An Introduction To Mancora Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | April 25, 2025
Mancora surf is an intimate experience on Peru’s northern coast, with steady waves, warm waters, and a chill atmosphere. This active surf town is meant for those who enjoy the finest breaks without the need of a car. The tight setup makes it so that its beaches are accessible on foot.
Mancora beach is just a stone’s throw from the center of town and the main break of the local surf scene. It’s famous for its good, consistent waves, catering to all surfers, from the beginners enjoying their first rides to the experienced ones looking for some fun in playful conditions. The vibe is so lively, with surf schools, board rentals, and cafes lining the beach, it becomes a perfect hub for surf lovers.
For an alternative, Las Pocitas is quieter and a 10-15 minute walk from town. It has small waves, good for beginners and mellow surfers alike. With everything in easy reach, Mancora makes it easy to get into the surf life.
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you decide to make a purchase or book a service through them. We only promote products and services that we believe in, and your support helps us continue to provide honest insights and valuable content.
Thank you for your trust and for supporting our work!
In This Guide
Compare Prices, Book Today
Best Time To Surf Mancora
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Peak Mancora Surf Season | December to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Unlike much of Peru, Mancora surf peaks in the summer months when north swells arrive from storms in the Northern Hemisphere. Wave heights range from 3 to 6 foot, perfect for fun, rippable walls & soft beach break takeoffs. Mancora surf in this season is ideal for all skill levels, especially intermediate riders seeking consistency.
The warm, tropical setting draws big crowds, but the vibe stays friendly. Surf schools thrive, & it’s easy to paddle into wave after wave when conditions line up.
-
Shoulder Mancora Surf Season | April, May, October & November
Suited For All Skill Levels
Mancora surf in the shoulder months can still be rewarding, with occasional northwest & southwest swell combos lighting up the main beach break. Waves range between 2 to 5 foot & provide ample fun for all levels. Crowds thin slightly, especially mid-week, & morning conditions are generally cleaner.
These transition periods are great for practicing maneuvers or easing back into the water after a break. Mancora surf remains active, even if less consistent than during its northern swell-driven peak.
-
Low Mancora Surf Season | June to September
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Winter months are the least consistent for Mancora surf, with only small pulses reaching the northern coastline. Waves hover around 1 to 3 foot, occasionally larger when southern swells wrap in. Mancora surf still works, especially on the right tides, but sessions are mellow. It’s a great time for longboarding, surf lessons, & relaxed beach days.
While experienced surfers may look elsewhere, beginners will enjoy the soft waves & minimal crowd pressure. This is the calmest season for Mancora surf.
Mancora Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Mancora Surf Temperature:
24–26°C (75–79°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are ideal. No wetsuit needed with these warm temperatures, even during long sessions.
Rainfall:
Expect occasional tropical showers, roughly 5–8 rainy days per month. Some humid afternoons may bring brief downpours.
Mancora Surf Temperature:
23–25°C (73–77°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini still work throughout. A rash vest is useful for added sun protection.
Rainfall:
Rainfall decreases to around 3–5 rainy days monthly. Expect mostly dry & sunny days.
Mancora Surf Temperature:
21–23°C (70–73°F)
What To Wear:
Boardshorts/bikini are usually fine. For early mornings, a spring suit or thin top might be more comfortable.
Rainfall:
One of the driest times of the year, with less than 2–3 rainy days per month. Clear skies are the norm.
Mancora Surf Temperature:
22–24°C (72–75°F)
What To Wear:
A spring suit is optional, but most days are warm enough for boardshorts/bikini.
Rainfall:
Rain remains minimal, around 3–4 days a month. Mostly sunny with low humidity.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Mancora
| Mancora Surf Spots | Distance from Mancora | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mancora Beach |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) |
2-6 foot |
Consistent beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
|
Las Pocitas |
Approx. 1.5km (0.9mi) |
1-4 foot |
Mellow beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
Further Information To Mancora Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: Northwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Mancora Beach features a long, peeling left-hand point in the heart of town, known for consistent, chest-high to overhead waves. Best at low tide with a northwest swell and glassy or light southeast winds, it offers easy take-offs and mellow walls, perfectly suited to learners and intermediates.
