Máncora - all year round beach destination of Perú.

View over Máncora 

Pan-American highway is the main street in Máncora. It is a small town with fishing port. The beaches stretch along many kilometres, the sand is white and the waters crystalline. The abundance of life in the water stuns any visitor : different type of fish jumping above the surface of water, sea horses, whales in August, September and October.

Pura Vida

It is famous for its weather, as the place enjoys 12 months of summertime... and surfing. The waves are smooth and even myself I was able to stand up on the board. It is one of the best places to learn how to surf, but it's also a great place for skilled surfers. Waves are guaranteed 365 days a year.  A good option in Máncora is also to do...absolutely nothing, "dolce far niente", just chill on the beach.

Beach in Màncora at 8 a.m.

The city has around 10,000 habitants and receives loads of tourists (340,000 visitors in 2005). It is a destination on the rise, which will see more tourism arrivals in coming years.
Máncora is located in the North-West of Perù, 18 hours by bus from Lima, or 10 hours by bus from Trujillo. The best company to go by bus is Cruz del Sur, if you're coming from south of Perú. We came  on a direct bus from Cuenca, Ecuador (7h), the company name was Super Semería. Most visitors come by bus, as there's no local airport. If you want to fly, you may take a plane to Tumbes or Piura, and follow by 2,5 hours journey on the bus.

Deserted landscape

Found alive on the shore

The contradictory abundance
of life in water and the desert on the other side of the shore make it a unique combination. Our hostel was located on the top of the hill, so we had a view on the desert and the sea, what a mix! It is the only one, so far, to offer a splendid views over Máncora, it's called "Kon Tiki". In regards to accommodation, I wouldn't recommend staying in the "centre", main entrance to the beach, but rather on the sides - a bit farther, as it is very noisy every night, the clubs are open everyday.

Sunset and the lighthouse

Pisco Sour - national drink

I saw written on a t-shirt, that Máncora is same as Caribbean only better, because it has Ceviche! Ceviche is a dish usually prepared from raw fish, octopus, prawns, black shell meat or mix of seafood marinated in lemon and lime juices, red onion, red chilli and coriander. It is served usually with potato and toasted or fresh sweetcorn. Yummi! Most of the menú del día (daily menu) includes this dish as a starter. The main course choice is wide, so you won't go hungry. The prices of the menú del día oscillate between 8 - 10 nuevos soles (US $3-4).

See you in Máncora!