Mancora, located on the northern beaches of Peru, is the country’s most popular seaside retreat. The sandy haven on the Pacific Coast has a swell well-known to serious surfers and tropical waters attractive to all types of travelers. Thanks to a growing number of plush beach hotels, and a few first-class private villas, Mancora increasingly appeals to jetsetters looking to bask in year-round rays after an adventure visiting the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu. Aracari Travel, destination experts in luxury tailormade trips to Peru, shares their handpicked recommendations for the best hotels and private villas in sun-soaked Mancora.
KiChic
KiChic is a boutique beachfront resort inspired by eastern concepts of Zen and meditation. An unpretentious, laid-back resort with all the comforts of a five-star property, it’s the ideal place to disconnect where the no-kids policy guarantees peace and quiet. The luxury hotel encourages guests to unwind and unplug, offering indulgent massages, daily yoga classes in their on-site studio, and tucking away TVs under covers. This philosophy is amplified by the gorgeous beachfront pool perfect for relaxing and taking in the sun.
Room sizes and layouts at the hotel all differ, some with sea view and private pools and even one with an extra full-size daybed on a private ocean view terrace. Consistent throughout is the stylish decoration focuses on neutral shades and natural materials, incorporating original sculptures and pottery. There are 9 luxury suites each with a terrace, open-air shower or bathtub, and high-quality details such as 300-thread-count cotton sheets and organic bamboo fiber towels. One of KiChic’s strengths is its delicious vegetarian and fish menu (no meat) at their restaurant, which serves the likes of pizzas, pasta and plenty of superfoods. No matter where you stay in Mancora, it is definitely worth popping over to KiChic for a meal – we assure you that die-hard carnivores will be satisfied!
Arennas
Next door to KiChic, on the same stretch of sandy beach, Arennas delivers classic five-star comfort with a ‘resort’ design and feel. The hotel provides a mix of elegance and comfort with carefully selected pieces relevant to Peruvian culture in the region. Each of the hotel’s spacious 18 rooms has a terrace.
The hotel is a great choice for couples who can enjoy the beach sun loungers or opt to stay in a sumptuous private villa kitted out with its own pool - perfectly positioned for watching the sun set over the sea. Arennas, like Kichic, is a great honeymoon retreat in Peru.
Kid’s are welcome at Arennas, and the pool is large and accommodating, making this the top pick for globetrotting families.
Private Villas in Peru
While luxury beach-front hotels KiChic and Arennas make for an exquisite home base in Mancora, another great option for those looking for complete privacy, more space or longer stays is renting a private villa. Our favorites are Casa Adobe, Casa Noa Noa, Casa Blanca, and Casa Velamar, all of which guarantee seclusion, peace and quiet and fantastic food rustled up by dedicated villa staff.
All of the best private villas Mancora are located on the same gorgeous, wide stretch of beach as the top luxury hotels, that is absent of both rocks and people. The area allows for a quiet, relaxing beach retreat in a location that maintains the luxury and natural rawness. The private villas are commonly equipped with beach views, air-conditioning in the bedrooms, on-site staff (including a private chef to cook fresh fish and seafood), a private pool - but each also boasts its own unique characteristics.
Visit Mancora on a Tailormade Trip to Peru
Mancora is closest to Talara and Tumbes airports which receive short, regular domestic flights from Peru’s capital, Lima. Well-heeled Peruvians head here for their holidays, and in-the-know foreign travelers are following suit. The kick-back and relax beach destination is the perfect place to put your feet up after an adventure exploring Peru’s highlights. Perhaps compliment days immersed in Lima’s art and history or a hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a few days on the beach - cocktail in hand! Contact Aracari to plan a tailormade trip to Peru.