Mancora in Peru is one of the coolest little beach towns in the country and defo has something for everyone. When we visited, Mancora was super quiet with amazing weather, great food, fantastic waves, and just a few tourists here and there. But I’ve also heard stories from friends saying it’s this wild party town. Based on my experience, I’ve got to tell you, though, Mancora definitely has more of a hidden gem vibe than a party town one.
If you’re looking for one of the best and most chill beach towns in South America, then this little bohemian town will be right up your alley. There’s loads of cool stuff to do, and it’s super low-key. It definitely took me a few days to fall in love with it because, at first glance, it doesn’t blow you away. But once you find the cool places and fun activities, you’ll love it.
- What are the Best Things to do in Mancora?
- Relax at Mancora Beach (Playa Mancora)
- Join a Whale Watching Tour
- Have Breakfast at Green Eggs & Ham
- Relax in the Mud Baths
- Take Surf Lessons
- Go Scuba Diving
- Try Kite Surfing
- Experience Mancora’s Nightlife
- Enjoy a Dinner at La Sirena d Juan
- Rave at the Lighthouse
- Check out the Market at Selina Mancora
- The Best Things to Do in Mancora – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Things to do in Mancora?
As I’ve already mentioned, Mancora is a full-blown beach town, so you can probably guess what the coolest activities are. Hang out on the sandy beaches, join one of the whale-watching tours, stay at a party hostel, and take some surf lessons.
But there’s more to it than just your typical beach town vibes. What I personally raved about the most—and still do!—is the food in Mancora. Yes, Mancora is a small beach town, but the food scene here is surprisingly fantastic. Some of the restaurants are high-class and amazing, which I totally didn’t expect. You should definitely try as many spots as possible.
Relax at Mancora Beach (Playa Mancora)
One of the absolute best things about Mancora is its stunning beach. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft and golden—pure paradise! You can spend hours lounging on the beach, soaking up the sunshine, and taking refreshing dips in the ocean.
You can easily plop your towel down wherever you like since the beaches aren’t typically super crowded. But if you prefer a bit more comfort, you can rent a sunbed and umbrella in some spots at Mancora Beach. Personally, I found that heading to the beach bar at Hotel Del Wawa was the best move. You can just stroll in from the beach—totally fine—and as long as you order some drinks, you can make use of their sunbeds and facilities. It’s a super chill place to hang out for the day, plus they have some delicious food!
It’s also right next to one of my favorite hotels, Las Olas, which sits right on Mancora Beach and offers some of the most breathtaking sunset views you can imagine.
If you want more tips on cool places to stay, check out our guide on “Where to stay in Mancora.”
Join a Whale Watching Tour
Mancora is such a popular beach town, and our giant ocean friends are a big reason why. Mancora Beach is super famous for whale watching, and it quickly became one of my favorite activities while I was there. Whale watching season is between July and November when whales travel up from Antarctica to mate and give birth in the warmer waters. Usually, you will see loads of humpback whales and even some green turtles if you get lucky.
One thing I absolutely love about most whale-watching tours in Mancora is that they’re super eco-friendly. The local tour operators use small boats, which means less disturbance to the whales’ natural habitat.
We went with Discovery Mancora Tours, which is the biggest tour company in town, so you really can’t go wrong with them. Plus, we stayed at their beach house, which you can book on their website for an incredibly low price. I highly recommend it because you’re right on the beach and get the most amazing views for about $40 a night—such a steal!
So, if you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience during your stay in Mancora, definitely consider joining a whale-watching tour!
Click here for more information
Have Breakfast at Green Eggs & Ham
Let’s dive into one of my favorite foodie spots in Mancora: Green Eggs & Ham. This charming little cafe has a hint of Caribbean flair, nestled in a colorful house with a massive terrace overlooking the ocean.
Their meals are pretty straightforward—not your fancy avocado toast kind of place—but it definitely hits the spot when you’re looking to kickstart your day right. They serve up some cheap filter coffee, great sandwiches, and delicious hashbrowns. Oh, and their brownies? Seriously addictive. I may have indulged in one too many, so watch out—they’re dangerously good!
