The Peruvian coast has, along its more than 2,500 kilometers of extension, authentic branches of Eden such as Marcona, in the Ica region, where it is possible to disconnect from the stress of the city to fully surrender to the peace of mind on beaches of spectacular beauty, appreciate great biodiversity in protected areas, and also practicing adventure sports in ideal areas to shake up the adrenaline.
Marcona is one of the five districts of the Ica province of Nasca and is located 530 kilometers south of the city of Lima. It is known as the capital of iron, for being the main producer of this metal in Peru, and also the birthplace of the Humboldt penguin, due to the abundance of this species of land and aquatic bird on its coasts.
The geography of Marcona is highly privileged with a sea rich in hydrobiological species and a splendid coastline that is home to large bays, inlets and points that give shape to a great variety of beaches.
This prodigious combination of prodigious scenarios gave rise to the creation of two natural areas protected by the State: the National Reserves of San Fernando and Punta San Juan, where it is possible to practice ecotourism while appreciating enormous resources of marine-coastal fauna and flora and crowded places of scenic beauty.
As the XXII Marcona Tourism Week is celebrated, let's get to know its main tourist attractions that invite us to visit them and return more than once.
So, if you feel attracted by the magic that Marcona has to offer you, we bring you four places on this site that you cannot miss if you take a trip to this city during the coming months to have an unforgettable memory.
The San Fernando National Reserve is considered the second most important in Peru, among those that protect marine spaces. This site offers views such as the Andean condor descending the hills to the marine strip, animated by the vegetation of the hills and the birds that live in the area. It is an area with more than 154 thousand hectares made up of different geographies, such as deserts and estuaries, riverine forests and hills. Likewise, there is a lot of fauna, such as otters, sea lions and Humboldt penguins, guanacos, kestrels, foxes and more animals.
Punta Sal is one of the most popular beaches in Mancora. It's known for its fancy feel and is great for people who want comfort and relaxation. This coastal paradise has many high-end resorts and hotels, offering top-notch service and amazing ocean views. With its soft white sand and calm water, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or relax under the warm sun. The area is also perfect for enjoying delicious Peruvian food at its cozy beachfront restaurants.
Elephant Trunk is a dream beach with turquoise waters, with a large rock that gives its name to the place. In front of the elephant is another rock figure called the turtle, almost looking at each other. In summer, its waters have the ideal temperature for bathing; and, in general, it is a fairly safe beach, to take a dip or get a tan, seeking to eliminate all the stress of the city. Paradisiacal and beautiful Elephant Trunk, not very deep, so it is ideal to take children who are not experts in swimming and must be safe. In its surroundings, it has very good restaurants with excellent quality and service, in case you get hungry or feel more like sightseeing after your visit.
If you love fishing, Cabo Blanco Beach is a great place to go. It's only one hour from Mancora. People know this place as one of the best spots for fishing in the area. The water has many different kinds of fish, like marlin and tuna. This makes fishing here a super fun time. The area also has tall cliffs and amazing views. If you like taking pictures, this is a great spot to get some cool shots.
Traveling from Marcona is a simple job, thanks to the Marcona Arequipa route offered by this same company. The journey lasts approximately 10 hours, and costs S/.30. Take advantage of these hours to get the sleep you need for the day, read a long book or watch several episodes of a series you have pending.
We recommend that you look for a stay several days in advance, since on holidays or dates of high demand it may be difficult to find accommodation. Do this with caution, as well as booking the tours that interest you, and the specific activities you want to do on your trip to this site.
When is the best time to visit Mancora's beaches?
The best time to enjoy Mancora's beaches is between January and May. The weather is warm, dry, and perfect for sunbathing or taking a refreshing dip in the sea.
However, Mancora is a tourist destination that can be visited throughout the year thanks to its mild and stable climate. Even in the winter months, from June to September, the sun usually makes an appearance.
Is it safe to swim in Mancora's beaches?
Yes, in general, Mancora's beaches are safe for swimming, thanks to their calm and shallow waters in some areas. However, it is essential to follow the recommendations of the lifeguards and pay attention to warnings about sea currents, especially if you are visiting with children.
For greater safety, it is advisable to swim only in authorized and marked areas, avoiding areas where currents may be stronger, such as near the piers or in unsupervised sectors.
What activities can you do in Mancora besides enjoying the beach?
Mancora is much more than just sun and beach. This charming place offers a wide variety of activities for everyone. Among the most popular are water sports, such as surfing, kitesurfing, and snorkeling, ideal for those looking for entertainment and fun in the sea.
You can also go horseback riding along the coast or explore bike routes around the area. Also, for those looking to relax, they can tour Mancora and taste Peruvian cuisine or they can opt for one of the spa sessions facing the sea.
Can you get to Mancora by air?
Although Mancora does not have its own airport, you can fly to the Captain FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport in Piura and from there, take ground transportation to get to Mancora, a journey that lasts around 3 hours.
There is also the Talara Airport, which is a shorter distance away. In addition, there are bus connections from cities like Lima, Trujillo and Chiclayo, which facilitates access by land.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.