Mancora, a vibrant beach town on Peru's northern coast, offers consistent warm, sunny weather and excellent conditions for surfing, welcoming all skill levels. It presents a dynamic atmosphere that blends opportunities for active water sports and wildlife encounters with a relaxed coastal charm.
The town's social pulse is strong, particularly around its main beach and Avenida Piura, which are filled with lively bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Hostels such as Loki del Mar and The Point Mancora are renowned for their energetic parties and social vibe, attracting backpackers and younger travelers. For those seeking a more relaxed evening, there are quieter lounges and cafes, while beachfront areas often transform into party spots with bonfires and live music, and night markets offer a vibrant culinary experience by the sea.
Top 6 Things to do in Mancora
Activities in Mancora largely revolve around its beautiful coastline, providing opportunities for both aquatic adventures and tranquil moments, complemented by vibrant evening entertainment and unique natural attractions.
1. Surfing and Kitesurfing Lessons
Mancora is renowned for its consistent waves, making it an excellent destination for both beginner and experienced surfers. Learning to surf here involves starting with basic theory on the sand before heading into the warm Pacific waters. Kitesurfing, an exhilarating alternative, thrives due to the steady winds. Instructors are widely available, ensuring a safe and confidence-building experience. After a lesson, many schools include board rental for further practice.
Cost: Private surf lessons typically range from $15 to $35 USD (50-80 soles) for an 80-minute session, often including a wetsuit. Board rentals alone are about $3 USD (10 soles) for a session or $6 USD (20 soles) for a full day. Kite surfing lessons are usually part of a package and vary by school.
Transport: Surf schools and board rentals are readily available directly on Mancora Beach, within walking distance of the town center.
2. Whale Watching and Swimming with Sea Turtles
Experience the majesty of humpback whales as they migrate to these warm waters to breed and give birth, typically from July to November. Tours often depart early to catch the calmest seas, offering a high probability of sightings. Following the whale watching, many excursions include an opportunity to swim and snorkel with green sea turtles in their natural habitat near El Ñuro. When swimming with turtles, it is important to observe them respectfully without touching them.
Cost: Whale watching tours, often combined with swimming with turtles, range from S/130 to S/180 (approximately $35-$50 USD) per person, with options for shared boats or catamarans. Swimming with sea turtles separately in El Ñuro can cost around S/60 to S/83 (approximately $16-$23 USD).
Transport: Tours for whale watching and turtle swimming typically depart from Los Organos pier or the Mancora dock. Many tour operators include hotel pickup in Mancora. El Ñuro is a short mototaxi ride south of Organos; a mototaxi from Mancora to El Ñuro can cost around S/60 (approximately $16 USD).
3. Relax at Mancora Beach and Las Pocitas
Mancora's main beach offers soft golden sand and clear, warm waters, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying refreshing dips. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, a short walk south leads to Las Pocitas Beach. At low tide, Las Pocitas reveals calm, shallow natural pools, creating a serene environment ideal for relaxation. Both beaches provide opportunities to simply lay out a towel or rent sunbeds and umbrellas for added comfort.
Cost: Free to enjoy the beaches. Sunbed and umbrella rentals vary by vendor and location.
Transport: Mancora Beach is central to town and easily walkable. Las Pocitas Beach is a serene stretch just a 20-minute walk south from Mancora's center, or a short mototaxi ride.
4. Experience Mancora's Nightlife
As evening descends, Mancora transforms into a lively hub. The town's main street and beachfront are dotted with bars, restaurants, and clubs that pulse with music and offer affordable drinks. Hostels like Loki del Mar and The Point Mancora are particularly known for their energetic pool parties and social vibe, attracting a dynamic crowd. For a more relaxed evening, quieter lounges and cafes are also available, while beachfront areas often host bonfires and live music.
Cost: Drinks typically range from S/10-15 for a beer and S/15-30 for cocktails. Some clubs may have an entrance fee between S/20-50, especially during peak season or for special events.
Transport: Most nightlife spots are concentrated along Avenida Piura and the main beach, making them easily accessible by walking. Mototaxis are widely available for short rides within the town at night.
5. Visit the Pozas de Barro (Mud Baths)
A unique and relaxing day trip involves visiting the natural mud baths known as Pozas de Barro. These mineral-rich mud pools and hot springs offer a distinctive experience, believed by some to have healing properties for the skin. It provides a peaceful escape from the bustling beach, allowing visitors to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Cost: The entrance fee to the mud baths is approximately $2 USD (5 soles). Guided tours, which often include transportation, can cost around $30 USD per person.
Transport: The mud baths are located approximately 40-45 minutes northeast of Mancora by mototaxi. A mototaxi can take you there, or you can join a half-day tour that includes transportation and a guide.
6. Enjoy Sunset at the Lighthouse (El Mirador del Faro)
For a memorable end to the day, head to the Mancora lighthouse, known as El Mirador del Faro. This viewpoint offers a picturesque setting to watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean. It's a peaceful experience, providing stunning photographic opportunities.
Cost: Free to visit.
Transport: The lighthouse is located on a hill within walking distance of parts of Mancora, though a short mototaxi ride might be preferred depending on your starting point.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
