Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 13-02-2023
Mancora is one of those beach towns that has so many things to do, you will not easily get bored. You can learn to surf, chill on the beach and take a walk to Las Pocitas. If you are done with the sand? Sample delicious food, experience stunning sunsets, and have awesome nights out. Mancora is your beachside paradise in the north of Peru!
Surfing at Sunset
Learn to surf
Number one on the list of things to do in Mancora has to be surfing, as it is the main reason travelers come to this town in Northern Peru. Mancora is the best place to learn to surf in Peru. The reason is that the sun is always shining, the waves are predictable and suitable for beginners and the surf schools in Mancora are positioned right at the beach where the surfing happens. With nearly 25 surrounding shark-free beaches offering an ideal swell direction and perfect wind conditions during both summer and winter seasons, this little Bohemian town is for sure the best spot to settle down and hop on a board. While the town’s beach will most likely attract beginners, the most experienced surfers will head to Lobitos, Tumbes, Cabo Blanco, or Piura where they will find very little in the way of crowds and up to 3m long and tubular waves!
Small Waves
Kite surfing
The sandy beaches of Mancora and Los Organos stretch for kilometers with strong and consistent wind and reasonably warm waters. For these reasons, Kite-surfing, a new activity in the area, is literally exploding due to the opening of schools and specialized lodging. The best conditions are from April to December with August having the greatest conditions.
Kite Surfing
Watch the sunset at the Mancora lighthouse (El Mirador del Faro)
Although each sunset in Mancora will be stunning, there is one location to watch the sunset in Mancora that beats them all... the Mancora lighthouse or “El Mirador del Faro”. The lighthouse is positioned on top of a hill and it gives you a beautiful view over Mancora and the Pacific Ocean bathed in orange light. The lighthouse is stunning itself and the huts and benches on top of the hill give the location a very relaxed vibe. Furthermore, not too many people are willing to make the climb up to El Mirador del Faro, so it is not too crowded, and you can really enjoy the view. Relax on the beaches of Mancora.
El Faro
Soak up The Sun
Although Peru has a lot of coastal areas, yet Peru is not your typical beach holiday country. However, some of the best beaches in Peru you will find in and around Mancora. Accordingly, this little surf town with good weather all year round is a good summer getaway to work on your tan. There are generally 3 main beaches you can choose from in Mancora. Playa Mancora in the town center and slightly north, Playa del Amor to the north, and Las Pocitas to the south. Try them all out and see which one is your favorite!
Mancora Beach
Go Whale Watching in Los Organos
From July to October, Humpback Whales reach the coast of Peru after a long journey from the cold waters of Antarctica. They stay in the area during the austral winter to give birth or to mate before heading back south to feed. During their time in the Peruvian Pacific Ocean, the humpback whales are very active, which offers tourists the opportunity to see them, and if you’re lucky you can even spot them breaching.
Whale Watching
Swim with Green Turtles
Only a few kilometers from Mancora beach, Green Turtles can be spotted all year long. Most whale-watching tours will include swimming with turtles in their excursions, but if it isn’t part of your tour, you can still do it yourself as long as you have a snorkel and mask. The Green Turtles usually hang out around the pier at the small Nuro port, along with the Pelicans, eating the leftovers of the fishermen. Peruvian and international tourists often swim from the shore to approach the turtles. Please note that Green Turtles are an endangered species. Be considerate and avoid touching them or staying too long near them. If the turtle swims away from you, let it go, and don’t chase it. An overdeveloped tourism industry can be stressful for the turtles and the results are thought to affect their yearly hatchlings. Stressed turtles are less likely to return to the area to mate or lay their eggs.
Green Sea Turtles
Visit the Mud Baths
Located in the nearby town of Zorritos (about 45 minutes away) is a collection of five naturally occurring mud baths. Each pool provides a different textural experience and healing property.
Mud Baths
Mancora Yoga, Muay Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu
Yoga in Mancora
Wellness activities and classes of all types are the “new” hip activity in Mancora. Where better to have some downtime and take care of your mind, body, and soul?
Lessons take place at the hotel Las Ballistas (on the other side of the bridge) as well as in other places. Different Yoga styles are taught at the beautiful location, they have a board with the class times.
Muay Thai & Jiu-Jitsu
Fairly unexpected, but you can also practice martial arts in Mancora! Some of the best Muay Thai boxers in Peru come from here. There are several places to practice and the classes are mostly attended by locals. The easiest place to go to is Psygon surf camp, they also offer Jiu-Jitsu.
Yoga on The Beach
Contact us here if you want to visit the wonderful beach town of Mancora!
