Often overlooked in favor of big names such as Lima and Cusco, Peru’s north coast is a windswept wonderland lapped by the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Some of the best things to do on this rugged stretch of coast include exploring the UNESCO-listed archeological sites of Chavin, Chan Chan, and Caral; hiking through the nature-rich cloud forest of Chachapoyas to see the Gocta Waterfall, one of the highest in the world; and, of course, surfing on the world-famous waves of Mancora and Huanchaco.
Thanks to more than 300 sunny days per year, there’s never a bad time to visit Peru’s northern coast. Indeed, the weather can provide some welcome warmth if you're coming from the chill of Cusco or the gray skies of Lima. Peru’s dry season runs from December to February, so that's when you’ll most likely experience clear skies and temperatures up to 90ºF (34ºC).
Perched high near the border with Ecuador, the city of Piura—home to an international airport from which flights to Cusco and Lima depart regularly—serves as a popular base for exploring Peru’s north coast. The PanAmerican Highway (which stretches from Alaska to Ushuaia in Patagonia) runs all the way down Peru’s north coast and offers views of the Pacific Ocean. Another transport hub is Tumbes, from which buses depart regularly for Mancora and Lima.
While Mancora tends to hog the limelight, Peru’s north coast is scattered with fishing villages that offer authentic insight into local life. Just south of high-energy Mancora, you’ll find the gorgeous beaches of Las Pocitas, where you can sip on sunset cocktails and go horseback riding on the beach. Chicama is home to the world’s longest wave, so it draws surfing fans, while the small village of Nuro is the best place on the coast to spot sea turtles in the wild.
Local Currency Peruvian Sol (PEN) | Time Zone PET (UTC -5) | Country Code +51 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 22 | Tours 76 | Reviews 238 |
Yes, the north coast of Peru is worth visiting. Not only is it home to some of the country’s best beaches and surf breaks, but it also draws far fewer crowds than Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa further south. Some of the smaller fishing villages will feel especially uncrowded.
...MoreThere’s plenty to keep you busy on Peru's north coast. You can use the larger towns of Piura and Tumbes as a base for visiting golden-sand beaches and fishing villages on the Pacific Ocean, or go further inland to explore the UNESCO-listed archeological sites of Chavin, Chan Chan, and Caral.
...MoreThe most popular activity on the north coast of Peru is surfing, but there’s still plenty more to do. You can go swimming with sea turtles in Nuro, go whale watching from Organos between July and December, and enjoy other watersports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
...MoreYou should spend at least five days in the north coast of Peru—a week would be ideal. This will give you a chance to relax on the beaches and explore the cloud forests and ancient archeological sites further inland, without rushing too much from place to place.
...MoreIf you want to immerse yourself in Peru’s party atmosphere, stay in Mancora. For those looking for something a little more luxurious, stay in Zorritos in Tumbes, which has plenty of upscale hotels and resorts. Piura has an international airport and great transport links for exploration.
...MoreThe best places to surf on Peru's north coast include Chicama, where you can surf the world’s longest wave; the laid-back fishing village of Lobitos, famous for its barrel waves; and the lively party of town of Mancora, where the post-surf sundowners are all part of the fun.
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