Knowing Tumbes, city in Peru

Tumbes is one of the more than 20 departments that make up the country of Peru. If you are thinking of a trip to Tumbes, remember that it is located in the northwest of the national territory and that it has as margins the Pacific Ocean (coast in Mar de Grau), the sister country of Ecuador and the department of Piura.

Why visit Tumbes?

White fish, octopus and black shells are some of the typical seafood in his cuisine. These are expressed in dishes such as the essential ceviche, the majao and the majarisco from Tumbes. The chinguirito and the currant macerate are typical drinks, the latter with a sweet perfume. Enjoying the local gastronomy is one of the main things to do in Tumbes.
The diversity of tourist places in Tumbes is such that you can meet all your needs in the same area. You will get beaches to surf or to relax and swim, even to dive or enjoy windsurfing. You will come across sites of historical, artistic and archaeological value. The northern department is ready to offer you what you need in 2021.

10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT TUMBES, PERU

Below you will see the most beautiful places that you should take into account on your trip to Tumbes.

1. TUMBES

Tumbes is the capital city of the homonymous northern Peruvian department. Without a doubt, it is one of the richest places to eat in the Tumbes department if you are looking to know the local flavor. The sweet and the currant macerate are local products that you cannot stop trying.
The flight that departs from the city of Lima, Peru will not take more than two hours to take you to your destination, while by bus it is likely that you will reach or exceed 20 hours of travel. Unlike other Peruvian towns, neither the climate nor the altitude of the city are a problem for visitors.
You will find among the promenades, shopping centers and especially in Aguas Verdes shopping places in Tumbes, a diverse and dynamic city. Similarly, there are night spots in Tumbes that vary from restaurants like Eduardo el Brujo and Bilbao Comida Fusión to nightclubs like El Nautilus Disco Bar and El Blend.
Accommodation in the area is varied, you will find from inns to two and three star hotels that are very comfortable and luxurious. In general, it is not an expensive destination, especially when compared to other places in Latin America.

2. ZORRITOS

The Zorritos district is located in the Contralmirante Villar province and is one of the tourist places in Tumbes. The transparency of the water and the fineness of the golden sand make this coast one of the most popular attractions in local tourism. Los Pinos, Punta Camarón and Playa Zorritos itself are three of the local beaches that you cannot miss.
The famous places in Tumbes that Zorritos keeps include streams and the Hervideros hot springs, ideal against health conditions, from acne to rheumatism. Take advantage of visiting the La Tucilla Park and the great town of Zorritos with its crafts and its friendly and happy inhabitants like the sun of the region.
To get from Piura to Tumbes by bus, you will have to make a journey of about six hours. If instead you travel from Lima, the capital of Peru, it will take you about a day to reach your destination. Another option is to travel by plane to the Capitán FAP Pedro Canga Rodríguez Airport and then take a taxi or bus to Zorritos for 30 minutes or an hour.
If you want to stay in the area, consider Casa de Diego, it will receive you along with your family and you can enjoy a great breakfast at no additional cost. If you want to do gastronomic tourism, visit La Plaza Bar & Grill or Casa Kresala Restaurant to eat Peruvian, seafood or vegetarian food.

3. PUERTO PIZARRO

You still have time to visit Puerto Pizarro during the year 2021, as it is one of the natural sites of Tumbes to visit between May and December. The way here from Zorritos by bus is less than two hours.
Although the area does not have the best tourist infrastructure in Peru, it has attractions that you are going to enjoy. Among the most famous beaches in the area are Isla del Amor and Isla Hueso de Ballena.
To contemplate the local fauna and flora, Puerto Pizarro has areas such as the Crocodile Farm with its hundreds of specimens of different ages, Isla de los Pájaros and the Mangroves of Puerto Pizarro.
Try the ceviche served by the Conchas Negras Restaurant and the Eduardo el Brujo Restaurant so that you do not leave the country without enjoying the best examples of this typical dish of northern Peru. There is a tourism development project that plans to increase tourism infrastructure by 2021.

4. PUNTA SAL

Punta Sal is one of the main tourist places in Tumbes to meet the sea in every way. It will receive those who practice water sports such as surfing and diving, those who only seek to bathe in the Mar de Grau and those who follow their nose for black shells and other fruits of the sea.
It is curious how the tides perpetually change the landscape, going from a sea that knocks on the doors of neighboring houses, to one so far away as to offer wide beaches of soft sand. The infrastructure for tourism makes Punta Sal a great example of the most comfortable destinations in Tumbes.
To get to the sunny spot from the city of Lima, the fastest option is to take a flight of approximately two hours to the city of Tumbes and then a bus for two and a quarter hours to Punta Sal. Other popular beaches near Punta Sal They are Máncora and Las Pocitas, about 20 minutes away.

