Located in Peru’s far north (around 130 kilometres from the Ecuadorian border), Mancora is popular surf destination that’s known for having some of the warmest waters in the country. It boasts a relaxed atmosphere and an enticing surf culture that have made it a favourite spot amongst travellers exploring South America.
Mancora features a variety of point and beach breaks that can challenge even the most skilled surfers, as well as gentle waves for beginners. The town’s abundance of surf schools and camps only adds to its appeal as one of the best places to learn to surf in Peru.
Mancora is the kind of place where travellers end up lingering longer than they intended - there’s great surf, a lively party scene and inspiring places to stay. Many of the town’s accommodations have put a high priority on sustainability, aware that protecting the natural environment goes hand-in-hand with the future of tourism in the area.
In this article, we’ll introduce 5 of the best eco-friendly places to stay in Mancora, from luxurious beachfront hotels to charming eco-lodges and sustainably built villas.
To learn more about the best places to surf in Peru, check out our detailed article here.
Best eco-friendly hotels in Mancora, Peru
The beachfront pool area at Arennas Mancora in Peru (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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Eco-friendly places to stay in Mancora
This luxurious boutique hotel in Mancora boasts a stunning beachfront location, making it perfect for couples looking to indulge during their surfing getaway. The rooms feature a sleek, minimalist design and the restaurant offers some of the finest cuisine you'll find in Peru. You can even test your skills making mouth-watering ceviche during a chef-led cooking class.
Sustainability is a core focus of this eco-friendly Mancora resort, which has implemented a comprehensive set of practices to minimise its environmental impact. In addition to carrying out the three Rs - reduce, reuse, and recycle - all food waste generated on the property is composted to create nutrient-rich soil. Arennas Mancora has invested in an advanced treatment plant that purifies wastewater for irrigation and has partnered with the responsible disposal company Biolis to ensure its oil waste is handled in an environmentally-conscious manner.
“This hotel is simply stunning.” - Emily (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly hotels in Mancora for surfers
One of the luxurious pool villas at Arennas Mancora - an eco-friendly hotel in Peru (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly hotel in Mancora for digital nomads
This eco-friendly accommodation in Mancora offers a serene and sustainable retreat, just steps away from the Pacific Ocean. It’s ideal for solo travellers, couples and groups of friends seeking an affordable yet comfortable beachside escape. In addition to its private bungalow-style rooms, there are budget-friendly shared dormitories. All have been thoughtfully constructed using natural materials like bamboo and thatched roofing to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Staying at Eco Lodge Mancora means falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the waves and enjoying refreshing dips in the natural swimming pool. Nourishing, locally-sourced breakfast spreads are included in the room rate, providing visitors with a healthy start to each day. The rooftop lounge offers a scenic setting for socialising while the fast Wi-Fi makes this eco-friendly hotel in Mancora great for digital nomads.
"Quiet place to relax and recharge.” - James (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly hotels in Mancora, Peru
One of the sustainably designed rooms at Eco Lodge Mancora (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly hotel in Mancora for yoga
Previously serving as a family home, this sustainably built residence has been transformed into one of the best eco-friendly places to stay in Mancora. It’s located in a leafy neighbourhood just a short walk from the beach and is surrounded by restaurants and cafes. La Maison receives rave reviews for its chill vibe, with a swimming pool, a yoga studio and plenty of social areas where you can relax in between surfs.
This sustainable Mancora hotel was constructed from bamboo and Hualtaco wood, and provides a serene sanctuary that’s all about connecting with nature. Aside from booking rooms individually (there are doubles, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites), La Maison Eco House & Yoga can be rented in its entirety by groups of surfers or for surf and yoga retreats.
"So peaceful and chill, beautiful place! Really good breakfast every day and such nice staff.” - Elisa (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly places to stay in Mancora, Peru
A wooden gate leads to the outdoor pool at La Maison Eco House & Yoga in Mancora (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly hotel in Las Pocitas, Mancora
Designed in harmony with the natural surroundings, this boutique hotel in Mancora is nestled behind Las Pocitas Beach, just five kilometres from Mancora. Amai Luna Guest House has been rustically constructed from locally sourced materials and has the capacity to accommodate up to 24 guests in its seven rooms, which include family suites and a spacious cottage.
Most rooms offer views of the enchanting pool, which is the perfect place to retreat to once the winds pick up at the beach. To reach the sand, it’s a short stroll through a carob forest. Despite its setting away from the bustle and noise of Mancora, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. That being said, a delicious breakfast is included in stays, so you don’t have to venture far in search of your morning coffee.
"Amazing hotel super close to the beach! Spacious room, large bed, outdoor shower! Chill swimming pool area for when the beach gets too windy and amazing food! Super close to great restaurants too!” - Yvonne (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable hotels in Mancora, Peru
One of the sustainably designed rooms at Amai Luna in Las Pocitas, Mancora (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly hotel in Vichayito
Overlooking the sands of Vichayito (just south of Mancora), this collection of eco-friendly villas is ideal if you want a peaceful surf vacation in Peru. Most of the villas are designed for couples, with a double bed and additional sofa bed, although there’s also a two-bedroom villa with a private plunge pool and a five-bedroom retreat. All come with ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs and high-quality linens while some also boast fully-equipped kitchens.
The architecture of these eco-friendly Mancora villas was inspired by pre-Incan temples and they combine a variety of natural materials - wood, stone and bamboo - in their design. Out front, there’s an inviting beach where you can sink your feet into the sand when you’re not out surfing the nearby waves. Aside from breakfasts, the restaurant also serves lunches and dinners featuring both Peruvian and international favourites.
"Excellent stay in Vichayito.” - Giovanni (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable hotels in Mancora, Peru
Best time to surf in Mancora
Mancora usually experiences its biggest swell conditions during the Southern Hemisphere winter (April to October) when you can expect world-class waves rolling in from the Pacific Ocean. If you’re just starting out, the best time to surf in Mancora for beginners is from November to March when the water temperatures are at their warmest and the waves are slightly smaller.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.