It’s no secret that Peru is an adventurer traveler’s dream, but even the most ambitious itineraries focus on Andean excursions or Amazonian experiences. Which means they ignore the country’s coastline- all 3,080 kilometers of it. This is a shame, because when you visit Peru, you’ll almost certainly be on the coast (specifically in Lima) to leave or enter the country. And while Lima is popular for very real and remarkable reasons, outdoor sports is not one of them.
But that’s not entirely fair. You can definitely have a memorable time outdoors in this city. It may be on a fantastically long surf break, at a pyramid built around the same time as those in Egypt, or in a unique ecosystem that feels worlds away from the desert. So here is the list of the best outdoor activities in Lima!
Outdoor Activities in Lima
Surf
Lima is one of the best places to learn to surf. That’s because the waves are long and easy to manage. If you already know how to surf, you can score a surfboard for S/ 25-35 an hour (roughly $7-10 USD). Just walk down from the malecón to the shore in Miraflores if you’re interested. You can ask for lessons there, too.
You’ll want a wetsuit. The Pacific is cold!
Bike
It’s easier and safer than ever to bike in Lima. You can rent a quality bicycle at Larcomar in Miraflores by the hour. In that time you can take the bike lanes towards the San Miguel neighborhood. This is an enjoyable, easy ride through parks and around tennis courts and soccer fields, with the ocean at your side the whole time.
There are also bike tours that include stops at local markets. You can book those at your hotel or online.
Short Hike- Lomas de Lachay & Lúcumo
The Lomas is a special ecosystem that is home to endemic vegetation and animals, and it’s made possible by the winter fog of Lima. With Lima being the 2nd-largest desert city on Earth, the Lomas are kind of an oasis.
The ones most developed for tourists (aka safest) are Lachay and Lúcumo. These are just outside of town, so plan a good half day around your visit. Lúcumo is closer, but Lachay is much bigger.
Paraglide
This is the most obvious outdoor activity, because the second you stroll around Miraflores you’ll spot paragliders taking off and swooping around the malecón like the condors in Colca. Gliders fly with a pilot, and it cost S/ 60 the last time I checked. You can literally walk up and glide, or reserve a spot for another day.
Archaeological Adventures!
The plethora of Peruvian archaeological sites tingles the imagination. You’ll see foreigners talking about local history and culture with the excited energy of an Indiana Jones (but with a guide and a smartphone). Even Lima has its pre-Incan pyramids, usually called Huacas.
Huaca Pucllana is popular and right in Miraflores. It’s also in the photo above! Other Huacas are less developed for tourists, and outside of touristy areas, possibly unsafe for visitors. Further out of town is the pre-Incan complex of Pachacamac, an ancient pilgrimage site.
Conclusion
Ok, I have to be honest. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of visiting Lima isn’t the outdoor activities, but the fabulous food scene. The ceviches, comida criolla, and fantastic fusion of gastronomies are tops. And in 2023, the city has the number 1 ranked restaurant in the world!
But if you explore Lima, you’ll find plenty of outdoor fun to be had. After all, the weather is nice year-round. There’s no rainy season, and the temperature is consistently between 60 and 80 F (or in Celsius, 16 and 26). So you can enjoy any of these activities at any time of the year.
Have you done any of these activities in Lima? If so, mention below! Otherwise, hope you make it there soon!
Sunny San Diego was the last stop of our California road trip, and I couldn’t have been happier than a dung beetle coming across a herd of elephant’s poo. Days earlier, a Californian had opined to me that there are two types of Fun: Type 1, which is long and intense (think days of hiking in Glacier National Park), and Type II, which are short activities (such as an afternoon of surfing followed by a couple of beers). This man also told me that Southern California is the regional capital for Type II Fun. Which inspired me to find out what outdoor activities to try in San Diego.
Now, I’m not here to bash Type I Fun. In fact, we at Gringo Inca LOVE a good multiday hike or a stay at an ecolodge. But sometimes you just want a few solid days of playful fun, unconcerned about altitude sickness or how much time you have until the solar-powered water heater runs out so you can take a shower. Sometimes, you just want to splash in the water and have a beer afterwards. Especially after cramming you and your family into a car for the exquisite, exhausting 500+ mile journey from San Francisco.
