Where to Stay in Máncora With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
Updated November 2025 • We stayed in Mancora, Peru in October 2025, this shortlist mixes the places we would book and the ones we’d happily book again based on family amenities, quiet locations, and beach access.
We’re a traveling family of four who love ocean mornings and early nights. After weeks of mountain air in Ecuador, Máncora, Peru was our reset, sun, surf, smoothies, and sand literally everywhere. Peru’s best-known beach town sits just south of the Ecuador border, and while it’s famous for backpackers and surfers, it actually works brilliantly for families if you pick the right base.
Our rhythm here looked like sunrise beach walks, lazy breakfasts under palm trees, long pool afternoons, and seafood dinners before the kids crashed by 8:30. The trick? Staying close enough to the main beach for easy food runs, but far enough to avoid the late-night party spots.
These are the three family stays we’d actually choose: a relaxed budget bungalow, a mid-range beach hotel with a pool, and a splurge eco-resort with space and calm.
For a quick guide, here’s a rundown of the best family hotels in Máncora
➡️ Best Overall Hotel in Máncora: Book Kichic Boutique Hotel
➡️ Best Hotel With a Pool in Máncora: Book Selina Máncora
➡️ Best Value Hotel Under $60: Book Misfit Hostel Family Bungalows
Máncora Neighborhoods at a Glance (for families)
Town Center (Playa Máncora)
The main beach and heart of everything. Shops, cafés, surf schools, and restaurants all within walking distance. Great for families who want to be near the action without renting a car, but choose accommodations just outside the main party zone for quieter nights.
Las Pocitas
About 3 km south of town, this coastal stretch has calmer beaches, boutique hotels, and tidal pools perfect for kids at low tide. The area feels safer, cleaner, and more local. Perfect if you want peace and space but still a short tuk-tuk ride from town (S/5–7).
Vichayito Beach
Roughly 10–15 minutes south of Máncora, with wide sands and family-friendly resorts. Fewer crowds, more wildlife (sea turtles, pelicans), and plenty of room for kids to roam. Best if you’re after full relaxation and don’t mind being out of town.
The 3 Easy Picks (we’d book one of these, no endless lists)
1) Budget-Friendly Beach Base: Misfit Hostel Family Bungalows (Playa Máncora)
Why we picked it:
Simple beach bungalows a few steps from the sand. It’s not fancy, but it’s one of the few spots in central Máncora that welcomes families without the party crowd. Rooms are colorful, each with hammocks, mosquito nets, and fans. There’s a communal kitchen, garden area, and surf school next door.
Good to know:
No air-conditioning, so it’s warm in peak summer (Dec–Mar). Breakfast included, with fruit, bread, and coffee. Expect friendly dogs and beach cats, very Máncora vibes.
💰 Prices: around S/150–200 per night (£30–40) for a family bungalow.
📍 Address: Av. Piura 318, Playa Máncora.
2) Mid-Range Balance: Selina Máncora (North End of Town)
Why we picked it:
Yes, it’s part of a digital-nomad chain, but Máncora’s Selina is one of the most family-adapted locations. The pool area is huge, there’s a kids’ section, and the on-site restaurant has high chairs and early dinner options. The beachfront location means you can surf, swim, or nap under a palm without crossing roads.
Good to know:
Ask for rooms in the back garden area for quieter nights (the beach bar can be noisy). Breakfast is optional; we grabbed smoothie bowls from Green Eggs & Ham nearby (S/20–25).
💰 Prices: from S/300–400 (£60–80) for family rooms with A/C.
📍 Address: Km 1215, Antigua Panamericana Norte, Máncora.
🌐 Website: Selina Máncora
3) Splurge Sanity Saver: Kichic Boutique Hotel (Las Pocitas)
Why we picked it:
Kichic is the “quiet luxury” option families dream about, beachfront, yoga deck, incredible food, and peaceful gardens where kids can safely play. Staff go out of their way to help, and the open-air restaurant serves organic dishes with ocean views. This is where to recharge after months of travel.
Good to know:
Children 8+ are welcome (so better for older kids). There’s a small pool, direct beach access, and plenty of lounging space.
💰 Prices: S/700–900 per night (£140–180).
📍 Address: Playa Las Pocitas, Máncora.
🌐 Website: Kichic Boutique Hotel
How We Choose (quickly, like parents do)
✅ Walkability: food, beach, or pool within 10–15 minutes
✅ Room setup: family suites or bungalows
✅ Cool-down: shaded gardens or pools
✅ Food: breakfast available, kid-friendly menus nearby
✅ Reviews: consistent positive mentions from parents, not just couples
Safety & Practical Stuff for Families
Beach safety: The main beach has strong currents; Las Pocitas and Vichayito are safer for younger kids.
Transport: Tuk-tuks everywhere (S/5–7 short rides). Ask for “Las Pocitas” or “Centro” clearly, drivers often skip meters.
Water: Tap water not safe to drink. Refill bottles from hotel filters.
Stroller use: Streets are sandy, bring a carrier instead.
Mosquitoes: Common at dusk; pack spray.
Sun: UV is intense year-round. Long sleeves, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen essential.
Getting Around & When to Book
Getting there: Máncora is 2 hours from Tumbes Airport or 2.5 from Piura (both served by Lima flights).
Getting around: Tuk-tuks for short trips; mototaxis for beaches further south.
When to book: December–March is high season (book 2+ months ahead). May–October = fewer crowds and cooler evenings.
How long to stay: Families should allow 4–5 nights to unwind, explore nearby beaches, and maybe visit Organos or Los Órganos Turtle Sanctuary
Family Logistics Near Each Area (Quick Hits)
Playa Máncora (Town Center)
Surf schools & smoothie cafés nearby
Walkable to restaurants & ATMs
Busier and noisier at night
Las Pocitas
Tide pools for kids at low tide
Quieter, more upscale resorts
Best for sunsets and early nights
Vichayito
Wide open beach, calm waters
Larger resorts with pools and hammocks
Peaceful but requires tuk-tuks to town
➡️ Book Your Stay at Selina Máncora Here
Is Máncora safe with kids?
Yes, especially in Las Pocitas and Vichayito. The town center is fine during the day, but we avoided late nights near beach bars.
Which area is best with younger kids?
Las Pocitas, calm, clean, and shallow tidal pools.
How many days in Máncora with kids?
4–5 days minimum. You’ll need at least one lazy beach day to reset between bus journeys.
Is it too touristy?
In high season, the main town can be, but move 5 minutes south, and it’s all calm ocean breeze.
Can kids swim safely?
Yes, but stick to supervised beaches or calmer sections in Las Pocitas and Vichayito.
Wrap-Up
Every family’s version of paradise looks different, but these three stays cover it all: an affordable beach bungalow for the budget traveler, a mid-range surf-side hotel with a pool, and a peaceful eco-retreat for total recharge. Máncora might be Peru’s “sunshine break,” but with the right base, it becomes much more, a family-friendly pause in the middle of big adventures.