5. NATIONAL SANCTUARY OF THE MANGROVES OF TUMBES

The Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary is made up of more than 2900 hectares and is located in the province of Zarumilla. The great biodiversity that resides in this area is protected under the figure of a protected area.
The first and main organism in the area is the mangrove itself, the curved tree with well-curled roots capable of surviving between fresh and salt water, joining the coast with the forest. These organisms, together with the marshy channels and the small islands that surround them, are home to a diversity of species of fauna and flora.
Try to visit this part of the Peruvian map between April and December to avoid the rains that occur between January and March. Get ready to go bird watching or even kayak if you enjoy water sports. The canoe tour of the park is in itself a beautiful experience.
To go to the sanctuary by land, take a taxi or drive for 20 minutes from Tumbes to Zarumilla. Once here, it will take you 15 minutes to reach your goal by land through either of the two available routes. If you are in Lima, take a two-hour flight or a 20-hour bus to Tumbes and follow the previously described route.

6. TUMBES NATIONAL RESERVE

Above 75,000 hectares, the Tumbes National Reserve is another of the places to visit in Tumbes. It was declared a Northwest Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO more than 30 years ago. Indeed, it is a solid sample of the characteristic tropical forest of the Pacific.
In this part you will be able to see almost 300 species of birds of which at least 10 are in danger of extinction. It is also home to about 70 types of mammals, among which bats represent the main variety of species. The type of forest that you will see here is unique to this area.
The contrast between the green of the forest and the beach that is so close will give you the feeling of being in some fantastic story. Plan your visit outside the months of January and March to avoid the rainy season that hinders access to and within the reserve.
The park is located about 50 minutes by land from Tumbes, however, you should not forget that the reserve also has jurisdiction in the province of Zarumilla, so the access route may vary.

7. GREEN WATERS

The city of Aguas Verdes, despite its hustle and bustle and the reputation of being one of the areas not recommended for security reasons, is one of the places to shop in Tumbes. It shares a border with the Republic of Ecuador, where it can be easily passed using the international bridge.
By bus or bus from Tumbes, you will reach Aguas Verdes after a six-hour drive. Keep an eye on your belongings, and be especially jealous of your identity documents. If you need directions, ask a tourist police officer and not just any civilian. Remember that because it is a border, it is among the dangerous places in Tumbes.
If you have enough time, crossing to Huaquilla will take you less than 30 minutes on foot and how wonderful it is to be able to see two countries in the same day. Make sure you have your documentation in order to speed up the migration process.
Taking into account that cooking will always be a key factor in any tourist trip, take the opportunity to visit El Moscow, Cevichería El Puerto or Restaurant Sabor Norteño to cheer up your taste buds.

8. PLAZA DE ARMAS DE TUMBES

The Plaza de Armas is among the sites of interest in Tumbes for historical and artistic appreciation. The Acoustic Shell and the Monument to the Peruvian-Ecuadorian Integration are works of Victor Delfín, Peruvian sculptor.
In this quiet meeting and resting point, a mosaic mural is exhibited that portrays the Spanish colonizers in front of the natural wealth of the area that they would try to usurp with so much blood. It also shows the Chief Chilimasa, who gave a fierce response to the invader in the past.
In general, the square is quite clean and, with some luck, you will be able to take refuge from the sun under the shade of the trees known to the locals as matacojudos. On Sundays it is the scene of a patriotic act that includes the interpretation of the National Anthem, that of Tumbes and the raising of the National Pavilion.
The Plaza de Armas de Tumbes is one of the most central points in the area. In front of it is the Main Church of San Nicolás de Tolentino and a five-minute drive or 35-minute walk from the popular Paseo los Libertadores.

9. BEAUTIFUL BEACH

Understanding that the beaches of crystal clear water and soft white sand are among the main tourist attractions of Tumbes, you will be interested in knowing Playa Hermosa. It is located less than 30 minutes by car from Tumbes, although it is also possible to reach it on foot after a two and a half hour journey.
The tourist infrastructure is still very insipient, its main attraction is the possibility of practicing water sports such as underwater fishing, windsurfing and diving. The land occupied by the open sea resort is extensive and meets the mouth of the Tumbes River.
Take your forecasts regarding food and lodging, as well as equipment such as awnings and umbrellas, as this beach is almost virgin and lacks natural shade. If you are looking for accommodation or food, remember that Puerto Pizarro and Zorritos are about 40 minutes by car to the northeast or southwest respectively.
The tourism students of the town do days of cleaning and conservation of Playa Hermosa, which are a worthy example of the efforts to develop the tourism potential of this 14-kilometer-long coastline.

10. SAN NICOLAS DE TOLENTINO MOTHER CHURCH

The San Nicolás de Tolentino Mother Church is an outstanding meeting point for the town's religious celebrations and one of the tourist sites in Tumbes with the greatest historical and cultural significance.
The temple owes its name to the patron saint of the city, San Nicolás de Tolentino, but it is also known as the Cathedral of Tumbes. Its authors were the Augustinian priests of the seventeenth century and they were in charge of carving the main altar with care and then complementing it with mosaics.
Among the images that the church houses, a carving of Jesus Christ is distinguished, however, the stained glass windows and paintings that decorate the walls are still relevant. These take as their theme fragments of the history of the life of Jesus, the Virgin and other saints.
The baroque-style sanctuary is located between Paseo de la Libertadores and Paseo de la Concordia Peruana-Ecuatoriana. You wouldn't need to walk more than five minutes to get to the church in the Plaza de Armas.