Our trip’s exact final destination was San Diego’s Mission Bay neighborhood. This sunny touristy spot is hugged by the rolling Pacific shore on one side and the deep, calm Bay on the other. It attracts families and partying single folk year-round.
And indeed, it proved to be perfect for “Type II” Fun.
Water Sports
The Mission Bay Area is great for water sport experts and newbies alike. This is especially true for activities on the Bay, where the water is calm. But be careful if you aren’t a strong swimmer. Most parts of Mission Bay get up to 12 feet deep.
Kayak: Glide over the saltwater for a couple of hours at sunrise to start the day! You can rent kayaks on an hourly or daily basis, and you’ll run into multiple rental shops just by strolling around. Prices vary; for the best deal find a rental shop that’s not in the Belmont Park section.
Paddleboards: Paddleboarding isn’t new. But it’s definitely the trendy pick right now. There were easily 2-3 paddleboards for every kayak on the water when we visited. Just like with kayaks, you can rent a paddle board and spend hours exploring the Bay’s shores, sailing club, and estuaries.
Sailing: Feeling too fancy for those boards and boats that actually need you to do your own paddling? Harness the power of the wind, my friend! Rent or take lessons at Mission Bay’s Aquatic Center.
Snorkel: I’ve always thought snorkeling was an underrated water sport. For a relatively small price, you can own equipment that helps you explore oceans, bays, and lakes for a lifetime! The place to snorkel in Mission Bay is Mission Point Park, which is in the southwest corner of the neighborhood. Most beach stores sell snorkeling equipment if you don’t bring your own.
Surfing: The long, relatively low waves of the area are famously fantastic for surfing. This is definitely a true San Diego activity. In fact, surfers riding with the sunset behind them is a daily sight. It’s easy to find a board to rent. You can book a lesson at most rental places too.
Land
Mission Bay is a man-made area specifically designed for water recreation. Because of that, most land-based activities are your typical, Type II Fun beach activities. Think running alongside the water or renting skates for the boardwalk (skating is big here!). The one team sport that dominates is volleyball. Nets are everywhere, and you can find a pick-up opportunity anytime.
Balboa Park: OK, this is not in the Mission Bay Area but is a short 10-15 minute drive away. The park is 1,200 acres (486 hectares) large and includes miles of trails, cafes, museums, fountains, and even the world-famous Zoo. Definitely worth a half-day visit.
El Cabrillo National Monument!! An exclamation point because we only went on a friend’s tip and ended up returning to explore more on our final day. El Cabrillo is actually pretty small at only 144 acres (58 hectares). Make sure to walk down to the tidal pools for great wildlife watching. From there you can hike the mountainside for a couple of hours. We spotted several huge naval ships and walked beneath noisy flocks of pelicans during our visit
The vegetation at El Cabrillo is very shrubby, so don’t expect much shade. Bring sunblock, a hat and plenty of water!
The 10 minute drive to the Point Loma neighborhood takes you to this national monument. The charge is $20 per car, and the pass is good for 7 days.
Hiking and birdwatching at Cabrillo National Monument
EAT
So how are you going to fuel all of this boarding, surfing, and hiking? Well in case you didn’t know (I didn’t), Mexico is only 17 short miles away from San Diego. So, the Mexican food here is AMAZING! The typical San Diego burrito, the carne asada, is good enough to be a daily meal. Burrito fan or not, try all the Mexican food you can.
What about drinks? Do you like good beer? San Diego is also the birthplace of the American craft beer movement, making for an impressive variety of delicious local brews.
Conclusion
San Diego is the 8th largest city in the United States, and there is plenty to see besides Mission Bay. You can certainly spend weeks exploring the food, beer and culture scenes. For example, the Little Italy neighborhood is walkable and packed with cafes and trattorias, and it’s not far from the USS Midway museum.
But, for outdoor activities to try in San Diego, I’d go back to the Mission Bay neighborhood. It’s close to everything, and you can pick from a menu of activities ranging from relaxing (a la paddleboarding) to full body workouts (surfing). And you don’t have to spend much to rent a kayak or board, or to buy snorkeling equipment.
Surfing will teach you lessons you may have forgotten. Like how to appreciate nature and to try something new. And definitely patience. Patience with yourself as you learn, and also with your surroundings as you wait for the right conditions to ride that one wave. In Portugal you can learn to surf in Ericeira, the only European spot to earn the Surf Reserve designation.
