For a no-frills budget option, you won’t find more for your money than at Geko Hostal, Máncora. Within stumbling distance from the party without being in the thick of it, this rustic hostel provides basic but functional rooms from which to explore the town and the nearby beach.
Great location
Although Máncora is a great place to party, the ideal hostel should offer some respite from the music and chaos as well. Geko is set back from the main strip, close to the dusty cliffside of Máncora that remains hidden from the crowds.
This location is of huge benefit to Geko’s guests as it means that they are close to the beach, restaurants and bars without needing to compromise on getting a good nights sleep. Whilst you can still hear the music from the town on a Saturday night, it is merely a low beat in the distance, very different to the wall-shaking thud that you get from staying in the centre!
Relaxing outdoor spaces
There is a large garden at Geko which provides guests with a scenic place to sit and relax. Of course, like any good South American hostel, this outdoor space features hammocks as well as a number of sun loungers.
Green spaces allow travellers to enjoy the sun without needing to trek to the beach and there is even a resident dog to keep you company while you chill in the garden.
Family feel
At Geko, there are only four rooms which means you quickly become acquainted with your fellow travellers. When the place is fully booked, there are the perfect amount of people to sit and chat with in the evenings. This is a relief for travellers who quickly feel overwhelmed by the big crowds that you get in larger hostels.
Owner Paolo lives on site with his family so it is not uncommon to see children running around the garden with the dog in tow. The family feel of Geko definitely means that it is easy to forget you’re staying in a hostel.
Budget option
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a bit of luxury while you stay in Máncora, then Geko is not the place for you. Rooms are rustic and provide the minimum requirement in terms of accommodation for backpackers. All rooms with private bathrooms have showers but there is no hot water.
Luckily, Máncora is a hot place so that cold splash will probably feel quite refreshing! WIFI is provided but the connection is spotty throughout the day. The beds are basic and come with good sized mosquito nets which provide some relief from the town’s resident pests.
Generally, the wooden building materials lend themselves to cooler rooms but be warned, you can hear everything that your neighbours are up to. Despite this, if you settle in with a decent pair of earplugs you will have no problems.
Surf/kite lessons available
It is possible to arrange both surf and kite-surf lessons directly at the hostel with owner Paolo. Surf classes come in at just 50 soles per hour and kite-surf lessons are 100 soles which cover the basics. There are also kite-surfing courses available for those who want a more structured approach to their practice and learning.
Prices
Geko Máncora cannot be beaten in terms of price for what it offers. A single room comes in at 27 soles, a double at 60 soles and a quadruple (double bed plus a bunk bed) for just 101 soles per night.
All options are ensuite and a fresh breakfast is included in the room rate which is served between 8.00 and 9.30. Book this hostel here!
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.
