Mancora - Punta Sal: The Best Beaches in Peru

Although Peru is located between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, outside the Amazon its climate is not exactly tropical. This is partly due to the high altitude of the Andes, and along the coast to the Humboldt Current flowing up from the Antarctic region. As a result, the entire Peruvian coast is bathed by the cold waters of this current. The entire coast? No, one small region in the far north of the country still holds out against the invader... ;-)

The presence of a warmer water current in the Tumbes region changes the climate, which becomes tropical. And the desert that occupies 2,500 kilometers of the Peruvian coast finally gives way here to vegetation, even though the area is still fairly arid.

It is therefore a bit like Peru's Mediterranean, a holiday resort and second-home destination for the upper classes of Lima, where many hotels of all categories have been established.

The most renowned beaches are Mancora and Punta Sal. Mancora is a livelier village, particularly for surfers, while Punta Sal is a bit more exclusive. Punta Sal is located 80 kilometers south of Tumbes, and Mancora is another 20 kilometers further.

The main activity in Mancora and Punta Sal is, of course, relaxing. The beaches are beautiful, the water is pleasant, and many hotels have a pool. However, you can also enjoy a few activities such as an excursion to Puerto Pizarro to visit the mangroves of this natural park, surfing and kite-surfing, sea kayaking, and even boat trips to spot humpback whales from August to October.