Few people think about beaches, summer and surfing when planning a trip to Peru. There are so many ancient ruins to be explored and Andean villages to be discovered that the fact that the country has a huge Pacific coastline almost escapes our sight. But the sea is there, giant and blue, to show us that the country does have a beach, warrior and single tradition (what else do I want?). And Máncora, in the north of the country, almost in Ecuador, is an old favorite among Peruvian, Chilean and Ecuadorian tourists looking for lots of shade, waves and fresh water.
Foto: Shutterstock, por Peter Bocklandt
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Although it is a very popular destination, Máncora has not lost its simple atmosphere and its residents continue to live the peaceful life of a fishing village. In summer, this tranquility shares space with parties full of foreigners that last all night.
To be honest, the city is far from being a tropical paradise, but it is a great place for those who want to rest and enjoy a hassle-free vacation, especially if you are already in Peru. The main activity is to go to the beach in the center during the day and take a look at the crafts fair afterwards. Most of the restaurants are on the main avenue, parallel to the beach, which is also a part of the Panamericana highway.
The beaches of Máncora
The Pocitas, Organs e Actions There are three beaches further south of the city that tend to be emptier and are more beautiful than the central beach. At certain times of the year, it is possible to see whales and dolphins in the region. Another major attraction in the city is the Lighthouse. Located on top of a hill, it can be seen from any part of Máncora. From up there, you have a good view of the region.
To get to these attractions, you can walk or hire one of the several tuk-tuks (known as motorcycle taxis) that run day and night around Máncora. The prices are very low, between US$2 and US$5 for the route. If you prefer, ask the hotel reception to recommend a reliable driver. Those looking for the best waves will need to rent a car to get to the more distant beaches. See here how to get the best value for money.
A little further away is the Mud Pool, a hot spring that is believed to have medicinal properties. You can buy a trip with local agencies for around 40 soles, including a bottle of wine. But you can also do it on your own by hiring a motorcycle taxi and arranging a return trip with him.
Beach in the center of Máncora. Photo: Shutterstock, by Fotos593
Máncora for surfers, aspiring surfers and adventure lovers
Giant waves visit the region between December and January. But be careful, at this time only those who know the sport play. Some local stores even refuse to rent equipment because the risk of damage is too great. The rest of the year, the waves still persist, but are calmer for beginners.
There are several surf schools and other water sports in Máncora. Spondylus (Av. Piura 216) issues PADI certificates. Kite Club Máncora and Wildk Kitesurf (Av. Piura 261) offers kite surfing courses.
Several local offices offer deep-sea turtle-watching diving trips in the region of El Ñuro, a nearby village. But be careful: don’t buy if they offer interaction with the animal.
Where to stay in Máncora, Peru: accommodation tips
Máncora has a multitude of accommodations in a beach-on-the-sand style: chalets with lazy balconies with hammocks, a pool for that after-beach swim, sun loungers, chic hippie decor. The good thing is that the prices are very attractive and you can rent a chalet for from US$30 per couple, as is the case with Blue Hostel and Loki del Mar. Be careful in high season (summer), when demand tends to increasing significantly and it becomes more difficult to find places with good value for money.
Find good hotel options in Máncora
How to get to Máncora, Peru
I went from Cuenca, Ecuador, to Máncora on a direct bus. The line is very common, as it is a popular destination in Ecuador, and also stops in Guayaquil. I paid 18 dollars for the route in March 2018. Those coming from Lima can also travel by land on buses from the company Civa or Cruz del Sur, among several others. There are also private vans that transport between Máncora and neighboring cities.
Read too: What to do in Cuenca, Ecuador
If you intend to arrive by air, you need to fly to Piura airport, the “big” city in the region. Latam and Peruvian Airlines travel from the country’s main cities. From there, take a local bus to Máncora. An alternative is to fly to Tumbes, another nearby airport.
