Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9
main road,
la bulla
(the ruckus) puts
many off, but there are more peaceful
resorts along this stretch of coast between
here and Tumbes - such as Pocitas,
Vichayito, Cabo Blanco and Canoas de
Punta Sal - where it's possible to find
quieter, unspoilt stretches of coastline.
Destinations
Buses to Lima (18hr) and other destinations
all originate from Tumbes (2hr) or Piura (3hr 45min) and
come via Máncora. Most buses to Lima (9 daily; 17-20hr)
leave Tumbes in the afternoon and may stop at Máncora
(2hr), Piura (6hr), Chiclayo (8hr), Trujillo (10hr), or go
straight there. International buses go to Machala, Ecuador
(8 daily; 1hr 30min once through immigration).
By colectivo and combi
Colectivos
depart every 30min
4am-7pm from EPPO, at Av Grau 470, to nearby beach Los
Organos (20min; S1.50) and most resorts south to Piura
(4hr).
Combis
drive up and down Av Piura throughout the
day, picking up passengers until they are full for the trip to
Tumbes (2hr; S7). There are also companies along Av Piura
offering a comfortable trip to Piura or Tumbes in modern
people carriers; much faster than coaches, but they cost
a lot more (eg to Piura S35).
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Máncora itself is a small settlement based
along Avenida Piura (the stretch of the
Panamericana that passes through
Máncora) and the few side roads and
passageways (many without an official
name) that lead to the beach. There
are no real
sights
other than some small
mud baths about forty minutes away by
mototaxi
; hit the waves, wander around
the multitude of
artesanía
stalls along the
main avenue, have a cocktail and watch
the spectacular sunsets. Check the site
W
vivamancora.com for up-to-date
information on everything in the area,
including upcoming surfing events.
INFORMATION AND TOURS
Tourist information
There's a small o
ce on Av Piura
352 (daily 8am-1pm & 2-4pm). Alternatively, the main
iPerú o
ce in Piura can supply information (
T
073 320
249,
E
iprompiura@promperu.gob.pe).
Tour operators
Iguana's Trips (Av Piura 233
T
073 632 762,
W
iguanastrips.com) offers horseriding, hikes to national
parks and trips to mud baths; Eco Fundo La Caprichosa
(Av Grau s/n
T
073 258 574,
W
ecofundolacaprichosa.com)
is a great one-stop shop - they have an eco-lodge and also
specialize in adventure tourism, including motorbike rental
(S250/hr with kit and instructors).
Outdoor activities
Long famed for its
surf
, the area is rapidly
becoming a world-class destination for
kite-surfing
, and regularly hosts national
and international competitions. The long
beach and warm water make for a great
place to learn how to surf and there's no
shortage of teachers. You can rent gear
and take lessons from several places
along the beach from around S50 per
hour for surfing or US$45 per hour for
kite-surfing (both work out cheaper if
you buy package deals).
Horseriding
is also popular, and you'll
see touts along the beach offering
ragged-looking ponies for S15-30 per
hour; it's preferable to go through your
hostel or use a tour agency listed with
the tourist office as the animals may be
better treated. It's also possible to arrange
tours to see marine wildlife, including
Humpback whale spotting
(see below) in
August to October.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By plane
Tumbes Airport is 2hr by bus.
By bus
Most of the buses have terminals at the northern
end of town where Av Piura becomes Av Prolongación
Grau. All are a 15min walk or less to most parts of town.
GETTING AROUND
By mototaxi
Mototaxis
are a standard S1-2 per journey
within town, although many will try to charge you double
to
The Point
hostel - fix a price before riding. Don't take
one of the taxis without an of
cial-looking sticker on
the front, especially if you are going out of town, as there
have been incidences of tourists getting robbed.
ACCOMMODATION
Those looking for peace and quiet will do better staying
on the edges of town, although take care when returning
late at night, as attacks on tourists are not unheard of.
Note that prices are given for high season (Nov-March,
plus Easter week and Independence Day weekend) where
prices at least double in soles or may even be changed to
US dollars.
Balsa y Totora
Av Piura 452
T
073 258 630,
W
balsay
totora.com. Simple, perhaps, but a much more pleasant
place than those of a similar price, with friendly owners.
Rooms have ca
ble T
TV, fans, private bathrooms and some
have sea views.
S60
Kokopeli Beachpackers
Av Piura 209
T
073 258 091,
W
hostelkokopelli.com. Comfortable bunks and en-suite
dorms at this chain hostel. An outdoor bar is located at one
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