Mancora and the north coast holidays
Mancora and the north coast holidays at a glance
Peru’s northern coastline feels completely different to the country’s Andean highlands and archaeological heartlands. Here, warm ocean currents, tropical sunshine and long sandy beaches create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy coastal life.
Máncora began as a small fishing village, but it’s grown into Peru’s best-known beach destination. Despite its popularity, we think it holds onto much of its laid-back charm, drawing travellers looking for sunshine, surf and excellent food.
The wider north coast offers a variety of landscapes, from quiet bays and luxury beach resorts to wildlife-rich waters and coastal nature reserves. With consistently warm temperatures and some of Peru’s best beaches, we think of the region as rewarding at almost any time of year.
Many of our travellers use Máncora as a relaxing finale to a wider Peru holiday, after visiting destinations like Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Mancora and the north coast
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Máncora offers a side of Peru that many travellers don’t expect. After exploring the Andes and ancient ruins, spending time beside the Pacific Ocean provides the perfect contrast.
When to visit Mancora and the north coast
One of the region’s biggest attractions is its favourable climate, which allows you to enjoy the coast throughout much of the year. Compared with many parts of Peru, the north coast offers consistently warm conditions and remains one of the country’s most reliable sunshine destinations.
This is very much the summer season, with local visitors enjoying the beach; temperatures and humidity are at their highest, and the odd shower is to be expected.
This is very much the summer season, with local visitors enjoying the beach; temperatures and humidity are at their highest, and the odd shower is to be expected.
Warm weather persists, though this marks the start of the slightly cooler and drier season; humidity is low and rain unlikely.
These are coolest and driest months, although temperatures remain balmy and sea swimming should still be an option; whales arrive off shore from mid July
These are coolest and driest months, although temperatures remain balmy and sea swimming should still be an option; excellent months for whale spotting.
Warm sunny days, with temperatures increasing towards the end of the year and the peak summer holidays; expect the occasional shower
Accommodation in Mancora and the north coast
Accommodation ranges from boutique beach hotels and luxury coastal retreats to relaxed surf lodges overlooking the ocean. Many of the properties we use have direct beach access, so you can make the most of the region’s sunshine, scenery and laid-back atmosphere.
Aranwa Vichayito Bungalows and Carpas is a beach resort and spa offering innovative and luxurious tented accommodation and cottages on the Pacific coast near Mancora.
DCO Suites, Lounge and Spa is an exclusive, hip and stylish first class beach resort on a sandy Pacific beach close to lively Mancora.
Arennas is a high quality, chic hotel offering relaxation in a contemporary ambiance on a soft-sand Pacific beach.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
FAQs about visiting Mancora and the north coast
Mancora and the north coast is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Mancora?
Constant sunshine and balmy temperatures make this a prime beach destination all year round. The trendy youth and surfer sets descend in large numbers in the southern summer, Dec-Feb, so if you like bars, pumping music and people-watching, that’s the time to go. It is quieter outside this period but never totally dead.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in Mancora?
The main language spoken in Mancora is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Mancora?
The Peruvian Nuevo Sol is the main currency used in Mancora. Bring local currency with you from a previous larger destination, since notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from ATMs using a UK credit or debit card in all substantial towns. Numerous money exchange offices exchange US dollars cash (few accept euros or sterling and the rate may be poor).
- What is the time difference between Mancora and the UK?
The time difference between Mancora and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What does a visit to Mancora combine with?
Zorritos, another up-and-coming beach resort 27 km south of the border with Ecuador; a tour of the archaeological sites of northern Peru such as Chan Chan and Sipán, or the loveliest colonial cities of the north, Trujillo and Cajamarca: drive up the Pan American highway or fly to Tumbes, 85 km from Máncora, or Piura (128 km); any tour of Peru after which you are looking for a beach wind-down, since there are daily flights to and from Lima.
- How do you get to Mancora?
A couple of daily flights from Lima to Tumbes, the nearest airport, take 2 hours, to Piura (6-10 per day) 1 hour 40 mins.
- What key events are there in Mancora?
New Year and Semana Santa (Easter variable, 13-20 Apr 2014): A busy time with many Peruvian holiday-makers.
Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias): 28 Jul annually: a busy couple of days celebrated all over town.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.