We chose Ericeira because I always search for surfing spots when traveling. And after researching beaches near Lisbon, Ericeira seemed a bit less touristy and developed than nearby spots like Cascais.
Read on to find out how you can visit and surf in Ericeira.
(Note: This is an article on my favorite thing to to in Ericeira. Read our complete guide to visiting the townhere.)
Surf in Ericeira- How I Did It
Getting There
Getting to Ericeira was remarkably easy. From Sintra you can take a private car or bus. The bus is unsurprisingly cheaper (EUR 4.50) and only takes 45 minutes. The company Malfrense provides regular service from both Sintra and Lisbon.
We actually booked our hotel ahead of time. We chose a small local chain, Vila Ana Margarida. And we could not have done better. Vila Ana has an original aesthetic that speaks to Ericeira’s history as a fishing town, plus excellent food and a helpful staff.
Not to mention high water pressure, which I really appreciated during my hot shower after surfing in the cold Atlantic!
The Experience
It was just as easy to find a surf class as it was to arrive. One morning I simply strolled down the street and signed up for the next day’s beginner class. There are several surf schools where you can do this.
We all met the following morning at 8. Then we walked for about 10 minutes across the town plaza to a parking lot adjacent to one of the beaches. Every day instructors choose a different beach, using class size, experience level, and ocean conditions as criteria.
We put the wetsuits on and walked down to the shore, where a 15-minute lesson on surf technique, terminology and etiquette was given. Then we grabbed our boards and went in!
I hadn’t expected the water to be so cold, despite my mid-Atlantic roots. And the waves were a bit choppy. But I got in a couple decent rides and overall had a good time.
Cost
The group lesson I took cost EUR 40 per person. The whole experience was 2 hours long.
Surfing schools offer private lessons for EUR 100 plus camps and surf schools at varying costs (depending on length and number of participants).
Tips Before You Go
You don’t need any experiencein surfing to ride a wave! It was fairly easy, and your instructor will help. Everyone in my group got in at least one wave.
Take a private lesson for more time on the waves and to learn faster.
The water was chilly. Def have a warm shower available!
The water was rather rough for a beginner class. At risk of sounding obvious, make sure you are comfortable swimming in the ocean before taking a surf lesson.
Embrace surf culture and take a few days to explore and find your perfect wave. Although you CAN take a day trip from Lisbon for this experience, I recommend spending some time in Ericeira. It’s a cool, pretty town, and just jetting in to catch a quick wave cheapens the experience.
Conclusion
There is a modern problem with the commodification of everything related to surfing- from the clothes to the literal making of waves.
Conversely, there is something romantic and irreplaceable to the experience of waiting for the perfect wave, including taking time to know the people and way of life adjacent to the sea.
So stay in Ericeira for a bit, and take the time to learn surfing and the patience it involves if you’re interested.
It’s hard to believe that of the 10 surf reserves in the world, there is one just an hour from a European capital. But Ericeira isn’t a secret for vacationers, and for good reason. It’s a pretty whitewashed town and bountiful in beautiful beaches. We learned Ericeira isn’t just for surfing (although you should try it here!). Find out how to start your trip with our Ericeira travel guide!
What to Do
The Popular Stuff
Surfing: There are 7 beaches within the Surf Reserve and each offers excellent waves depending on ocean conditions. If you’re new-ish at all to surfing, I recommend a 2-hr lesson to start off like I did. Book a lesson with a local here :)
Beach Town Fun: You know, like walking from beach to beach, dancing late into the evening, and enjoying happy hours at sunset. It’s a sunny beach town, so take advantage!
Other Outdoors Adventures
Bike Tour of Lizandro Cliffs: A sweet option if you want to skip the shore and still keep moving outdoors. Book a ride here.
What to Eat
Ice Cream: Ericeira has several highly-rated ice cream shops. Our personal favorite? Veneza, located right in the plaza. They’ve got deserts and espresso drinks too!
Seafood: To no one’s surprise, the seafood in this town was outstanding! Get a fixed price lunch for the freshest, best bang for your buck.
Where to Stay
There are countless hotels and vacation homes to rent out in Ericeira. We stayed at a locally run spot, Villa Ana Margarida. It was close to everything, decorated with a uniquely fun ocean theme, and had great breakfast options.
Surfers should consider Chill in Ericeira Surf House, which is walking distance to Futuro beach. They offer massages and yoga lessons in addition to surf lessons! See/book here.
