In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Mancora. How to get there, things to do, closer beaches to enjoy, and all the features that have made Mancora the favorite bay to go on vacation, rest and party.
Where is Mancora?
Mancora is probably one of the best travel destinations in Perú. It has warmed beaches all year sunny, bright sand, a spectacular turquoise sea, and unrivaled ambiance.
The confluence of Humboldt’s oceanic current (cold, traveling from south to north) with El Niño current (hot, moving from north to south) have made Mancora’s waters the perfect combination to practice aquatic sports like surfing or kitesurfing. Besides, those currents are way less cold in the north than in the Peruvian south coast. Plus: it is sunny 365 days a year.
Mancora is located in Talara Province, Piura Department, in the north of Peru. In summer, the sea is bluish-green, while in winter it is turquoise. The coast is surrounded by sandy mountains and, in the east Tumbes Equatorial Dry Forest can be found.
How to get to Mancora from Lima?
If you want to get to the north from Lima, have some alternatives: get there driving a car, by bus or by plane. Here are the distances and times for each one:
- To Mancora by car: 17 hours driving through Carretera Panamericana Norte.
- To Mancora by bus: it is the same distance and route, but you can make more hours because of the bus stops.
- To Mancora by plane: the flights take about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and are three airports: Talara’s airport, Tumbes’ airport, and Piura’s airport. From eache you will need to get a second transport to Mancora town.
Which is the closest airport to Mancora?
These are the closest airports to Mancora, according to the distance:
- Talara’s airport: 75 km south Mancora – 1 hr. 15 min away.
- Tumbes’ airport: 105 km north Mancora – 1 hr. 15 min away.
- Piura’s airport: 220 km south Mancora – 2 hr. 15 min away.
The main difference between those airports (besides the distance from Mancora) is the flight frequency from Lima, which is crucial to cost and airline options available.
- Talara’s airport: up to 2 flights daily. Airlines: Latam y Viva Air.
- Tumbes’ airport: up to 2 flights daily. Airlines: Latam
- Piura’s airport: More than 6 flights daily. Airlines: Latam, Avianca, Peruvian Airlines, Viva Air.
From airport to Mancora: How to get?
You have several options according to your budget:
- Take a taxi (a trusted one): (S/150 – S/200 top)
- Rent a private van: (S/280)
- Take a taxi to the private bus station that goes to Mancora. (between S/30 to S/35)
The majority of the hotels would help you with your airport-Mancora trip, ever since recommend you a trustworthy taxi or pick you up at the airport as part of their service.
In Talara’s airport, you can take a cab to the EPPO company bus station in Av. Panamericana 243 or to El Dorado company buses in Av. Sánchez Cerro N° 1119.
Quick tip: if you want to save some cash, you can take your taxi outside of the airport to avoid paying the parking fee. But, the ideal scenario is to pay for a safe taxi option recommended by your hotel. You can also move around or the beaches in mototaxis, those little units of transportation drive you for S./1 or S./2 to the closest places.
A further recommendation is to change your currency inside the airport, or in authorized places, and use ATMs to get cash. Almost all the touristic places accept VISA, MasterCard and AMEX but, it is always a good idea to have cash and prevent any complications.
The weather in Mancora
In Mancora is sunny every day. The average temperature is 26° C up to 45° C in the summer. The temperature fluctuates with the seasons:
- Summer: (from December to April) there is lightly raining at nights and when El Niño phenomenon occurs can reach 50 C° That’s hot! What to wear? Light clothes, sandals, shorts, sunglasses, sunscreen and hats for the day. In addition, you should bring waterproof clothing, sneakers, umbrellas and jackets or windbreakers for the night.
- Winter: (from June to September) fresh nights and cold wind. The minimum temperature descends to 17 ° C. What to wear? Since will be sunny all the time, bring your beach clothes but include some jackets in your bag to protect yourself from the wind, especially at night. Don’t forget sunglasses and insect repellent.
