You're Going to Love Máncora
A beach resort town on Peru's northwest coast, Máncora draws surfers and land-loving tourists alike. Also known for its hot springs and mud baths, the city is a favorite among those looking for rest and relaxation.
A former haunt of Hemingway's, Máncora also attracts nature lovers to the Mangroves and the Amotape Hills National Park, whose equatorial dry forests contain orchids, thorn trees, spectacled bears, boa constrictors, American crocodiles, and over a hundred bird species.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Máncora
1. Surf's Up
Though good all year round, surfing is best from November to February when the water is warmest and the waves won't overwhelm beginners.
2. Head to the Mangroves
Boats can be rented to tour the mangroves and islands that house over 350 crocodiles and other fauna. Tours also include stops at the beaches of Punta Sal and Zorritos.
3. Local Artisans
On Avenida Piura, there's a colorful outdoor market where locals sell handmade jewelry, crafts, clothing and food.
4. Live the Nightlife
Visitors play hard during the day and night in Máncora. The party scene is centered at the hotels, which feature theme parties, live DJs, and dancing until dawn.
5. Sample the Seafood
Máncora has the freshest fish imaginable. Try the pescado a lo macho with garlic sauce, octopus, shrimp, and squid, chupe, a soup with shrimp or crab, or ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice and onions.
When to Visit Máncora
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The best time to visit Máncora is during high season, January to February.
How to Get to Máncora
Plane
The closest airports are in Piura, Tumbes, or Talara. International visitors need to layover in Lima before taking a flight to one of the three cities. A taxi from the airport is roughly S/. 392. A shuttle bus is S/. 294.
Car
The drive to Máncora from Lima is approximately 21 hours along Route 1S - Carretera Panamericana Sur.
Bus
The bus from Lima to Máncora takes 16.5 hours and costs S/. 143.
Airlines serving Máncora
Where to stay in popular areas of Máncora
Most booked hotels in Máncora
How to Get Around Máncora
Taxi
Elvis Taxi provides private service in Máncora to the Piura and Tumbes beaches, as well as transfers to the Talara, Piura, and Tumbes airports. Fares start at S/. 6.54.
Car
Car rentals in Máncora start at S/. 115 a day.
Where to Eat in Máncora
La Mosca en la Sopa specializes in grilled beef, pasta dishes, and smoked fish. Entrees average S/. 100. El Mero Murique serves ceviche, grilled fish, and chicken. Entrees average S/. 100.