What to Pack
Bring stuff for being outside, especially the beach, and for sunny Mediterranean weather:
Bathing suit
Wetsuit (you can also rent one; this part of the Atlantic is not warm!)
Sunblock
Hat
Sunglasses
Sandals
Walking shoes (sneakers are fine)
A couple sets of clothes for warm weather but also some pants and long sleeved shirts for cooler evenings
Sweater and rain-jacket if going in the winter
What to Buy
There is actually a number of good, unique shops for souvenirs here. If you’re looking for surf clothes/gear/etc, Ericeira’s the place.
Transportation
How To Get To Ericeira
You can easily get to Ericeira by bus. The company Malfrense has 1-2 buses per hour from about 7am to 11 pm daily. From Campo Grande metro station in Lisbon, the ride takes between one hour to one hour and forty-five minutes.
If you’re in Sintra, the same company has frequent buses to Ericeira and the ride takes about an hour. Buses leave from the Portela de Sintra train station. I recommend avoiding this station at night, as it seemed a bit desolate and sketchy.
In both cases you buy the ticket from the bus driver. A ticket costs EUR 6.40. It’s only a 10-15 minute walk from the stop in Ericeira to the beaches.
Finally, Ericeira is only an hour’s drive by car.
Getting Around Ericeira
Ericeira is small enough to walk around, so that was our only way of transportation. If you have a car, know that many streets are bumpy and narrow with lots of curves.
We spent the final days in Portugal here and couldn’t have been happier. Despite its massive popularity with European vacationers, Ericeira keeps a chill vibe. Definitely go for some relaxing and outstanding outdoor fun!
Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
Surfing started in Peru centuries ago, only to swell in popularity on international shores yet remain on the fringes in of its home culture. It’s actually natural that surfing started in Peru. The long, lazy waves that eventually lick the rocks and sand are easy on the newbie. And being one myself, I finally took up an invitation to surf in Lima.
My Experience
It became evident that this is truly a Peruvian sport. Although I rose early (for a Saturday), this wasn’t necessary. You can rent a board any time of the morning or afternoon in Miraflores.
So, punctuality isn’t an issue. Definitely a very Peruvian thing.
The weather was sunny but the water frigid. My black swimsuit, a rental, made me feel like a warm sushi roll. Maybe this explained surfing’s relative lack of popularity. There are about 10 million people in the city, but only ten came to surf in Lima that day.
My arms spun and legs kicked as I followed my friend in the water. To the uninitiated, a surfboard is like a bigger, heavier boogie board. And that makes the simple act of getting in position a workout itself.
I tried to follow my friend’s instructions after turning the board to face the shore. And I shut down the voice in the back of my head saying “it’s OK if you don’t get up, a lot of first timers don’t“. My interest was in riding waves, not feeling pity for myself.
My legs moved madly upon selecting a wave and in trying to not lose it. But before I knew it, the wave was taking me. One lingering breath to loosen up later, my feet got in position on the board.
It was the moment of truth. Steadily I stood as the board continued on its own pace towards the rocky edge.
Yet all of a sudden, I was up. And to my somewhat disbelief, I wasn’t falling. My shoulders relaxed and rolled back as a hesitant smile crept over my face.
The exhilaration of knowing I did it meshed beautifully with the thrill of being on top of the sea, and the ocean air added its own particular pleasure as the board moved left and right as I saw fit.
To the right was the Rosa Nautica, a famous restaurant at the end of a pier. Straight ahead past the rocks, the Costa Verde had its traffic. And slightly above on top of the cliffs was the popular LarcoMar, an outdoor mall attracting tourists and Lima’s most fashionable residents.
As is the standard scene in Lima, these were all packed, and the surfing beach was not.
Those people in LarcoMar are fools, I said to myself.
After Sport, Food
We ended the morning satiating ourselves with pork chicharon sandwiches. Chicharron is probably the most popular weekend breakfast in the streets of Peru, and it should be.
While munching on sweet potato fries, I observed that nobody else had come from the beach. Everyone in Miraflores had another way to spend their morning.
I hoped for their sake they changed their minds the following weekend.
How to Surf in Lima
Photo by Ernesto Leon on Unsplash
If you go, be ready to pay in cash. You can rent a board + suit for S/ 20-30 (under $10 USD!!!) for an hour. There are also lessons available. Prices depend on the number of people.
