Surfing Party Waves in Mancora
Years ago, the parties were fewer and the surfing in Mancora drew in most visitors. Today it’s a mini-mecca for backpackers in addition to beach lovers. There are cafes, international restaurants (few places in Peru have Thai food), and also tried-and-true surf spots. Some might say the current Mancora is kitsch; others say it just has more flavor now.
If you take the tediously long busride from Lima to Peru’s northern coast, you’ll see the desert stubbornly but surely give way to palms and other tropical trees. Step off the bus at any of the stops and you’ll feel the warmth of the nearly equatorial sun brighten your senses. The grey of Lima dissipates from memory. You’ll wonder why you were crazy enough to be on a bus for 20+ hours. And you’ll second-guess if the relatively few dollars saved was worth it.
But all that melts away when you FINALLY get to the beaches such as Mancora. Here you can surf and dance away the stress from being inside that closed box on wheels. The excellent surfing opportunities, endless parties, and perfect sunsets make this part of Peru unique.
Hang 10! (or even 11)- What to Do in Mancora
Obviously, surfing is the name of the game in Mancora. Some of the best spots in the country are in & around town. You don’t need a wetsuit, unlike the beaches near Lima. Rentals are easy to find as well.
For nearby surf spots, check out Cabo Blanco, Lobitos, Los Organos and Zorritos. Cabo Blanco is said to have the best left-breaking curve in the world. Los Organos is unique in that it has white sand and is a popular fishing spot, too. Lobitos is also famous for its tubes, and is popular for windsurfing too. And the surfer’s paradise of Zorritos is the northernmost, so its waters are the warmest. All of these are within an hour’s drive of Mancora.
Check out the town of Fernandez if you’re itching for a hike. The town’s dry forest and waterfall are popular attractions.
There are other water activities in Mancora such as kitesurfing and banana boats, too. At sunset it’s popular to take a horse ride along the shore. Last but not least, the body surfing is ideal.
How to Get There
The best way to get to Mancora is to steadily make your way up the coast, stopping at beaches like Huancacho in La Libertad to break up the journey. Otherwise it’s a 21-hour bus ride from Lima, and it costs S/ 150-200 for a good seat that reclines all the way. Trust me, you do not want to skimp on the seat.
Mancora is also 8 hours from Guayaquil, Ecuador and 4 from the department capital, Piura. Oltursa and Cruz del Sur provide these bus routes. But If you’re low on time, the most efficient route is to fly to Piura from Lima. The flight takes less than 2 hours.
| Destination | Trip Length (Hours) | Cost (Soles) |
| Guayaquil | 7-8 | S/ 70-80 |
| Lima | 21-22 | S/ 200 |
| Piura | 4 | S/ 30-80 |
Where Should You Stay?
There are lots of party hostels and bungalows in Mancora, at various price ranges. The classic backpacker stop, Loki del Mar, is beach-adjacent with its own pool and bar. The bar is great, the party doesn’t stop, and the crowd is active and lively.
If you want a more relaxed vibe, there’s Psygon surf camp, which has a good reputation.
You should reserve in advance, since Mancora is the most popular beach destination in Peru.
The Final Say If You Go Surfing In Mancora
Mancora is warm, dry, and sunny year-round. The exception is during El Nino years, when torrential rains can drench the northern Peruvian coast from April to October.
Mancora attracts a lot of tourists, and unfortunately, this can mean pickpockets too. For this reason I recommend being mindful of one’s belongings, especially in large crowds or when alcohol is involved.
Mancora is located in the department of Piura, which claims to have the best ceviche in all of Peru. I can verify that they deserve this claim. So definitely have a great ceviche mixto with a beer to pass an early afternoon!
Of course, bring what you normally would for a wet, sunny adventure. At least have a swimsuit and sunblock.
Ready to Make An Itinerary?
You can make Máncora part of your trip to Northern Peru. If that interests you, here’s a link to our sample itinerary for Northern Peru.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the sun!!