Right behind the cafe, there’s a quaint yard filled with trees, flowers, and some fun shops and boutiques.
Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for a relaxed evening on your balcony, there’s a little luxury supermarket behind Green Eggs & Ham. You can grab some fancy meats, cheeses, crackers, and good wine. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but it’s perfect if you want to enjoy your own sunset picnic.
Check out our guide on the best places to eat in Mancora for our favorite restaurants end eateries!
Relax in the Mud Baths
If you’re in Mancora, you should check out the Pozas de Barro. These natural mud baths are a blast and just a 40-minute drive from the town center—perfect for a chill day trip. The entrance fee is only about $2, and that gets you access to the mud pools, hot springs, and outdoor showers. Trust me, you can easily lose track of time soaking in the mineral-rich mud and hot water while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Now, I’ve got to keep it real with you. If you’ve got a car and some spare time, it’s definitely a fun little adventure, but don’t expect anything too fancy. The mud baths are a bit rustic and not the cleanest, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
After you’re done lounging in the mud, make sure to rinse off in the hot showers before heading back to town. You’ll feel totally rejuvenated and refreshed.
Take Surf Lessons
Mancora is famous for its surf beaches, offering plenty of chances to catch some waves. There are loads of surf schools in town that cater to all levels, from total newbies to seasoned pros. You can rent boards right on the beach or through a surf school.
The prime time for surfing in Mancora is from December to April when the waves are consistent and perfect for beginners and the ideal swell direction. Most experienced surfers will usually be here around this time of year as well, so it’s a great opportunity to meet some like-minded people and catch some epic waves together.
I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a hardcore surfer, but I took some surfing lessons at one of the surf schools and absolutely loved it. I went with Surf School Inkawarrior, which is conveniently located just outside of Green Eggs & Ham. Perfect setup, because after your lesson you can head straight to breakfast!
Go Scuba Diving
I recently did a dive in Mancora, and I have to say, it was pretty good! The water was calm and visibility was decent enough to really enjoy the experience. There are a few dive shops around town offering trips to nearby spots like El Ă‘uro and Los Organos. These places are famous for their diverse marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and a variety of tropical fish.
I went with Spondylus Diving, and they were fantastic! The instructors were super friendly, and all the gear was in great condition.
Just a heads up, though—the diving here might not totally blow your socks off. If you haven’t been diving in a while and find yourself in Mancora, definitely give it a shot. But personally, I thought it was a bit pricey for what you get.
For an epic diving experience in Latin America, I’d recommend heading to places like Utila or Roatán in Honduras, or the Galápagos in Ecuador. Those spots are definitely worth the trip!
Check out our guide on ‘Where to stay in Utila‘ if you want to stay in a cool and affordable diving spot.
Try Kite Surfing
If normal surfing doesn’t quite cut it for you or if you just want to try something new, give kite surfing a go! Mancora is known for its consistent winds and perfect conditions for this extreme water sport. There are several kite surfing schools in town, such as Kite Club Mancora, that offer lessons and equipment rental.
Don’t worry if you’re a total beginner—the instructors will make sure you feel safe and confident before letting you out on your own. And trust me, once you get the hang of it, there’s no feeling quite like gliding over the waves with just your board and a giant kite.
Click here for more information
Experience Mancora’s Nightlife
Alright, let’s chat about Mancora after dark because I know that’s what a lot of you, especially the backpackers, are eager to hear about. Mancora might be a small beach town, but it sure knows how to throw a party! There are plenty of bars and clubs along the main street with affordable drinks and lively music.
Start your night with some mouth-watering Peruvian food at one of the local restaurants. Then, make your way to Loki Hostel for their legendary pool parties.
Just a heads-up: make sure to visit during the peak season, from December to February. That’s when the town is buzzing with both Peruvian and international tourists. Outside of that, Mancora can be pretty quiet. So, pack your party shoes and get ready for an unforgettable night in Mancora!
