the planet.
If you already ride, say so when you book: the afternoons get built around what each person brings, whether that is upwind, transitions or wing.
Requirements: none. This is a trip you can start from zero on. If you already ride, tell us when you book.
Everything sorted, for real
What's included
Included
- Lessons with a maximum of two students per instructor
- Full gear and radio helmet
- Accommodation in the Elqui valley
- Transfer from La Serena and daily runs to the reservoir
- Trip photographer
Not included
- Travel to La Serena
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners
Dates
Departures this season
| Departure | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1st departure | 9 — 15 January 2027 | Open |
| 2nd departure | 6 — 12 February 2027 | Open |
Preguntas frecuentes
Common questions before booking
Can I learn from scratch here?
Yes, and it is one of the best places in Chile to do it: flat fresh water, warm, and a thermal that arrives at a predictable strength rather than gusting. Two students per instructor and a radio helmet from the first session.
Why only afternoons?
Because the wind is thermal — it builds from the temperature difference between the valley and the water, so it needs the day to warm up first. Mornings are normally flat. We use them for theory and video.
What are the two departures?
9 — 15 January 2027 and 6 — 12 February 2027, eight places each. Both sit inside the most reliable part of the season.
Bookings
Coming to Puclaro?
Message us on WhatsApp and we will send you the full breakdown and the exact price. We answer in English, usually the same day.
Prefer the long version? This trip has a fuller page in Spanish: Puclaro.