10 not enough?

Well, read on to discover more incredible places in Tumbes

11. WHALE BONE ISLAND

Isla Hueso de Ballena is one of the most popular places to go for a walk in Tumbes. There is still debate about the origin of the name: some claim that it is due to the shape of a whale's spine that the island has seen from the heights, while others say that it is due to the skeletal remains of a whale that at some time got stuck on the local coast.
It is one of those places to visit in Tumbes, ideal for family trips. It is an almost heavenly part that transmits parsimony and allows you to get in touch with the mangroves without giving up the benefits of a hot meal or adrenaline sports.
In that order of ideas, you will be happy to know that Jet Ski is ridden here and that you and your family can take an exciting banana ride. Sliding down the giant slide is another option that doesn't lag behind in the fun index.
The only commercial starting point to Isla Hueso de Ballena is Puerto Pizarro and it depends on the tide being high enough. In this case, the trip will be nice and extremely fast, lasting approximately five minutes.

12.CROCODILE ZOOCRIADERO

As you may already suspect, the Crocodile Farm is one of the most formidable places to visit in Tumbes, specifically in the mangroves. The pure landscape that you will see during the journey through the canals is spectacular.
The zoocriadero was born from the need to preserve the population of crocodylus acutus, known in Peru as the Tumbes crocodile. At one time it occupied rivers from Florida in North America to Peru in South America, but it has decreased notably since the arrival of the Spanish due to indiscriminate hunting.
The extermination of this species has been so firm that it is currently thought that in most regions they only exist in captivity. About 300 specimens of various sizes live here: some do not exceed the length of a school ruler while others exceed five meters in length. The enclosure is also home to other species of crocodiles that it seeks to preserve.
Bring enough bug spray and water or other fluids to quench thirst and heat. Hiring the services of a guide at the pier will also optimize your experience. Keep in mind that the place welcomes visitors at no cost, which justifies the lack of luxury.

13.JERUSALEM WALK

The Paseo Jerusalen is less than five minutes by car from tourist places in Tumbes such as the Paseo Libertadores or the Plaza de Armas. A 15-meter-high sculpture alludes to the elevation of Christ, and is the masterpiece of this work.
This sculpture is the denouement of the story of Jesus Christ that is told artistically on the Paseo Jerusalem. Through various mosaics the sculptor Che Paiva describes the different phases of the life and death of Jesus until his resurrection as Christ.
Another important element of the site is the crypt in which land of the holy sepulcher in Jerusalem and water from the Jordan River are preserved. There are no more important tourist destinations in Tumbes for devotees of Jesus Christ.
The Paseo de Jerusalen is a pedestrian street exactly between the fourth and fifth blocks of San Martín Street. However, once here you will not want to limit yourself to passing, but you will want to stop to appreciate the artistic work of religious motive.

14.CABEZA DE VACA MONUMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE

The Cabeza de Vaca Monumental Archaeological Zone is one of the most important archaeological sites in Tumbes in local history. It is known alternatively as Corrales for the district of the same name sonde reposa.
The drive from the Paseo Jerusalem takes less than five minutes. Apparently, in the past it was one of the highest ranking ceremonial points of the Inca civilization that would settle in the area, after displacing the Chimú. The curacas houses and a Temple of the Sun are typical constructions of the Incas that persist in the place.
The construction materials used include stone and adobe blocks. Among them, a kind of pyramid called Cabeza de Vaca stands out. The building reaches 15 meters in height, its base covers an area of ​​25,000 square meters.
There is a set of roads built by this civilization that connect the complex with the sea. Also, a diversity of utensils and ceramic pieces that together with other artifacts describe the daily life of this ancient society. From the Plaza Mayor de Tumbes it would take you less than 10 minutes by bus to travel to this historic site.

15.WALK THE KISS

The Paseo El Beso is one of the tourist destinations in Tumbes that demonstrate the relationship between human beings and art. Its most important element is the sculpture of a man and a woman giving themselves to each other in a loving kiss. The number of pairs that flock to the nest like birds is impressive.
The romantic atmosphere of the walk is made up of beautiful landscaping and a set of benches and gazebos, which make it an ideal place to spend a pleasant time as a couple on the Malecón Benavides with the Tumbes river on its natural margin.
If you want to know the ride, be sure to put it on your travel map between April and December, otherwise you will find the characteristic overflow of the river that attracts the rains between January and March.
The Balcón de los Juramentos is another important element here, and in its lower part it has a cafeteria that may well be one of the places to have breakfast in Tumbes with that special person. To get here you only have to walk 10 minutes from the Paseo de Jerusalem.