Of course, you can bring your own board. I recommend surfing at the bottom of the cliff in Miraflores. Just take the sidewalk from the Malecon or Parque Kennedy to the beach. This is the same place where you can rent boards or take lessons.
Conclusion
Surfing is a great way to have fun, work out, and conserve the environment. In Peru, waves are conserved by surfing and conservation groups. This prevents development or construction that may destroy superb surfing spots.
And the more people who surf and show interest, the more powerful these groups become!
The hike to Pariacaca from Tanta (Yauyos, Lima Department)
Tourists to Peru often wonder if the regions outside of Machu Picchu and Cusco are worth visiting. As someone who once lived far off the Gringo Trail, my answer to this is OF COURSE! There are countless destinations that offer memorable adventures in this incredibly diverse, colorful country. For off the beaten path adventures -after much discussion- we chose the Central region for a Peru sample itinerary.
The region of Central Peru is especially overlooked by international tourists. But here you can zipline in the jungle, hike ancient Incan trails, and whitewater raft for the fraction of the cost in other areas. Just like the North and South, Central Peru is divided by coast, mountains, and jungle. And this itinerary takes you to all three.
Feel free to use this sample itinerary for a trip to Central Peru. Or, mix-and-match experiences; pick one of the destinations below and add it to an itinerary for Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Sample Itinerary: Central Peru
Day 1- Play, Eat & Learn Lima
Lima is overcast and grey 8 months of the year. But being home to 1/3 of Peru’s population, the city offers museums, surfboard and bike rentals, and a world-class gastronomy. Get your ceviche on, check out Museo Larco to learn about Peru’s long history, and walk around the Bohemian Barranco neighborhood.
At night take a fully-reclining seat on a buscama to Oxapampa. This trip will take 10 hours.
Where to stay
Consider Kaminu Backpackers in Barranco. They follow sustainable water practices (Lima’s located in a giant desert) and offer bike rentals. For hotels, I like Casa Andina in Miraflores.
Top experiences in lima
Surfing the costa verde
Renting a bike on the malecon (boardwalk) in Miraflores
Parasailing in Miraflores
Visiting the creepy catacombs at San Francisco Cathedral
Getting your history on at Museo Larco
Eating the local fruits and dishes at Mercado Surquillo in Miraflores
Ceviche…. always ceviche
Day 2-4: Extreme Sports in The Central Jungle
Now you’re in the Central Jungle. This area is known for the German settlements of Pozuzo and Oxapampa. It’s my favorite area in Peru; the weather is warm, the architecture Austrian, and the coffee and beer local and tasty. The weather is warm but not hot, and it gets slightly chilly at night.
Day 2: Stay a night at Ulcumano Ecolodge, a beautiful ecolodge on the outskirts of Oxapampa. Take advantage of the ziplines, rappelling, and hiking opportunities.
Day3: Check out Rio Tigre waterfall near Oxapampa. Take a taxi ride and make the short hike and get soaked under the falls. After lunch take a combi mini-bus to Yanachaga Chemillen National Park. You can take a guided hike (free) and finish searching for Peru’s national bird, the Cock of the Rock. Hundreds of them come out at 4pm every day!
The park rangers can also show you where to camp. You’ll need your own tent, however. Otherwise catch the next combi back to Oxapampa or continue on to the old German settlement of Pozuzo for the night.
Cock of the Rock. Yup, it’s a real, actual name
Day 4: Take time to check out the German architecture in the plaza. If you’re looking for something to do, there is a cave near Oxapampa called Tunqui which makes for a good short adventure. After lunch head to Huancayo, a 6 hour trip.
Where to stay
I recommend Carolina Egg Gesthuas in Oxapampa. The wooden cabins are big and comfy, and they have a pool and bonfire area.
Top Experiences in the Central Jungle
Outdoor activities at Ulcumano ecolodge
Hiking to the area’s waterfalls
Hiking, camping & birdwatching at Yanachaga Chemillen National Park
Drinking German beer and food at Dorcher brewery
Trying the self-proclaimed “best coffee in world” from nearby Villa Rica
Day 5: Rest Up In Huancayo
Spend day 5 in Huancayo. Huancayo is a bustling, authentically Andean city and the jumping-off point to the North Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve. Take it easy today. You’ll probably need to adjust to the altitude (10,692 feet or 3,259 meters). So, have a coca tea and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Huancayo does provide some adventure options. A day hike to the snowcapped Huaytapallana mountain is the most popular option. The city is also famous for its artisans and is the region’s cultural capital. Definitely go to an artisan market for souvenirs.
