Mancora – Punta Sal: The best beaches in Peru

Even though Peru is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, outside of the Amazon, its climate isn’t exactly tropical. This is partly due to the altitude of the Andes, and also to the Humboldt current which makes its way up from the Antarctic region. But not all of Peruvian beaches are affected by these cold waters, namely a small region in the North which is home to Mancora and Punta Sal beaches…

The presence of a warmer current in the Tumbes region modifies the local climate, which becomes more tropical. And the desert which occupies the 1500 miles of the peruvian coast finally gives way to some vegetation here, even if the area is still quite arid.

This area is considered the Mediterranean equivalent of Peru, a holiday resort and secondary residence for the higher classes of Lima, where you will find many hotels of different categories.

The best-known beaches are Mancora and Punta Sal. Mancora is a livelier village with more going on, especially for surfers, whereas Punta Sal is more exclusive.

Punta Sal is located 50 miles south of Tumbes, and Mancora another 12 miles further.

 

The main activity in Mancora and Punta Sal is of course total relaxation. The beaches are beautiful, the water is pleasant and many of the hotels have their own private swimming pools. However there are of course other options on offer, such as an excursion to Puerto Pizarro to visit this natural park’s mangrove, surfing, kite-surfing and kayaking, and even some trips out to sea to go whale-spotting, from August to October.