Dropzones in Peru

Skydiving in Peru: An Andean Adventure High Above the Pacific Coast

Peru, a land famed for its ancient history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled natural beauty, offers more than just terrestrial adventures. For skydivers, this South American gem presents a unique opportunity to witness dramatic landscapes—from arid coastal deserts and lush river valleys to the colossal peaks of the Andes—from an entirely new vantage point.

Jumping in Peru is not just a sport; it is a profound experience that combines the adrenaline of freefall with truly breathtaking scenery. While the country's skydiving infrastructure is developing, operations are centered around ensuring compliance with strict safety standards, making it a viable and appealing destination for licensed jumpers and first-time tandem participants alike.

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Understanding Peruvian Aviation and Safety Regulations

Safety in the Peruvian skies is primarily overseen by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC), the national civil aviation authority. The DGAC is responsible for licensing, oversight, and enforcement across all aspects of civil aviation, including parachute operations. Any dropzone operating within the country must secure approval and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the DGAC, which often align closely with international standards like those from the USPA (United States Parachute Association) and the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale).

The Role of the DGAC in Skydiving

The DGAC’s involvement ensures that all commercial skydiving operations, including training, equipment maintenance, and pilot credentials, meet a high threshold for safety.

• Instructor Certification: All professional skydive instructors, including tandem masters and Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) coaches, must possess nationally recognized certification approved and regulated by the DGAC. This guarantees a consistent level of competence and safety management.
• Operational Approval: Drop zones must obtain specific authorization to operate within designated airspaces, ensuring coordination with air traffic control and preventing hazardous airspace conflicts. This often involves defining clear jump runs and landing areas that are free from obstacles.

Mandatory Equipment Standards

Peruvian skydiving operations require rigorous adherence to international standards regarding parachute equipment. For any skydive, whether tandem, student, or licensed jump, the following core equipment safety features are typically mandatory:

• Automatic Activation Device (AAD): This is a crucial piece of safety equipment. An AAD is an electronic device that monitors altitude and vertical speed, and if it detects a jumper is below a predetermined altitude (usually the decision altitude) and still traveling at freefall speeds, it automatically fires the reserve parachute. Peruvian regulations, reflecting best global practices, require that all skydiving rigs be equipped with a properly functioning AAD.
• Reserve Parachute: The reserve parachute must be inspected and repacked by a certified FAA or DGAC-certified rigger within a specified timeframe, usually every 120 days or 180 days, depending on the specific national adaptation of international rules.
• Main Parachute: Equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications and DGAC requirements.

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Essential Information for Licensed Skydivers

International skydivers planning to jump in Peru should be prepared to present comprehensive documentation to confirm their experience and license level.

Licensing and Required Documentation

Visiting skydivers should always carry the following documents, preferably their original Parachuting Certificate (PC) and logbook, to satisfy local operational requirements:

• Valid License: A current skydiving license (USPA A, B, C, or D license, or equivalent international license from organizations like the BPA, CSPA, etc.).
• Logbook: A clearly maintained logbook showing recent jump activity. Some dropzones may require a jump within the last 30 to 90 days, particularly for lower-rated licenses, to waive a mandatory check-out jump.
• Proof of Fitness: While a specific Civil Aviation Authority medical certificate is ideal, licensed jumpers must generally provide proof of physical fitness for the activity, often a certificate from a registered physician. Participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Altitude, Airspace, and Oxygen Requirements

Due to Peru’s geography, particularly the proximity of the Andean mountain range, altitude awareness is critical. The regulatory environment has specific requirements for high-altitude operations:

• Supplementary Oxygen: For all jumps conducted from an altitude higher than 15,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), the provision of supplementary oxygen aboard the aircraft is mandatory for all skydivers. Jumpers must be prepared to use it and familiar with the procedures.
• Airspace Clearance: Drop zones are required to coordinate with the local Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilities to ensure jumps do not interfere with commercial flight paths, particularly around major transport hubs like Lima.

Jump Standards and Canopy Control

Local regulations specify minimum opening altitudes and general safety standards that must be adhered to by licensed skydivers:

Wind Limits

The DGAC guidelines impose mandatory restrictions on jumping based on ground wind conditions, primarily for students and newly licensed jumpers:

• Student Skydivers (and lower license holders): Maximum ground winds are typically restricted to 14 mph for modern ramp-air canopies and may be lower (10 mph) for older or round reserve canopies.
• Experienced Skydivers (Licensed): Maximum ground wind limits are often at the discretion of the Drop Zone Operator (DZO) but are generally unlimited for C and D license holders, provided they can demonstrate sufficient canopy control and experience.

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The Peruvian Skydiving Experience: Logistics and Climate

While Peru is primarily known for cultural tourism, the skydiving scene is professional and welcoming. With a limited number of permanent facilities—currently two registered dropzones—the experience tends to be highly focused on safety and quality.

Climate and Weather Considerations

Peru's climate is highly varied, influenced by the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Skydiving operations typically take place in the desert coastal regions, where the weather is generally stable.

• The Coastal Region (Lima area): The weather here is often mild, but can be characterized by garúa (a coastal mist or fog) during the winter months (May to October). Operators often have jump schedules adapted to the coastal cloud cover, sometimes requiring jumps to be planned for clearer windows. The summer months (December to April) offer the most consistently clear and sunny conditions.
• Inland Regions: Operations near the Andes face higher altitude challenges, where clear weather is paramount and jump cancellations due to high winds, turbulence, or rapidly changing conditions are more likely.

Tandem Skydiving Prerequisites

For those experiencing their first jump, tandem skydiving is the standard method and requires minimal preparation, but strict adherence to local operator rules:

• Age and Weight: Minimum age requirements typically range from 16 to 18 years old (with mandatory legal guardian consent for minors). Weight limits are strictly enforced, generally around 200 to 220 pounds (90–100 kg), for both safety and equipment capacity reasons.
• Attire: Wear comfortable, athletic clothing and securely closed, lace-up shoes.

Peru offers a fantastic blend of high-level safety standards, overseen by the DGAC, and an incredible backdrop for a skydive. Whether you are a seasoned international jumper or looking for an unforgettable tandem jump, the Peruvian skies are ready to offer an unparalleled perspective on this ancient land.

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is for general guidance. Skydiving regulations, licensing requirements, and operational procedures are subject to change by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) or local dropzone management at any time. It is absolutely essential that all skydivers—licensed or tandem participants—contact the specific drop zone operator directly and check the most current local aviation and safety regulations, equipment requirements, and documentation needed before traveling or attempting to jump in Peru.