Where to stay
Since you’re only in Huancayo to pass through, stay at a convenient place downtown like Junco y Capuli.
top experiences in huancayo
View the city and Mantaro Valley at Cerro de la Libertad
Souvenir shopping at the artesian collective next to the main plaza
Learning about the Peruvian internal conflict at the art museum Yalpana Wasi
Visiting Parque de la Identidad (Wanka Identity Park). This small park pays tribute to local culture with stone structures, statues and native flora. Buy a chicha drink from the woman at the front door!
Days 6-8 YOLO in Yauyos!
Sunset from Vitis, Yauyos province- my old home :)
Day 6: If you’re going to make a sample itinerary for Peru based on off-the-beaten path areas, the beautiful region of Yauyos must be considered!
Catch an early morning combi mini bus or shared taxi (collectivo) to the Nor-Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve. Here the weather will be cold at night and warm in the afternoon, much like Huancayo. Go to the centrally-located town of Alis to start your day.
You can stay at a local bed and breakfast-type of location (hospedaje) and make day trips to other villages. Or, you can spend the night at the other towns (which is easier). Either way, you have a few options:
Laraos
Take a bus or shared taxi to Laraos. Laraos has UNESCO world heritage-listed terraces, a famous disappearing lake, and impressive archaeological sites.
Miraflores
Take a bus or shared taxi to Miraflores. There you can hike for a couple of hours alongside a mountain to the old town of Miraflores, abandoned in 1912. The Central Mountain Range of Peru runs through Miraflores. So you’ll get even more excellent views of snowcapped peaks. You can hike down from the town to catch a car to Huancaya.
Huancaya
Take a bus or shared taxi to Huancaya. Huancaya is the most popular destination in the Reserve because of its blue cascades and turquoise lakes. Next door, Vitis offers a 3-hr hike to a pre-Incan site called Cochaswasi. Further past Huancaya (about 2 hours in car) is the village of Vilca, which has more lakes and an impressive Quenual forest. The trees are straight out of a fairy tale. You can camp in Huancaya next to the waterfalls or book a room at a locally-run spot like Hostal Huancaya.
Cascades in Huancaya
Days 7 & 8: Spend two days in the destination of choice or split your time among multiples places.
Day 9 & 10: Raft & Bike in Lunahuaná
Day 9: Take one of the buses or shared cars that leave every morning for Lima. But, instead of getting off at the end of the line, stop at the weekend warrior spot of Lunahuaná. Here you can whitewater raft, mountain bike, and taste local wines and Pisco.
Lunahuaná is about 5 hours from the center of the Reserve downhill, so the weather is dry and warm. Lima is only 3 hours away.
Where To Stay in Lunahuaná
Hotel Quilla Wasi is reasonably priced and offers services that you’ll appreciate after being on the road for so long (HELLO, laundry service!!!)
Day 10: Finish up any activity you want to try in Lunahuaná, then take a shared car or bus to Lima.
If You Have More Time
Take a shared car or bus from Oxapampa to Villa Rica for a coffee tour, in arguably Peru’s best coffee town.
Hike in the Forest of Love (Bosque de Amor) in Vilca. This is 2 hours from Huancaya.
Further on from Vilca, visit the village of Tanta. The village provides guide and porters for a 2-day trek to the snow-capped mountain deity (Apu in Quechua) named Pariacaca. You’ll be on an ancient Incan path the entire time- a true Inca Trail.
Before ending your trip in Lima, get off the bus from Lunahuaná at the surfing hotspot Punta Hermosa. Here you can rent a board to catch some waves, or just enjoy the delicious seafood!
Best Time to Go to Central Peru
Try to avoid the rainy season from November through April. Especially avoid the rainiest months, January and February. Transportation can be dangerous, and towns in general shut down in these months. Of course, since the coast is a desert, this only applies to the Andes and jungle.
Conclusion
I hope this sample itinerary for Peru helps you in planning your adventure. Do you have questions or comments? Email us at GringoInca@gmail.com or comment below. Gracias!
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.