- Autumn (May to June) and spring (November to December) the temperature remains stable between 19 ° C and 30 C° top. In fact, rarely descent under 26 ° C. What to wear? All your summer clothes are welcome in these seasons. Sandals, shorts, light shirts and, of course, sunscreen.
Raining alert: from December to April rainfall increases in Piura, especially in the highlands. Take note of this when you plan your trip
Why the northern waters are warmth?
Humboldt’s current -called so after the famous German naturalist- brings the cold water from the deep ocean to the surface, serving all the Peruvian coast. This current moves from south to north.
But, just before arriving in the Equator, the current turn towards Galapagos Island and meet with the equatorial north current, also called El Niño, which is warm with temperatures that riches 30 C°.
This “encounter” make the northern Peruvian waters warmer and an infinite source of world quality waves for surfing. Like so other beautiful and quiet beaches where to go with children.
Surf in the north of Peru
Peru is a global point for surfing. Each year 150 thousand people coming to Peru just to wave. Most of them are concentrated in the north.
The Peruvian coast extended for almost 3 thousand kilometers and it’s home for high-quality waves. The Mancora’s “crecidas” (sea floods) are ideal to surf between October and March.
Here are some of the best beaches to surf in the North of Peru:
- MancoraIts waves are perfect for beginners. Reach an average altitude of one and a half meters. It is the ideal beach for surfers and kitesurfers.
- Los OrganosAlso has waves to learn to surf in Punta Veleros. The most advanced surfers can practice in La Vuelta. Nevertheless, this beach works with northern sea floods, and the reef could be dangerous.
- Cabo BlancoIts left wave has been globally recognized for having one of the perfect tubes in the world. The beach has both sides Panic Point (to surf in winter) and Cabo Blanco (to summer surfing)
- LobitosIt has 4 global quality waves. It’s an ideal option to kitesurf and windsurf since its harsh winds.
Surfers tips
Despite the fact that in the north the water temperatures are warmer than in the south, it’s recommended using 2/2 neoprene suit for summer, and a 3/2 one for winter.
When it comes to the south Peruvian coast is better to use a 4/3 suite to explore their waves in the coldest months.
Beaches guide: short trips from Mancora
You can go to Mancora and stay in town to enjoy its bay, but you can also move to closer beaches in Talara province. This brief guide will help you to know what to find in each one:
- Mancora Beach: Has excellent waves for surfing and windsurfing but its main attraction is the nightlife. Mancora’s nights are well known for being fun and wild, with a lot of options to party in bars and discotheques.
- Las Pocitas Beach: is closest to Mancora town. Is formed after the tide comes to the shore and leave little wells where kids can play without risk.
- Vichayito Beach: it has the best of Mancoras sea, but the atmosphere is way more relaxed. It has a strong wind from July to August, but the waves are quieter.
- Los Organos beach: a very organized turquoise see, and one of the popular ones among the tourists. It is excellent for surfs and windsurfs practice. Whale watching tours depart from its quay.
- Punta Veleros Beach: has clear water and white sand. This is the quietest spot on the coast to enjoy nature and relax. You can rent an ATV to discover the bay or learn to surf without the Mancora’s multitude pressure.
- El Ñuro Beach: it’s the best point to swim with 73 meters sea turtles. This unforgettable experience is one of the best that you can get in your travel around the Peruvian north. Between July and October is whale watching season. Totally worth seeing.
- Cabo Blanco Beach: this is the place where Humboldt current and El Niño current get together providing incredible waves to surf.
- Lobitos Beach: if you love water/wind sports, this is the place. The water is a little bit colder than other beaches up to the north because it’s Humboldt current’s territory, but its waves are incredible.
Things to do in Mancora
When it comes to “things to do in Mancora,” the options are endless. Here are some of the tourist favorite activities to do on a beach vacation in the north.
