Peru Mancora and the north coast

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.

The main language spoken in Mancora is Spanish.

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 Bring local currency with you from a previous larger destination, since notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from ATMs using a UK credit or debit card in all substantial towns.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).

The time difference between Mancora and the UK is GMT -5 hours.

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.

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.

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.