The sandy bottom and forgiving shape encourage progression, though more powerful sections can barrel on larger swells. Its accessibility from town means lineups can be busy, surf schools and locals crowd the peak. With warm water and a vibrant surf community, Mancora Beach remains a go-to for year-round, fun-filled sessions.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: High tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: North
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Las Pocitas is a sheltered, reef-lined break just north of Mancora, offering playful lefts and rights over a rocky-sand bottom. At high tide when a northerly swell meets light southeast winds, the spot produces clean, chest-high walls that reform on incoming banks.
It’s ideal for intermediates seeking less crowded conditions than the main beach, though some sections can barrel on the inside. With tide-pools framing the lineup and a relaxed vibe, Las Pocitas combines picture-perfect scenery with approachable waves, making it a beloved alternative for surfers looking to escape the hustle.
Rating: 3.5/5
Travel Time To Mancora Surf Spots
| Mancora Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mancora Beach |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
|
Las Pocitas |
10-15 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
Accommodation In Mancora
Planning for a Peru surf trip? Trip.com can help you easily book any space proximate to the beach, whether it be an upscale resort or low rate hostels. They cater to all budgets and preferences. When you book earlier, it saves you from anxiety moments that remain before the trip, allowing you more time to focus on the surf.
For a real surf feel out here in Peru, Tripaneer has camps that offer services from well trained instructors and safe cozy rooms with a community ambiance. These camps offer the opportunity for surfers to hone their surfing technique while experiencing modern Peru and Mancaro surf culture.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€10 to €25 |
$12 to $28 |
|
Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€40 to €75 |
$45 to $80 |
|
Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€95 to €180+ |
$100 to $190+ |
|
*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
|||
Mancora Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Mancora surf schools are ideal for all levels, combining friendly vibes with year-round warm water and gentle waves. The Mancora Surf Club is well-regarded for its professional instructors, who provide structured lessons tailored to different levels of expertise.
At Mancora Surf Point, lessons are conducted with a focus on safety and progression. The skilled coaches guide surfers through the fundamentals while introducing techniques to navigate the unique waves of Mancora.
For those looking for a distinctive experience, the Inka Warrior Surf School offers comprehensive surf lessons combined with cultural insights. Whether you’re a total beginner or an intermediate looking to improve, Mancora surf schools make learning fun & accessible.
Mancora Surf Camp
Mancora Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat With Wild Kite Peru
Reconnect with nature & ride the waves in laid-back Mancora with this surf & yoga retreat hosted by Wild Kite Peru. You’ll stay at La Maison Eco House-Boutique, an intimate guesthouse set among swaying palms just a short walk from the beach & town center.
Originally a family home, this tranquil retreat now welcomes surf travelers with its cozy eight-room layout, pool, shared dining areas, & chill outdoor spaces, all designed with sustainability in mind.
5-Day Mancora Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat With Wild Kite Peru
Stay 4 nights at La Maison Eco House-Boutique, where you’ll enjoy quiet surroundings & shared access to a terrace, swimming pool, & communal lounge areas. Each morning begins with a hearty, healthy breakfast to set you up for the day.
The 5-day retreat includes 4 surf lessons led by experienced instructors who tailor sessions to your skill level. You’ll also receive surfboard rentals to use during your lesson hours. Round-trip airport transfers from Talara Airport are included, ensuring smooth & hassle-free travel from start to finish. Find Out More
7-Day Mancora Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat With Wild Kite Peru
Spend 6 nights at the same welcoming eco house, soaking in the tropical vibe & peaceful pace of Mancora. Start your mornings with a nutritious breakfast before hitting the waves or stretching it out in a guided yoga session.
This retreat includes 5 surf lessons & 4 yoga classes, offering a great balance of physical activity & recovery. Surf equipment is available during your scheduled lesson hours.