- Surfing: Yes! If you’re an expert or an amateur, it doesn’t matter. Mancora gets everything for surfing enthusiasts. You’ll find enormous and challenging waves, but also surfer schools to start from the lower point.
- Canopy: If you like extreme sports and you can keep yourself away from the beach, this is a good option. Coordinate a day trip to Ecofundo La Caprichosa just about 30 minutes from Mancora and slide through a 1600 meters canopy cable. Also, you can visit the bird watching spot to sight white hawks and woodpeckers.
- Whale watching: From the last days of July until the last days of October you can take the tour to sell offshore and see the humpback whales which come to this point in the ocean to give birth.
- Horse riding: you haven’t seen a stellar sunset if you do not have to ride a horse in north Peruvian seashore. The sight is 10 times more exciting because ocean fauna chose to show themselves right before sundown.
- Scuba diving: the sea over the waves is one of a kind, but under the sea is a whole new world. Visit this full of diversity planet thanks to the oceanic currents confluence. Be sure to count with certified instructors to help you.
- Swimming with turtles: one of the best tours that you have to take. If you’re staying at Mancora’s town, it will take you 3 hours sailing to the turtles’ protective area in El Ñuro to swim with them. Remember, don’t touch the turtles and bring a USB memory to save the video as a souvenir.Recuerda: no tocar a las tortugas y llevar una memoria USB para que te lleves un recuerdo en video de la experiencia.
- Jet ski: you could rent it to explore offshore and capture a different perspective for the coast while living the adrenaline of water-driving as fast as you can.
- Go to Punta Sal: a seacoast placed 30 km away from Mancora is beautiful and also less touristy. That means you could pass the day in complete peace. You can rent a bike or grab a taxi to get there.
- Mangroves Tour: 2 hours away from Mancora it is the National Mangroves Sanctuary of Tumbes, a protected area of 2.972 mangroves hectares and the typical fauna from this ecosystem, including the famous Tumbes’ crocodile, a worth knowing endangered species.
Nightlife in Mancora
Mancora is famous for being fun and wild. Is the favorite spot for national and foreign tourists because Mancora brings excellent parties and a safe beach scene.
Meet new people and enjoy all the beach fun in its “mancoreña’s” nights. We recommend the party in these places:
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- Wild Rover Hostel: it has the one Irish bar in town, with great cocktails and the very best of the local scene. Its pool parties with invited DJs and live music are famous in Mancora.
- Loki del Mar: every night is party night in this backpacker hostel. If you want to have a nice time, have fun and meet people, this is the place to be in.
- Wiracocha Surf Restobar: if cocktails in front of the beach being barefoot in the sand if what you need to be reconciled with the world… this is your place. The party starts to blaze on after the sunset.
EIn Mancora, the party usually goes on in the streets, so you can easily find where to have fun. Quick tip: for the next morning hangover, nothing better than coconut water or cocada.
Where to stay?
Exist many types of options to stay in Mancora and almost for every budget. Take into consideration that the cheapest options aren’t synonyms of “good service.” If you don’t want to have a bad experience with your accommodations in Mancora do extensive research to find out where to stay in Mancora.
Here are some good options:
- Stay in a hostel: because it is a tourist place, the accommodation options are endless. From those in the seashore to which are located in town; luxurious or simple, boutique hotel or backpacking hostels, all the possibilities are valid when you just want to have fun.Quick tip: check the hotels’ online profiles, reviews, and scores. Most of them offer an American breakfast.
Be sure to ask if the hotel has air conditioning, private bathroom, wifi, and sea sight.
We recommend:
Wild Rover Hostel (Av. Playa El Amor 121): comfortable beds and great vibes. Experience the best party in town in this Irish bar side by the pool, and taste the food from its international restaurant.
Hotel Loki del Mar (Av Piura 262). Pool and bar hostel, good ambiance to meet new people and light up the party.
Mancora Arennas Hotel (Antigua Panamericana Norte km 1213). If you please a little more of lux and comfort, this hotel placed in Las Pocitas beach offers you quiet and romance at the same time.