Enjoy a Dinner at La Sirena d Juan
There are so many good restaurants in Mancora, but my favorite has to be La Sirena d Juan. It’s right on the main street, and the place has this super charming Peruvian vibe. It’s pretty small, which kind of makes it feel exclusive, you know? The place has a bit of a fine dining feel, and their dishes are top-notch and absolutely delicious.
Their menu has some really interesting dishes and combinations that seem very traditional. They have great fresh raw fish options, but also a fantastic lamb cheek that I tried and definitely recommend.
It’s also a great spot to enjoy some cocktails afterward. Definitely worth checking out if you fancy a nice dinner and drinks experience in Mancora.
Check out our guide on the best places to eat in Mancora for our favorite restaurants end eateries!
Rave at the Lighthouse
I’ve got a little story for you, and I can’t wait to share it! So, in the heart of Mancora, there’s this pretty big hill with a lighthouse on top. During our stay in Mancora, we were at this cute little boutique hotel at the bottom of the hill (you can check it out here). One night, we heard some really loud music, and, curious souls that we are, we decided to hunt down the source.
After wandering around a bit, we figured the music was coming from the lighthouse. We climbed up just in time for an amazing sunset and discovered a rave happening right there! It was buzzing with energy, a DJ was playing his set, and everyone just brought their own booze and danced the night away. It was super laid-back yet incredibly fun, and the lighthouse offered the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
I wish I had more details about this rave, but it seems like one of those events you hear about through the local grapevine while in Mancora. If you stay at one of the hostels, I bet the staff will fill you in on these kinds of happenings!
Check out the Market at Selina Mancora
If you’ve ever stayed at a Selina Hostel, you know they’re scattered all over South America and beyond. Well, there’s one in Mancora too, and I’ve got to say, even though I’m usually not the biggest fan of hostel chains, this one is undeniably awesome. The facilities are top-notch with a huge outdoor pool right on the beach, plus an amazing beach bar and restaurant. They’ve even expanded recently, adding more rooms and dorms!
Every weekend, they host this super cool hippie handicraft market outside the restaurant. Tons of locals set up their little stands, selling everything from jewelry to clothes and souvenirs. They brought in a few food carts and when I was there, they had a DJ playing – it was so much fun.
Oh, and by the way, you can use the pool and outdoor area at Selina even if you’re not staying there, as long as you grab some drinks!
Click here for more information
The Best Things to Do in Mancora – Frequently Asked Questions
🏖️ Where is Mancora?
Mancora is one of the small beach towns located in the Piura Region of northwest Peru. It is famous for its sunny weather, vibrant nightlife, and excellent surfing conditions. Positioned along the Pan-American Highway, it is a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
🛏️ Are there good hotels in Mancora?
Absolutely, there are some fantastic hotels in Mancora! It’s more of a charming surf town than a flashy resort spot, so you’ll find hotels here with a lovely boutique vibe. They’re a bit smaller, cozier, and feel much more intimate.
If you’re curious about our favorite spots to stay in Mancora, check out our guide on ‘Where to stay in Mancora‘.
🚌 How do I get to Mancora?
The closest airport to Mancora is the Capitan FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport in Piura, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. You can also take a bus from Lima or other cities in Peru. It’s also very popular to take the bus from or to the Ecuadorian border, as many of you will travel around South America and probably cross the border here.
🌴 Is it worth visiting Mancora?
Absolutely! Mancora is the perfect spot to unwind after your Peru adventure. At least, that’s what we did! We spent about 5 weeks traveling around Peru, doing all the sightseeing, hiking, and exploring. By the end, we needed a break, and Mancora was just what the doctor ordered.
Mancora is a charming, laid-back beach town that’s not too hectic and super affordable—ideal for a little beach getaway. Think of it as the perfect place to kick back, relax, and soak in some sun.
The Best Things to Do in Mancora – Final Words
Mancora may be a small town, but it has so much to offer! From sandy beaches and fun water activities to cool nightlife and delicious food, there’s something for everyone in Mancora.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-packed trip, make sure to add this gem of a destination to your travel bucket list! And don’t forget to grab some drinks at Selina while you’re there – trust us, it’s worth it. Happy Travels!