You’ll also receive round-trip transfers from Talara Airport, so all you need to do is show up & enjoy. Find Out More
8-Day Women’s Only Mancora Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat With VITAVENTURA RETREATS
Join VITAVENTURA RETREATS for an empowering 8-day surf & yoga experience designed exclusively for women. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mancora’s warm waves & golden sunsets, this retreat blends movement, mindfulness, & connection in one unforgettable journey.
What’s Included
Relax for 7 nights at Villa del Sol, a serene & intimate setting ideal for reflection & rejuvenation. Enjoy half board with breakfast & either lunch or dinner included, each meal thoughtfully prepared with fresh, local ingredients to nourish your body & mind.
Level up your surf skills with 6 coaching sessions, each lasting 2 hours & tailored to your experience level. Surfboards are included during lesson hours, & video analysis provides helpful insights to accelerate your progress. Daily spot selection ensures you’re always catching the best waves based on local conditions.
You’ll also enjoy welcome & closing circles that foster community, private round-trip airport transfers from Capitán FAP Víctor Montes Arias International Airport (TYL), & full assistance throughout your stay, all curated with care by the VITAVENTURA RETREATS team.
Find Out More
Mancora Surfboard Hire
Mancora surfboard hire services are convenient & beginner-friendly, with plenty of foam boards, longboards, & shortboards available just steps from the water. Inka Warrior Surf School offers high-quality board rentals, ensuring you’re equipped for Mancora’s diverse breaks.
Additionally, the Mancora Surf Shop provides a wide selection of surfboards for hire, catering to all skill levels. With quality boards & helpful local services, Mancora surfboard hire makes getting in the water simple.
Mancora Surf Report & Surf Cam
For the hardcore Peru surfer, a surf report worth its weight in gold. Surf-Forecast provides extensive tide, wind and swell predictions while live surfing cams from Surfline are available with a subscription for viewing real time surfing conditions at the best surf breaks in Peru.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM makes it easy to stay connected as it activates automatically at arrival and does not require a SIM card to be inserted, enabling you to keep track of surf forecasts, watch live cams, and share your Mancora surf clips the whole trip long.
How To Get To Mancora Surf
- Tumbes Airport (TBP) To Mancora
Distance: 120km (75mi)
Tumbes Airport (TBP) is a common arrival hub for travelers heading to the vibrant surf and beach scene in Mancora. Here’s how to get there:
Public Transport
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
From Tumbes Airport, take a taxi to the local bus terminal. There, hop on a colectivo or minibus heading toward Mancora. The drive south along the Pan-American Highway is scenic and relatively smooth.
This is a great budget option, but you may encounter crowds and need to wait for the colectivo to fill before departure.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
Some surf lodges and boutique hotels in Máncora offer pre-booked shuttle transfers from Tumbes Airport. These are a good balance between price and comfort and typically include support for large luggage and boards.
Reserve your shuttle with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups before your trip so it’s waiting when you arrive. This service delivers a comfortable & fast transfer to the beach.
Peru Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Surfing in Peru is a mix of epic lefts and rustic charm. The currency is the Peruvian Sol, and cash is still king in many surf villages. Tap water should be avoided, so stock up on bottled. Spanish is spoken across the country, and English is not common outside Lima or major tourist areas.
We’ve detailed all 7 essentials, including visa rules, health services, and safety advice, on our Peru surf page to help you travel smart and surf stress-free.
Travel Insurance For Your Mancora Surf Trip
Surf travel means freedom, but freedom needs preparation. Traveling to Peru for surfing without any insurance is really dangerous. Illness, injury, or travel delays can ruin everything. Travel insurance helps you deal with these situations and keeps you from losing time or money.
VisitorsCoverage has designed its plans based on travelers’ considerations. Do not allow setbacks to steal your surf days. Stay covered, stay confident, and your Peru surf adventure will keep chugging along.
Discover Mancora: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf is flat in Mancora, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained. Below are 3 activities to make the most of your time.
For more unique experiences, check out GetYourGuide for options like whale watching, coastal tours, and nature escapes around the area.