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- Rent a beach house: this is a perfect option if you’re traveling in a group. In Mancora are a lot of homes available for temporary rent. Those houses are located in front of the beach and have all the facilities to spend vacations in it.All you have to do is bring your personals and groceries because the houses are equipped with the home appliance and cookware.
The prices change between each other but when you split the amount among a group looks very affordable. Be sure to make the rent deal with someone trustworthy.
Some rental houses even offer booking services online so you can use your debit or credit card, saving worries with the deposit.
What do you need to know about service in Mancora?
Some of the tourists have complained about the slow service in some places in Mancora.
The first thing you need to know is “cheap” rarely means “good.” However, you can easily find excellent service options according to your budget. Let the recommendations and reference online being your guide.
Usually, 10% tips are not included. Also, you can tip according to the quality of service. Remember to support local tourist entrepreneurs who are doing a good job.
What to eat in Mancora?
North Peruvian food highlights for its fresh ingredients and terrific flavors. With such a biodiverse sea in front, can’t be in another way. Fish and seafood are the specialties of gastronomy you definitely should try:
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- Traditional ceviche: With fresh raw fish and lemon juice.
- Black shells ceviche: It is made of the best shells from Tumbes’ mangroves.
- Traditional “secos” like “seco al chabelo” (dry meat stew with plantains) or “seco de cabrito” (baby goats meat stew with beans). This plate is macerated with chicha de Jora and vinegar.
- Parihuela: delicious soup traditional from the Peruvian coast. Include seafood, fish, lobster or crab, and ajies.
- Plantain Causa: take the mashed potatoes from the traditional causa and change it with plantain. That’s it! That’s the dish.
- Chinguirito: could be a dish derived from the traditional ceviche but made with swordfish, or a drink. Both of them have the same name.
- Grosella Macerated. It is a traditional liquor made of this red berry and bittersweet taste.
- Antecoco: delicious custard made of coconut water, fresh coconut, milk, sugar, and cornflour or rice flour.
- Dulce de guineo: a dessert made of silk plantain (plátano de seda) and orange. Delicious!
- Dulce de peniche: “peniche” is a fruit that looks like cherries but black. The dessert is made boiling the fruit, adding cloves, cinnamon, and chancaca (unrefined sugar syrup).
- Chifles from Piura: plantains or sweet potatoes fried chips to eat ceviche with, or eat them like snacks. In Piura -the department where Mancora is located- chifles are famous for its smoke taste.
- Majado de yuca with fried pork: Boiled and mashed cassava mixed with Peruvian ají and a portion of chicharrón (fried pork).
- Custard: with goat milk, chancaca, and rice flour.
Where to eat?
What to buy?
Crafts from Catacaos
Three hours from Mancora is Catacaos town. The place is famous for its national and international recognized craft artisans. In fact, it has been named the Peruvian Craft Capital.
It is worth going there and get to know its uniques pieces. Especially the ones that are made of leather or with gold and silver filigree. This jewelry is well known for its quality and delicacy. Also can buy wood pieces, hats and textiles to gift as souvenirs.
Chifles from Piura
An original souvenir to buy are chifles from Piura. If you can’t carry with these fried plantains chips to your country, at least you can buy it for the rest of your trip. Are delicious!
Useful information
Some numbers you would need to have:
Government
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- Mancora’s Police Station +51 73 258414 / +51 968892000 / 968892100 / 969553757 / 969553734
- Mancora’s Municipality: +51 73 258061
Health
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- San Pedro Apostol Clinic in Máncora: +51 73 258513
Calle Grau 636
Banks
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- Banco de la Nación
Av. Piura N° 525 -527
- Western Union
Calle Grau N° 316
ATMs
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- Banco de Crédito
Auxiliar Panamericana Nte. 1672
- Global Net
Auxiliar Panamericana Nte. 1672
- Scotiabank
Auxiliar Panamericana Nte. 704
