North Coast - Peru - page 735

cream of the Peruvian jet set. It's not hard to see why - Peru's best sandy beach stretches
for several kilometers in the sunniest region of the country, while dozens of plush resorts
and their budget-conscious brethren offer up rooms within meters of the lapping waves.
On shore, a plethora of restaurants provides fresh seafood straight off the boat as fuel for
the long, lazy days. The consistently good surf draws a sun-bleached, board-toting bunch
and raucous nightlife keeps visitors busy after the sun dips into the sea in a ball of fiery
flames. However, even though it has seen recent explosive growth, Máncora has somehow
managed to cling to its fishing community roots.
Located about halfway between Talara and Tumbes, Máncora has the Pan-American
Hwy passing right through its middle, within 100m of the surf, where it becomes Av
Piura, which changes to Av Grau halfway through town. During the December to March
summer period, the scene can get rowdy and accommodation prices tend to double. But
year-round sun means that this is one of the few resort towns on the coast that doesn't turn
into a ghost town at less popular times.
Activities
There are remote, deserted beaches around Máncora; ask your hotel to arrange a taxi or
give you directions by bus and foot, but be prepared to walk several kilometers.
Surfing & Kitesurfing
Surf here is best from November to February, although good waves are found year-round
and always draw dedicated surfers. In addition to Máncora, Los Organos, Lobitos, Talara
and Cabo Blanco are popular surfing spots for experienced surfers. You can rent surf-
boards from several places at the southern end of the beach in Máncora (per hour/day S10/
20) - in front of Del Wawa is the most convenient. Máncora Surf Shop (Piura 352) sells
boards, surf clothing and organizes lessons for about S50 per hour. The friendly Pilar at
Laguna Camp ( 41-1587; www.vivamancora.com/lagunacamp ) also does surf lessons
for S50 for 90 minutes of instruction (including board rental). For something a little more
extreme, you can get lessons in kitesurfing (per six hours S624); ask at Del Wawa (
25-8427; www.delwawa.com ) .
Mud Baths
About 11km east of town, up the wooded Fernández valley, a natural hot spring (admis-
sion S3) has bubbling water and powder-fine mud - perfect for a face pack. The slightly
sulfurous water and mud is said to have curative properties. The hot spring can be reached
by mototaxi (S50 including waiting time).